Carlsson is one of those Mercedes tuners you go to when you want the ultimate in ostentatiousness and vulgarity. And they are bringing the perfect showcase of this to the 2014 Geneva Motor Show with the Carlsson CS50 Versailles. Based on the new Mercedes S-Class, the CS50 is garnished with thousands of euros worth of pure gold.
The inspiration behind the Carlsson CS50 Versailles S-Class was the famous chateau of King Louis XIV of France. So with this car Carlsson is advertising its affection for a lifestyle that caused nation-wide revolt and led to massive bloodshed and injustice. Right on!
That aside, this car is a marvel of craftsmanship. Over 200 man-hours have been spent carefully fitting the body of Carlsson Versailles with 1,000 sheets of wafer-thin gold leaf. Then 278 interior and 30 exterior components received perfect gold plating, including radiator grille, door handles, and grille inserts in the front bumper, various buttons, knobs, air vents and even the speaker grilles.
To complement the golden trims, the interior of Carlsson CS50 Versailles is fitted with Nappa leather from their Signature in dark brown with champagne hues. The cabin can be further customized according to the owner’s taste, and can be equipped with technology features such as multiple screens, REVOX sound system, humidor, and bespoke business facilities with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
This “palace on wheels” comes in two entry-level CS40, and mid-range CS50 models, powered by a V8 Bi-turbo engine with up to 700 horsepower. They will make 25 units in total, priced from 268,000 to 395.000 euro.
