GLS-Class

The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Mercedes-Benz GL500

Words Thomas Philips | February 23, 2009
The Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse, based on the Mercedes-Benz GL 500, makes its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon
Words Thomas Philips February 23, 2009

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. We didn’t quite find the time you bring this article last week, but we felt this article was worth a mention even late, because let’s be honest: who doesn’t love reading about a 228,500 euro two-tone GL-Class? I know I do, so here for your viewing pleasure is the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse, a limited edition Mercedes GL500 developed by Mercedes tuning firm Carlsson and the luxury leather brand Etienne Aigner AG.

According to Carlsson, “the star qualities of this car are obvious at a glance.” First and foremost, there’s the paintwork, consisting of several coats of hand-rubbed wine-red metallic paint applied below the window line accented by black on the upper half of the model. Furthermore, there’s a complete Carlsson body kit present, ranging from wider wheel arches, new side skirts and a new front and rear apron all the up to a new bonnet with integrated power domes. And the grille – let’s not forget that big mesh, Chevy-looking grille.

So what else does 228,500 euros get you? More power, courtesy of Carlsson’s engine conversion system for Mercedes’ 5,461cc, 48-valve, DOHC V8. As a result, the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse boasts a total output of 456 hp (335 kW) with 640Nm of torque, enough to propel the model from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds (compared to 6.5 seconds for a traditional GL500).

And last but not least, being a collaboration between Carlsson and a luxury leather brand, there’s bound to be a fantastically ostentatious interior, and judging by its description, it sounds like the Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse will fail to disappoint. According to Carlsson, the SUV uses only the finest hides and Alcantara to cover the seats, dashtop, door panels and center console, all of which feature the dark shade of red found on the model’s exterior. Ensuring the optimum in drinking while backseat driving, an integrated fridge has been added, while the removal of three of the model’s rear seats (leaving two individual passenger seats) ensures you’ll have plenty of space to get your swerve on.

If you’re interested, as already noted, flamboyance isn’t cheap, as the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse will set you back EUR 228,000 and change. Only 20 are set for production, however, so if you want one, you better act quick.

For more info on the Carlsson Aigner CK55 RS Rascasse, keep scrolling for the official press release.