Christmas Eve is coming ever closer, there are gifts still to be bought, and in the city centre there’s not a parking space in sight. Our modern-day Father Christmas knows a way around this, however – he drives straight to the Berlin store Galeries Lafayette in his smart BRABUS electric drive for some late night shopping.
Whether drawn by reindeer or in a normal car, finding a place to park in Berlin is always difficult. But it is a particular challenge at Christmas time. The sleigh-ride 2.0 is different: “In the local emission-free smart BRABUS electric drive I’m not only able to transport loads of presents as well as my delightful companion,” says Father Christmas. “But we can also find a parking space a whole lot faster than in the old sleigh. And as a VIP I was even allowed to drive my smart directly into the store itself.” And he did more than just buy the last few presents while shopping in the fashion and perfume departments at the luxury store Galeries Lafayette: he also charged the smart battery using a 220-volt socket at the store. “I didn’t have to pay for parking, but the shopping trip still wasn’t exactly cheap,” grins Father Christmas. After all, even celestial gifts won’t protect you from speed cameras…
Father Christmas’ new sleigh: the smart BRABUS electric drive
With its 60 kW electric motor the smart BRABUS electric drive accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 130 km/h driving pleasure is guaranteed on urban motorways as well. The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions.
In addition to smart BRABUS electric drive, the smart fortwo electric drive is also available as a coupé and a cabrio with 55 kW. Prices start at 18,910 euros (recommended retail price including 19% VAT).
Father Christmas’ shopping palace: Galeries Lafayette Berlin
French savoir vivre from the banks of the River Spree is brought to you by the exclusive department store Galeries Lafayette Berlin. The German branch of the traditional chain opened in 1996 on the corner of Französische Straße, in Friedrichstraße. The building with the striking glass facade was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. The heart of the store is an impressive cone of light reaching 50 metres in height around which the approximately 9,000 m2 of sales area is spread out across five floors.
