Mercedes-Benz's EQ range of vehicles includes the fully electric EQC (All photos: Patrick Goh/The Edge)
Anything that combines ultimate luxury with the latest in technology and innovation is cause for celebration but Mercedes-Benz Malaysia pulled out all the stops when it came to launching its new EQ range of vehicles, including the much anticipated S 560 e, the first S-Class plug-in hybrid; the C 300 e, the new entry variant in the EQ Power range; and the fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQC. The latter, which saw its Southeast Asian premiere, heralds a new era of mobility that does not take away from the aspects of comfort, design, quality, attention to detail and, of course, driving dynamics.
“EQ is a new brand experience for our customers in Malaysia where we redefine the future of mobility,” said Dr Claus Weidner, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. “As the inventor of the automobile and a premium market leader, we are committed to be the pioneer of this industry with state-of-the-art products and innovations to shape the coming mobility landscape.”
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“Electric cars are the future as clean air is what people want,” added Datuk Ho Kay Tat, publisher and group CEO of The Edge Media Group. “As KL is the first country to display the marque’s first fully electric car, it provided a great opportunity for a group of our guests and readers to enjoy a first look.” And look they did, with emotions elicited from viewing the vehicles first-hand ranging the spectrum, from wistful sighs to all-out enthusiasm. And considering electric energy was the evening’s overarching theme, it did not take long for the proverbial penny to drop. After all, what does electricity most often do? It lights up the room.
Datuk Ho Kay Tat, Datin Karin Ho, Dr Claus Weidner, Datin Dawn Cheong and The Edge Media Group chairman Datuk Tong Kooi Ong
The Elements:
The hosts:
Dr Claus Weidner, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia; Mark Raine, vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia; and Datuk Ho Kay Tat, publisher and group CEO of The Edge Media Group.
The venue:
The gala dinner took place in a specially erected 30m wide and 18m high geodesic dome on the runway of the old Sungai Besi airport in Bandar Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
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The guests:
Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, group chief financial officer of Maybank; Ismail Ani Arope, director of group marketing and communications of CIMB; Lim Kok Yee, chief officer of group sales and marketing of Matrix Concepts Holdings; Serena Lim, chief communications officer of MIG Group; Steven Tai of Steven Tai, Wong & Partners; Jimmy Chiam, director of CCN Consulting; and VU Kumar, director of Bumi Armada, among many others.
The menu:
King crab tartar, lobster espuma, crispy tuille and white asparagus veloute; goose liver terrine and Melba toast; roast lamb and Martell VSOP-flambéed shank with eggplant and Asian mint relish; guinea fowl and Martell VSOP-flambéed blue lobster with mushroom royale, roasted tomato and fennel mousseline; The Bright Dessert, featuring lavender, apricot and summer flavours.
The chef:
Nathalie Arbefeuille of Nathalie Gourmet Studio, Kuala Lumpur, who had previously trained under the three-Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic in France.
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The drinks:
Campo Viejo Reserva, Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay and Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Shiraz, Mumm champagne, Martell cognac and Royal Salute whisky were served during the cocktail session as well as postprandial.
The entertainment:
The evening began with melodies such as Pachelbel’s Canon in G and Teresa Teng’s The Moon Represents My Heart by a trio, including celebrated musician Genervie Kam on piano, accompanied by two violinists. Datuk Syafinaz Selamat later took to the floor to perform a string of hits that centred around the theme of love, including O mio babbino caro from Giacomo Puccini’s 1918 opera Gianni Schicchi, Eduardo di Capua’s evergreen favourite O sole mio and the famous Habanera aria from Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, Carmen.
This article first appeared on June 24, 2019 in The Edge Malaysia.
