This is how you do German luxury.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is big and commanding. It has presence and wears its three-pointed star proudly. Although the W221 design has been out since 2005, it still is looked at as the benchmark in the full-size luxury sedan segment. Carlsson has taken the big boy ‘Benz a step further with new aerodynamics, more power, and an even more sumptuous interior.
Carlsson Autotechnik has tested and developed a new RS aerodynamic package designed to optimize airflow and increase downforce for the sedan. The front bumper is fitted with a meaner front spoiler; fog, high beam, and vertical LED daytime running lights, and an electropolished stainless steel front grille. The rear wears a more aggressive skirt with integrated four-pipe exhaust and a subtle rear trunk spoiler. For owners of the S600 sedan, Carlsson offers new side skirts and stainless steel grille inserts to differentiate the top-model.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class models with either the AIRMATIC or ABC suspension systems can be upgraded with a sport lowering system along with new wheels and tires. The Carlsson C-Tronic Suspension system lowers the ride height for better handling but also retains the luxurious ride S-Class owners desire. The bold, sportier appearance of the S-Class is echoed by the new 20-inch light alloy 1/10 Brilliant Edition wheels with 255/35 ZR 20 front and 275/35 ZR 20 rear high-performance tires.
The Mercedes specialists at Carlsson also got creative with the S-Class tuning and decided to unleash the mighty 5.5-liter biturbo V-12. Armed with a retuned ECU, sports air filter, and rear muffler, power is pushed to 600 horses and an electronically-limited 755 lb-ft (1,024 Nm) of torque. The increase in output sends the Carlsson S-Class tuning sedan to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds and to a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h). Customers with the six-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder gasoline or diesel engines can also upgrade their performance with Carlsson kits.
Inside, the Carlsson S-Class tuning program is nothing short of luxurious. The in-house upholstery and saddlery shop at Carlsson can create an individual interior to customer specification. The basic interior upgrade package includes leather upholstery for the front and rear seats, headrests, and door panels in any color or stitching design. Customers can also upgrade to a more exclusive interior with aluminum pedals and footrest, Carlsson door sills with blue lighting, embossed headrests, and leather dashboard, steering wheel, and arm rest.
The entire Carlsson S-Class tuning program for the W221 generation is currently available as a package or individual accessories. Pricing for the S600 performance kit begins at € 4199 (+/- 5,900 USD), the C-Tronic Suspension upgrade is € 990 (+/- 1,400 USD), and the alloy wheel and tire combination starts at € 3,011 (+/- 4,200 USD). The basic interior upgrade starts at € 5,290 (+/- 7,500 USD). All prices do not include taxes.
Carlsson Autotechnik Mercedes-Benz S-Class tuning W221 Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 5.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-12
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 600
Maximum Torque: 755 lb-ft (1,024 Nm)
-ECU tune
-Sports air filter
-Rear muffler
Transmission:
Type: Five-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed: 199 mph (320 km/h)
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: 20-inch 1/10 Brilliant Edition light alloy
Tires: High-performance
Front Tires: 255/35 ZR 20
Rear Tires: 275/35 ZR 20
Suspension: Carlsson C-Tronic Suspension
Exterior:
-Front LED lighting
-Front spoiler
-Rear trunk spoiler
-Rear skirt with integrated exhaust
-Side skirts with integrated stainless steel grille (S600 only)
Interior:
-Leather upholstery for seats, door panels, and headrests (basic)
-Embossed headrests with logo
-Illuminated blue door sills with logo
-Aluminum pedals and foot rest
-Dashboard, steering wheel, and center arm rest in leather
Carlsson Autotechnik Mercedes-Benz S-Class tuning W221 Gallery
[Source: Carlsson Autotechnik]
How would you modify your Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the Carlsson tuning program? Leave a comment and let us know!
