Alvam

Has anyone attended one and if so, how was it? I received a basic driving course for free with my car purchase and have a choice of tracks to go to but I'm just trying to figure out if if it's worth the effort. It totally sounds cool based on what they say on their website but that's probably mostly marketing.

Let mw know and thanks

cadman_ks

You got the basic course free with your GLE43? I thought that it only came with the GLE63's???

We took delivery about a month ago, and we didn't get anything indicating that we had a free driving school...

Alvam

That's what my sales guy told me and he said I just need to sign up and it'll ask you about the purchase of your car and it will be free. Of course I'll find out if I decide to attend and start signing up and it blocks me. Of course listening to a sales guy is like believing everything you read on the internet.

fabbrisd1

With VIN# in hand - call AMG Academy M-F 9AM-5PM and they will verify if you qualify or not -

https://www.amgacademy.com/contact-u...ct-information

cadman_ks

This is from the above site about vehicles that are NOT eligible:

The complimentary program is non-transferable, and is valid for one year after the purchaser takes ownership of a new Mercedes-AMG vehicle. All new Mercedes-AMG vehicles purchased in the U.S. qualify for the Purchase Reward Program. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG Sedan and GLE450 AMG Coupe are excluded. A customer has one year from the date of delivery to register and attend using the Purchase Reward Program. All Mercedes-AMG vehicles used throughout the program are provided by AMG Driving Academy.

Doesn't specifically say GLE43 Coupe...

I need to call, and see what they say...

cadman_ks

It looks like you can register online:

https://www.amgacademy.com/register

I would assume that it kicks you out if you're ineligible for the free one...

Alvam

Update:
I called them and spoke to a Josie and she indicated that when registering you won't know right out of the gate if the GLE43 qualifies. She said the process is that they take the order, put a $250.00 hold on your CC and they contact the dealer to ensure the car qualifies. If the car does not qualify you can cancel up to 30 days prior to not be charged. She told me that if my dealer indicated my GLE43 qualified she believes I should be fine. Seems to be dealer discretion.

cadman_ks

That's the craziest thing!!! Why would it be dealer discretion???

Alvam

Yea it does. We'll see. I am thinking I want to go to the Atlanta road course in late May so if I do sign up I guess I'll find out the truth regardless of what the dealer tells me. I'll either get in for free or I won't do it.

E55 KEV

Yeah that's really weird!

fabbrisd1

Dealer pays their portion of Academy for qualified vehicles.. so Academy reaches out to dealer to get comfirmation Academy will get paid...

Actually - in the "past" when AMG was all high-line - dealer at time of sale gave you the options to "go" or "no go" at time of purchase - if you said "go" - dealer would pay Academy. If you said "no go" then it was set no-go-forever - could not change your mind later to go.

Now that AMG is "broader" - the new system allows you to choose "go" or "no go" after purchase I haven't checked - but I think there is like a time-window - maybe 6 months - for you to make your "go" decision - and dealer gets notified - confirms payment - then all to the good.

Keep the beat !

greynlds

So back to the original question - has anyone gone and is it worth the effort to get there? Given that I own a G63, would I really learn anything useful? Would it just be an absolute blast anyway?

I'm relatively near the course in Lakeville, CT, so I could drive there, but given that it's a full day I would probably want to take 1 or 2 overnights and would need to take a few days off from work to do it. Is the Lime Rock Park course really nice or would it be preferable to go to one of the other courses even though it would make for a more expensive trip?

OtherCarIsAJet

Short answer...Absolutely!!!

Long answer...Wife and I purchased 2 new shiny AMG's that came with an AMG Academy cert for each. On the jet to Atlanta(went to Road Atlanta) wife leans over and says...I must love you to take off work to come out here to do this driving thing. Fast forward to end of day/end of the event, she says walking back to the rental car..."when are we going to do this again?"
All aspects of event day are geared to instill confidence in the AMG product. You virtually drive every AMG vehicle made. First thing the instructor cadre talk about is flavored like, these are not your cars, so drive them as hard as possible relative to your capabilities. The instructors assist in determining your limits. Absolutely a first class event put on by first class professionals. I attended Sep 2012 so agenda may have changed. If you attend Road Atlanta, highly recommend Chateau Elan near the track. I just purchased a new '17 GLE63S and will absolutely attend another Academy day. Im really looking forward to it.

Alvam

I'm sold!! I am going to sign up and see what happens when they call the dealer.

E55 KEV

Kinda crazy they charge up to $500 for your non driving guest:

"Please note that guests will not be permitted at drive modules nor able to drive or ride in a vehicle with you. We do request that all guests stay within our hospitality and designated areas throughout the day. The cost for a guest at BASIC/DRIFT EXPERIENCE is $250, ADVANCED/PRO is $500 and PRO+ is $750.

Paid guests fees for attending the ADVANCED, PRO AND PRO+ courses do include meals and attendance at the Welcome Reception and Victory Ceremony."

cadman_ks

I must be eligible! I got a letter in the mail this last week that says that I just need to sign up!

Now, I need to pick a course and a time!!

WOOHOO!!!