Mercedes-Benz is once again the official vehicle of the biggest tennis tournament in Spain. Both the tournament organisers and Mercedes-Benz are continuing their commitment to the electrification of the official fleet of vehicles, almost 60% of which this year are “Zero Emission” vehicles. In addition, the brand of the star is presenting the new A-Class plug-in hybrid, a more sporty, more technological vehicle with an all-electric range of 85 km in the city, allowing for emission-free urban movement. For the launch of the new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz has joined forces with Spanish artist Sabek, who has designed its stand with a mural that brings together urban art and sport through the use of abstract, colourful shapes.
The percentage of “Zero Emission” vehicles in the Official Mercedes-Benz Vehicle fleet for the Mutua Madrid Open has grown again, thus reducing its impact on the Madrid air during the tournament. This year, the number of electric vehicles has been increased by 167% compared to last season, which is almost 50% of the entire fleet; in addition to another almost 10% of plug-in hybrid models to make it 60% of the fleet with the “Zero Emission” label. The fleet includes the new EQS SUV, a spacious and luxurious electric vehicle that has seven seats and an all-electric range of up 696 km in the city according to WLTP.
Mercedes-Benz adds a touch of art with the presentation of its new A-Class
The new A-Class also has its own place at this year’s event. The successful Mercedes-Benz model will welcome spectators as they arrive at the Caja Mágica on a stand created by urban artist Sabek (Madrid, 1985). With an abstract design and vibrant colours, the work brings out the sportiness of the vehicle by linking it to Spain’s most international tennis tournament.
The beginning of the year saw the launch of the new A-Class, which offers more class for daily use with its improved equipment, high-quality finishes and attention to detail. Its improved technology includes the latest version of intelligent infotainment system MBUX, which includes a fingerprint sensor for profile recognition. The sporty design is characterised by the forward-sloping bonnet with its two power bulges that have been adopted from the AMG models. Mechanically speaking, the efficiency of the engines has been improved through the hybridisation of the petrol engines which reduces emissions and increases performance.
The model on display in the Caja Mágica is the A 250 e, the plug-in hybrid version which has been optimised by adding more power (+5kW) and increasing its all-electric range through improvements to the high-voltage battery. This means it is possible to travel purely on electricity on a daily basis thanks to the electric range, which is now 85 km in the city.
About Sabek
He began his career and partly works in Madrid. He started his work on the streets and at abandoned sites around the capital, where he developed his style. Subsequently, he started producing more graphical work and experimenting with different techniques.
His unmistakable style features the representation of shapes and colours that allude to natural origins. Therefore, his work entails a reflection of human beings and our relationship with nature. Sabek creates compositions with no intention of bestowing any logic on the meaning of symbols, such that his work, rather than reflecting a reality, creates one.
Sabek has left his mark on huge walls all over the world (USA, France, Spain, Malaysia, Russia, New Zealand, etc.). A blend of subtlety and power in perfect balance with shadows and masses of flat colours, which coexist, almost symbolically, in perfection with the most refined details. His studio work can be found in galleries in Spain, France and the USA.
