It is now almost exactly four decades since a renowned German automotive magazine bestowed the title of "The best car in the world" on the flagship 450 SEL 6.9 version of the first Mercedes-Benz (W116) model to wear the S-class moniker.
Noble titles are hereditary, and five S-Class generations on from 1975, the current W222 S-Class is still the class benchmark for sheer occupant comfort over long distances.
For those who think that merely inheriting a superlative title is not enough, vehicle individualisation specialists, German Special Customs, from the Chemnitz region of Germany, now offer a distinctive but subtle GSC aerodynamic package for the S-Class including the 15cm longer L version.
As applied to the GSC S350L demonstration car, this aero kit shows off its aggressive looking new front bumper/spoiler that features an integrated air splitter. Above this, the massive central air intake is flanked by two smaller intakes incorporating LED daytime running lights.
Visually linked to the front bumper/spoiler by comparatively discreet side skirts that draw out the cars longer, lower look, the new rear bumper features vertical air outlets for the rear wheel housings, and a black valance insert framing the AMG S65 trapezoidal tailpipes. These are fed by GCS's in-house sports exhaust system.
The all-new GT-bonnet wears no references to the three-pointed star, but wears sculpted lines and a pair of integrated vents that hint at the power lurking underneath.
For maximum visual impact, the front splitter, grille, bonnet vents, roof panel, door mirrors, rear valance insert and boot lid spoiler are covered in high gloss black foil. The finishing touch is the set of two-piece, 21-inch BBS CH-R II alloy wheels, shod with 285/30ZR21 and 255/35ZR21 Continental Sport Contact tyres.
The German Special Customs aero kit for the W222 S-Class can be ordered in GRP or carbon, with prices starting at 4,500 euros. German Special Customs also offers ECU remapping for the whole W222 engine range.
Source: German Special Customs
