German tuner Carlsson has introduced its own edition of the Mercedes-Benz CLS ahead of its Geneva debut tomorrow.
Carlsson's chief designer Rolf Schlepp has created a new aerodynamic kit that accentuates the CLS's coupe styling. That includes a front spoiler, an RS front spoiler lip (also available in carbon), stainless-steel grille inserts, rear spoiler and a rear apron with integrated diffuser.
For the performance tuning, Carlsson offers power boosting kits for several CLS engine variants, including a boost on the twin-turbo V8 of the CLS 63 AMG that dials output from the series' 557 PS ( 410 kW / 550 bhp) up to 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp).
On the diesel-powered CLS 350 CDI, the Carlsson C-Tronic control unit boosts the power rating by 20 percent to a total of 320 PS (235 kW / 316 bhp) and 780 Nm of torque (575 lb-ft) from the series' 265 PS (195 kW / 261 bhp) 650 Nm (479 lb-ft). The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time is improved by 0.3 seconds over the standard 350 CDI to 5.9 seconds.
For the exhaust, there's a stainless steel rear silencer and double-oval tailpipes, with Carlsson offering stainless-steel tailpipes as an extra option.
Alloy wheels in 1/10 design (five simple and five double spokes) can be had in sizes up to 20 inches.
The C-Tronic SUSPENSION kit is adaptable to the AIRMATIC suspension from Mercedes and can lower the car 30 mm.
Things remain as elaborate, and then some, on the inside. Carlsson uses top-notch materials for the cabin finish in leather and Alcantara with carbon and wood trims (wood inlays with a piano black varnish). The seats and door panels are upholstered in Carlsson Nappa leather with contrasting stitching. There's also an Alcantara sports steering wheel, brushed aluminum pedals and foot rests, and floor and boot mats with the Carlsson logo. Carlsson even informs us that drinking-quality water is used in the tanning of the leather. That's how refined this tuning package is.
