MKB releases 750hp upgrade for Mercedes’ CL65 AMG

MKB may not be as well known as its rival German tuners such as Brabus and MTM, but the company has a penchant for building some of the most stylish and powerful upgrades in the business - especially when it comes to modifying cars from Mercedes Benz.

MKB’s latest package is based on the twin-turbocharged CL65 AMG Coupe but many of the styling and performance mods can be applied to any model in the CL lineup including the base CL500/550. Called the MKB 65/12 BT, the new package adds several subtle styling mods as well as a range of engine, wheel and tire upgrades.

The most powerful kit for the CL65 sees engine power boosted from 517hp (385kW) in the stock model to 750hp (560kW). Torque levels are also increased to 922lb-ft (1,250Nm). Furthermore, the vehicle has been provided with a high-performance rear axle equipped with a differential lock and a modified transmission control module to handle the boosted power levels.

The power is put to the ground via a set of handcrafted 20in MKB Alpha III wheels, wrapped with 255mm rubber up front and 295mm tires in the rear. The car’s suspension has also been lowered by 25mm and has been beefed up with stiffer springs and dampers.

The end result is a 0-100km/h time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed in excess of 350km/h.

To match the performance mods, MKB adds several exterior pieces such as the new side skirts, revised bumpers, a modified grille and an integrated rear diffuser. Inside, the CL65 is fitted with optional Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim.