North American sales of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class->ke1593 haven't even started yet, but it's been on sale in Europe since March, which means that even though we just saw it for the first time at the North American International Auto Show at the beginning of this year, tuners are already beginning to get to work. Carlsson, the noted tuner of everything Mercedes-Benz->ke187 and smart->ke83 has no intention of being left out, and it's just released its own interpretation of the C-Class->ke1593.

Engine tuning is in the works and is sure to add a good bit of extra punch to the stock engines, but for now, we'll have to make do with a host of visual, aerodynamic, suspension, exhaust, and wheel options. Also known for its interior work, Carlsson offers its full host of tailoring options in the C-Class, allowing buyers to customize nearly every surface with everything from upgraded leather to carbon-fiber and wood inserts.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes C-Class By Carlsson.

2014 Mercedes C-Class By Carlsson

Specifications
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  • Model: 2014 Mercedes C-Class By Carlsson
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Mercedes C-Class By Carlsson in detail

Carlsson's motto is, "The best in a different way," and its take on the C-Class is certainly different. They've gone about changing the front fascia by removing the stock grille and adding their own, a chrome, horizontal bar grille that features a large, very prominent Carlsson logo at the center. Further changes are made to the front bumper as well, including redesigned, larger air intakes with borders that are painted the same contrasting color as the front spoiler. The front spoiler can also be ordered in carbon fiber, if the buyer so desires. Completing the new look up front are contoured headlamps that add a more aggressive look to the C-Class.

You also get fake air intakes on the side sills that Carlsson claims visually tie the changes on the front bumper to the changes on the rear bumper. Out back, you get a two-piece rear apron with a diffuser insert that the tuner can paint two-tone if that's what you really want. The tailpipes also get stylized "surrounds" to give them a more integrated look, and there's a trunklid spoiler. Carlsson claims that all of its aerodynamic components are manufactured to OEM standards of fit and quality, and the front bumper doesn't require any modification of the original attachment points.

A tuned suspension is also available, lowering the car 30 mm (1.2 inches). The springs have been uprated, but Carlsson retains the stock dampers, which should improve handling. For drivers looking to take their C-Class to the track, a more advanced and presumably more expensive coilover kit is still in development. A variety of different wheels are offered as well in 18-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch varieties.

With all that money spent on the rest of the vehicle, it would be a shame to retain a stock interior, and Carlsson will just as gladly help you out there. Buyers can order leather in a variety of types and colors, and you can trade out stock inserts for wood or carbon fiber. If you're the type who has a family crest or personal logo, adding either is simply a matter of asking nicely. To finish out the interior, Carlsson offers a set of velour floor mats with its logo on them, door sill scuffs with its logo featured, and an aluminum pedal set.

Mercedes C-Class

Introduced in 1993, the C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's compact sports sedan. Currently in its fourth generation and designated the W205, the C-Class is on sale in Europe but won't be for sale in the United States until September. Styling has clearly been heavily influenced by the top-of-the-line S-Class->ke359, and while that can sometimes lead to awkwardly designed vehicles, the execution here is very good. It might not be more attractive than the 3 Series, but it's definitely a very attractive sedan.

Extensive use of aluminum has led to several hundred pounds of weight savings, as well as a chassis that Mercedes claims is stiffer than every other vehicle in its class. The entry-level model will be the C300 with a turbocharged four-cylinder making an estimated 241 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque, while the C400 will be available with a V-6 that makes 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Both models will launch with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but a rear-wheel-drive option is expected to come soon. A hybrid and diesel option should eventually be available as well.

Pricing for the C300 is expected to start at $30,425.