A worthy successor has been found for the world’s best-selling luxury saloon: the new S Class. A top-class model that is superior to its predecessor in all respects and, thanks to improved safety features and supreme ride comfort, sets new standards in the luxury car segment. With a sure touch, Carlsson, the renowned tuning company from Merzig in Southwest Germany, has discreetly customised the new S Class and given it a convincing power boost. Now, the CK 50 based on the S 500 can be seen for the first time at the Motor Show in Essen.

In a class of its own: Carlsson CK50 engine kit: The CK50 engine kit developed by Carlsson especially for the S 500 boosts not only the driver’s pulse but also the elegant saloon as it powers its way effortlessly from 0-100 km/h in just 5.1. The result of Carlsson’s work is a mighty 435 bhp/316kW (standard: 388 bhp/285 kW) at 6000 rpm. The pulling power of the tuned V8 is also up with torque measuring 600 Nm between 2800-4800 rpm. Top speed as tested by Carlsson is 293 km/h.

Stainless-steel rear silencers each with twin oval tail pipes: Fitting the Carlsson sports exhaust system with four metal catalytic converters, middle silencer and rear silencer contributes to greater dynamism in terms of both sound and performance. The rear view of the CK50 is dominated by the Carlsson sports rear silencers with four tail pipes, which impress not only through a sonorous and muscular sound but also, thanks to an improvement over the standard system in terms of exhaust back pressure and pipe routing, through greater low-end torque.

A first-class appearance: 3/11 Ultra Light series wheels: The new Carlsson 3/11 Ultra Light wheel design was shown for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). The forged, 3-part, 11-spoke wheel has been designed especially with larger vehicles in mind. Forged wheels of the Ultra Light series are significantly lighter than conventional cast wheels offering the same degree of strength. A comparable cast standard wheel is around 50 % heavier than a Carlsson forged wheel. Due to their lower weight, they tend to tramp less (lower unsprung weight) and thus ensure optimum road contact. For the driver, this means improved handling and greater ride comfort. At the Essen Motor Show, the new 11-spoke wheel can be seen in the dimensions 9×21” (front axle) Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 255/30 ZR 21 tyres and 10×21” (rear axle) with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 285/30 ZR21 tyres. Not only athletic and powerful looking but also extremely elegant, the wheels perfectly match the lines of the new S Class and emphasise the innovative character of this luxury car.

Aerodynamics by Carlsson: the unity of elegance and power: Is it possible to improve on pure luxury? Probably not. Nevertheless, discreet and effective components cleverly round off the appearance of the new S Class and give it a sporting touch. The front spoiler and rear-apron lip are distinguished by the typical Carlsson diffuser look and improve the handling of the 1985 kg luxury liner at high speed. Better driving characteristics always have a positive impact on vehicle safety and, therefore, driver and passenger safety. An advantage that Mercedes-Benz drivers in particular have appreciated for years.

Intelligent lowering: Carlsson C-Tronic SUSPENSION:The CK50 has been lowered using the new C-Tronic® SUSPENSION supplementary control unit. Besides giving it a more dynamic air, lowering the car by approx. 30 mm reduces roll and thus results in even more precise handling.

Exclusivity for the interior too: Only the very best materials have been used for the interior appointments of the CK50. A combination of Alcantara and leather in two different shades of grey make the passenger compartment an inviting and pleasant place to be, even on very long journeys. The attractive rhombus quilting on the leather of the middle part of the door harmonises perfectly with the high expectations of the S Class driver: extremely attractive but restrained. With the ergonomic Carlsson sports steering wheel in leather / Alcantara or leather / wood, he or she can be sure of always having the car under control in a particularly pleasant way.