Mercedes Benz Test Drive

I have always wondered how cars come about and how they are actually being tested. I think I have heard or seen some clips about collision tests where researchers crash their car innovations into a wall or another object (or a car, for that matter). But then, I was thinking, how is it like in Germany, the maker of the most known auto vehicles in the world? Imagine, a country being home to famous brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz...the country must have some rigid procedures in ensuring that their major exports are the best in quality.

I chanced upon a possible answer while watching a reality television show one day. As part of their race challenge, the contestants traveled to Germany and were instructed to take a ride in the Mercedes-Benz main office. It turned out to be just an extraordinary ride because it was actually a test ride! Each of the contestants had an appointed driver and before they use a Mercedes-Benz car in their race, the driver had to take them in a sort of obstacle course where he had to really speed up and, get this, drive the car practically on a wall (which is an elevated cemented path) with the contestants in it! Whoa, pretty cool huh? The participants also looked like they had a good time and I wonder, is that thrilling and exhilarating drive open to the public and tourists? If it is, I'm pretty sure it would be a hit in Germany.