We are used to seeing car makers having an official presence in car-related video games, but those games are usually high-end simulations with precise graphics and real life-like physics. This time, though, Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with a game that is nothing like that, but could actually be more fun. It’s the Mario Kart 8!

Mercedes’ relationship with Mario started a while back with a Japanese commercial for the GLA crossover. In Mario Kart 8 you will get to drive not only the Mercedes GLA, but also the iconic 300 SL Roadster and the W 25 Silver Arrow vintage race car. When you got tired of wandering around the mushroom plant, there is also a worldwide “Mercedes Cup” feature you can compete in against other players.

It may sound like a bit of a leap, but we reckon driving these models in Mario Kart will be more fun than driving Mercedes Gran Turismo Vision concept in GT6.

Mercedes Head of Marketing Dr. Jens Thiemer, “Video and computer games are widespread throughout the world, and have a large fan community. With our presence in blockbuster games such as Mario Kart 8 we approach to modern focus groups and are achieving excellent results in making our brand more youthful.” Thiemer went on to say “We are particularly proud of the fact that we are the first automobile brand to be represented with real vehicles in Mario Kart 8.”