2006 Carlsson CM50 K based on Mercedes-Benz ML 500 review

Carlsson CM50 K based on Mercedes-Benz ML 500 review:

For all off-road enthusiasts the famous Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson is offering a complete tuning package, which clearly, if tastefully, underlines the modern features of the new M-Class. 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 always cuts a fine figure both in the countryside and in the metropolitan jungle.

Class with pedigree: 430 bhp for off road and in the metropolitan jungle

With an unladen weight of 2.1 tons the top-of-the-range model of the M-Class needs a deal of power to get it moving smartly. The 430 bhp/316 kW and 650 Nm torque put enough power at the disposal of the eight-cylinder engine to enable it to cruise swiftly along in any landscape. 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 supercharger with its high-efficiency supercharged-air cooling system with integral intercooler is situated in the visually and technically optimum position between the cylinder banks. The supercharger is controlled by the Carlsson C-Tronic® Kompressor Safety, which also takes care of the necessary safety functions. The advantages of the high performance supercharger, manufactured under licence from Wankel, are its high efficiency levels, its wear-resistant, quiet operation, excellent durability, immediate responsiveness and limited weight.

Stainless steel silencers with twin oval tailpipes each

The rear view of the CM50 K is dominated by the four tailpipes of the Carlsson sports rear silencers, which not only give out an impressive, sonorous, sporty sound, but are also optimised, in comparison with the standard version, in terms of exhaust back pressure and gas conduction, and thus contribute to the achievement of greater torque and improved performance. The design of the tailpipes offers a significant practical advantage: they are double-walled, i.e. thermally insulated and, in addition, optimised in terms of air flow, thus guaranteeing less external dirt.

Electronic suspension lowering C-Tronic® SUSPENSION

Greater ride comfort in all situations

By means of the electronic lowering system C-Tronic® SUSPENSION, the centre of gravity of the vehicle is lowered by up to 40 mm. This results in a sporty look and better handling of the vehicle because of the limitation of roll. A further advantage of the improved aerodynamics, which are achieved by the lowering of the suspension, is the reduction in the front profile of the vehicle. This results in a higher top speed and better fuel consumption, particularly in the case of off-road vehicles. Whilst usual lowering systems for vehicles with electronic suspension confine themselves to lowering the centre of gravity of the vehicle, the innovative technology of the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION allows for automatic intelligent interaction with road conditions. On poor road surfaces and in response to the persistent spring deflection, which they cause, the lowering effect is automatically attenuated in order to ensure the appropriate spring travel required for the most comfortable ride.

Elegance for the adventurous

Even in its unmodified form, the ML 500 is visually impressive with its interplay of strongly contoured panels and taut lines. The Carlsson design of the aerodynamic components lends support to the sovereign character of the new M-Class but at the same time gives it a sportier feel. The front spoiler and the lip on the rear skirt appear with the characteristic Carlsson 'diffuser look'.

For the perfect finish: Carlsson 2/5 wheel design

Two-piece wheels are particularly suited to the image of the modern ML 500. The exclusive 2/5 wheel-design from Carlsson reflects the high technical demands on a wheel in combination with the highest quality of manufacture. Sporty looks and excellent road holding make a set of Carlsson wheels an outstanding choice for the characterful off-roader. The exclusive 5-spoke design is available for the ML (all round) as a 9.5 x 20" ET45 fitted with Dunlop SP 9000 295/40 ZR20 tyres. End of Carlsson CM50 K based on Mercedes-Benz ML 500 review.