German tuner Hofele-Design has spent some time fettling the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the outcome is a fully customized model series, which it names “Starcruiser GT 550”.
Beginning with the ML’s exterior, the tuning house has developed a 14-piece wide body kit that adds a new front bumper with big air intakes and LED daytime running lights, front and rear fender extensions, side skirts, a rear apron with a diffuser shrouding quad stainless-steel tailpipes, a tailgate spoiler and various trim pieces.
The aero package can be bought separately for €6,500 or about US$8,300 at today’s exchange rates.
Customers can complete the look by choosing from the tuner’s “Reverso II” alloy wheels in 20- and 22-inch diameters.
A lot of work has also gone in customizing the interior that boasts hand-stitched leather surfaces in three different shades and ornamental seams covering the seats, door panels, steering wheel, and front and rear arm rests.
On the performance front, Hofele-Design has created an electronic lowering module for the air suspension that can lower the vehicle’s ride height by 40mm at speeds of up to 80km/h (50mph).
For now, there are two engine kits for the diesel-powered ML250 and ML350 BlueTEC models. In the latter, output is lifted from 255Hp (258PS) and 620Nm (457 lb-ft) to 308Hp (312PS) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft) respectively.
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