Mercedes-Benz World, a 155 acre (63 hectare) visitor attraction at the Brooklands racing circuit in Weybridge, Surrey, UK, will open to the public in late October.

The attraction will feature interactive exhibitions about the Mercedes-Benz brand and a handling circuit which visitors can use to test their driving skills.

Visitors will first enter a cinema documenting the history of Mercedes-Benz before viewing every car and colour manufactured, including the first car produced by Karl Benz in 1886 and a modified 1913 Lightning Benz.

The attraction will also offer visitors the opportunity to experience the manufacture of a C-Class car via a 3D simulated ride.

Permanent and changing multimedia exhibitions will chronicle the story of the company from its pioneering beginnings in the 19th Century to its latest innovations in the 21st Century, with the first exhibition presenting the history of the SL-Class sports car.

Driving experiences on the 2.5km (1.5 mile) handling circuits – including a wet skid circle and a 10 acre (4 hectare) off-road course – will be on offer.

A ‘kids zone’ will feature activities such as an interactive and problem-solving lab. Older children will be able to drive a fortwo city car.

Facilities at the attraction will comprise a restaurant and a café, as well as the UK’s first 100-bed Columbus Hotel and Spa – due to open in spring 2007 – which will feature a gym, a swimming pool, hydro baths and a sauna.

Admission to Mercedes-Benz World is free. Details: www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk