Carlsson has turned the already intimidating Mercedes-Benz GL500 SUV into a monstrous beast with its latest CK50 package for the big Merc. Engine work on the naturally aspirated V8 produces 435bhp (320kW) over the standard car’s 388bhp (285kW), and torque tops out at 600Nm peaking at just 2800rpm. This is enough to move the big SUV from 0-100km/h in just 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 248km/h.

Performance modifications include stainless-steel rear silencers with quad tailpipes, an adjustable electronic suspension set-up dubbed C-tronic that can reduce the ride height by up to 35mm as well as huge 20inch ultra light alloy wheels. Inside, the car receives top-quality parts and materials including nappa leather combined with Alcantara. New trim features include extensive use of carbon fiber and precious wood and the tuner will even customize it to your whim.

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Off-road vehicle with S class comfort: The Carlsson GL500
The most imposing vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz range is the GL Class. Despite its robust nature, this all-terrain vehicle is also distinguished by an ambience that captivates S Class drivers. Now, the impression of luxury given can be refined even more at Carlsson in the southwest German town of Merzig. The GL 500 promises a good combination of long-range ability and excellent performance. As the CK50 by Carlsson, however, it surpasses its standard counterpart by far in terms of power, speed and luxury.

In a class of its own: Carlsson CK50 engine kit
Developed by Carlsson especially for the GL, the CK50 engine kit accelerates not only the driver’s pulse but also the elegant automobile in just 6.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. No less impressive is the engine output after being given the Carlsson treatment: the tuned V8 develops 435 bhp / 320 kW (standard 388 bhp / 285 kW) at 6000 rpm coupled with 600 Nm of torque at 2800-4800 rpm. Top speed according to Carlsson is 248 km/h.

Stainless-steel rear silencers, each with two oval double tail pipes
An attractive back is also a head turner. And this is certainly the case with the CK50 because Carlsson fits the vehicle with sports rear silencers that, with a total of four tail pipes, guarantee an athletic rear view. At the same time, the system impresses through a dramatic, sonorous sound. Compared to the standard version, the Carlsson exhaust is better with regard to backpressure and pipe run. The result: greater torque and a higher output

C-Tronic® SUSPENSION electronic lowering kit
Exclusively for the GL 500, Carlsson offers the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION electronic lowering kit that reduces the ride height of the vehicle by approx. 35 mm. Drivers can be sure that lowering the car gives it a significantly more sporting look.

The C-Tronic® SUSPENSION not only lowers the centre of gravity but also, thanks to the sophisticated technology, interacts intelligently with the road surface. On poor roads on which the suspension has to work hard, the car’s ride height is automatically adjusted to ensure the spring travelling remaining is sufficient for constant ride comfort. Drivers notice the effects of the C-Tronic® lowering via a reduced tendency to roll and considerably more agile handling. In other words, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also stands for greater driving pleasure. Additionally, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION ensures that, even at speeds in excess of 120 km/h, the car is not lowered beyond the standard minimum ride height thus ensuring sufficient compression travel for the suspension.

An incidental effect of lowering the car is a reduction in air resistance and lift because less air flows beneath the car.

For a perfect finish: 3/11 Ultra Light and 1/11 Brilliant Edition wheels
Carlsson offers 3/11 Ultra Light wheels for the front and rear axles of the GL in the dimension 10 x 22″ (with 305/35 R 22 tyres). The attractive forged wheels have been designed especially for larger automobiles. They are significantly lighter than conventional cast wheels but just as strong. Moreover, thanks to their lower weight, forged wheels tend to tramp less than cast wheels (lower unsprung mass) and thus offer optimum road contact. For the driver, this means improved handling and greater comfort.

As an alternative to the three-piece 3/11 UL, Carlsson also offers the one-piece 1/11 BE wheel as a 20″ model. The 11-spoke wheel for the front and rear axles comes in the dimension 9.5 x 20″ (with 305/45 R20 tyres). However, trailer operations are not permitted with this wheel and tyre combination.

Elegance with a high comfort factor
Anyone familiar with Carlsson knows that the Merzig-based automobile specialists have a fine sense for luxury. Carlsson uses only top-quality parts and materials. No matter whether the finest nappa leather, combinations of Alcantara and leather, multi-media conversions or appointments in carbon and precious wood, Carlsson converts and individualises every GL in accordance with the customer’s wishes. Customer satisfaction has the highest priority. Get in, feel at home and drive off - Carlsson turns every GL into a mobile wellness zone.

Article from http://www.motorauthority.com/news/s...s-435bhp-ck50/

 

Its a little low, but everything else looks great.

 

No substitute for the Brabus GL450 interms of looks.

 

Too low for my liking, I hate when SUV's are dropped.

 

I don't like the GL so much...too big for my taste