AMG Experience 2025 goes flat-out at the Madras International Circuit in Chennai

A Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 with its sunroof open, a DJ popping out through it, music spilling across turn 9 of the Madras International Circuit and behind, the sun dipping below the horizon – it looked like the AMG Experience was the protagonist of a music video. But this was the AMG Experience at the Madras International Circuit, where the sound of bass mixed perfectly with the rumble of Affalterbach engines and the squeal of tortured tyres.

This was the third AMG Experience of the year, and by now the format runs like a well-oiled machine – quite literally. The recipe remains the same: plenty of driving, even more smoke and enough adrenaline to keep every participant grinning until the end. But this edition added a few new challenges. The brake-and-avoid and drag races from the previous events made way for gymkhana and slalom, both designed to test finesse as much as speed. Alongside those came the regular crowd favourites – lead-and-follow laps, autocross, drift sessions, drift taxis and race taxis.

A Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 with a DJ popping out of the sunroof at turn 9 of the Madras International Circuit

The Madras International Circuit is one of India’s oldest purpose-built race tracks. Opened in 1990 and stretching across 3.7km, it’s a tight, technical layout that rewards rhythm and precision. The long back straight lets cars stretch their legs, while the double-right sequence through Turns 1 and 2 remains its highlight – quick, flowing and immensely satisfying when you get it right. It was the perfect territory for AMGs to shine.

Gymkhana

To give participants a taste of the AMG A 45 S and its practicality, we had prepared a gymkhana course. It was an exercise in patience disguised as a sprint. A tight maze of cones had participants accelerating, braking and even reversing midway through the run before charging back to the finish. It wasn’t about raw pace but about how neatly one could thread the A 45 S AMG through the course. The reverse point threw many off – shifting to ‘R’, backing up precisely and then flicking back to ‘D’ took both dexterity and composure. Most participants clocked around 55 seconds, which doesn’t sound long until you realise how much happens within it.

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Slalom

Slalom featured the mighty AMG C 63 S E Performance. A 1000Nm car that uses Formula 1 tech for its hybrid powertrain doing delicate cone work might sound like an odd pairing, but that was the beauty of it. This was also an introduction to the car, as the C 63 S E Performance is what participants would be drifting come afternoon. It would not be fair to put them straight into a car and be told to go drifting, so this was a good initiation point. The trick for slalom wasn’t to attack every cone like a time trial, but to stay calm and let the car flow from one transition to the next. The smoother they were with the throttle and steering, the quicker their run turned out to be. With 680 horsepower split between petrol and electric power, the car could easily overwhelm you if you got greedy; those who flowed with it found an almost meditative pace. It was a great reminder that true speed comes from control, not chaos.

Lead and follow laps

The main circuit sessions were where things really came alive. Participants drove an array of AMGs – from the SL 55 and CLE 53 to the S 63 E Performance – in a classic lead-and-follow format. Instructors led the way, setting the pace and showing racing lines while participants chased, gradually building confidence and speed with every lap. All participants drove three laps in each car and then switched cars. The 3.7km stretch of MIC gave everyone a proper taste of what their cars could do when allowed to stretch their legs without fear of speed limits or traffic lights.

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Autocross

The autocross course, once again using the A 45 S AMG Limited Edition, was faster than ever – a compact arena designed to test reaction times and precision. The start line was positioned right across from the area where the DJ was spinning tracks for the sundowner. Participants had three timed laps to set their best runs and the live leaderboard kept competition fierce. Every cone clipped meant a penalty, and every missed braking zone meant a five-second penalty and little less bragging rights over coffee later. The A 45’s agility, grip and sheer eagerness made it the star of the segment once again and everyone loved how the pocket-rocket performed.

Autocross experience in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S

Drift zone

The drift zone, as always, stole plenty of attention. The C 63 S E Performance was the weapon of choice here, and under the supervision of instructors Vir and Karminder, participants learnt the fine art of going sideways on command. With the water tankers keeping the surface slick, it became a playground for controlled chaos. Each participant had four attempts and while some pulled off graceful arcs, others performed unplanned pirouettes – either way, the smiles were universal. The leaderboard and drift score here too kept the competition healthy and let everyone know how well they performed.

A drift session in the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance

Race taxi and drift taxi

Then came the ultimate thrill – race taxi and drift taxi rides with the instructors behind the ’wheel. The instructors showcased what an AMG can do, carving corners, holding long slides and crossing the finish line in clouds of smoke. For many, this was the highlight of the day – a first-hand glimpse of what ‘Performance Luxury’ truly feels like at full tilt.

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The sundowner

This was the perfect way to end the day. As the track cooled and the sky turned golden, a Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 rolled up near the drift and autocross arena. The sunroof slid open and out popped the DJ, her console mounted on the roof. With music pulsing, exhausts crackling and the evening light painting everything in amber, it was a sight to remember. It summed up the AMG Experience perfectly – energy, excitement, style and house music blended into one unforgettable moment. Once again, the AMG Experience proved why it’s the most anticipated driving event of the year. It’s not just about driving fast; it’s about connecting with what makes these cars special. Whether you’re chasing cones, sliding sideways, or simply watching the sun set over the horizon, there’s one clear message – there’s never been a better time to experience an AMG. And we're bringing you this experience with another event at the Buddh International Circuit, on December 6 and 7! There's also an advanced course for those who have attended the AMG Experience this year, giving you the opportunity to step up your driving game and take it up a notch. We will be raising the stakes, making competition tougher, letting you test the car’s limits and more!