Big, voluminous yet still sporty, with its performance tweaked to 430 bhp, and combining this with a touch of luxury, the CM50 K based on the ML 500 cuts a fine figure both in the countryside and in the metropolitan jungle. The CM50 K has a top speed of 265 km/h, and covers the standing-start from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The improvement in performance is achieved with the Carlsson supercharger system, which has been developed in close collaboration with the Ogura Clutch Co. Ltd.

The rear view of the CM50 K is dominated by the four tailpipes of the Carlsson sports rear silencers, while the forged 10 x 22" 3/12 Ultra Light wheels (with 285/30/22 Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres) have been specially adapted to the demands of the larger Mercedes-Benz models and, although equally strong, are significantly lighter than conventional cast wheels.

Appointed in the finest black / calvados nappa leather, the interior of the ML exudes an air of luxurious elegance. The deep brown tone of the door panels and the central part of the seats contrasts discreetly with the classic black of the remaining upholstery and gives the ML a pleasant, warm atmosphere. The embossed Carlsson logo in the middle of the seat is a restrained reference to the Merzig-based tuning company.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Carlsson