2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 400

What we have here is a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLS 4Matic that’s been off to the workshops of Mercedes-Benz whisperers MKB Motoren Manufaktur of Winnenden, Germany, to be fitted out with their PG 40 S Aerodynamic Package, 21” alloy wheels, and highly distinctive branding.

“Just what sort of shape-shifting sorcerers are MKB Motoren Manufaktur?” we hear you demand, not unreasonably.

Well, the firm was founded in 1989 by Erhard Melcher, whose surname provided the ‘M’ in AMG.

No, really, that’s him – sandwiched between the ‘A’ for Aufrecht and the ‘G’ for Großaspach.

Today, MKB retrofits high-quality styling packages and performance upgrades to both Mercedes-Benz and, very impressively, AMG vehicles.

Yes, they add a whole lot more grunt and punch to the mighty dollops of grunt and punch already added to powerful Mercedes-Benz cars by the Affalterbach engine-botherers, AMG.

Mercy.

This car was built for the Chinese market in 2018 at Mercedes-Benz’ factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Then it was consigned to the Meister Technikers of MKB to be re-styled with their bespoke aero body kit, but none of their performance upgrades - the engine, drivetrain, gearbox and mechanicals are as they were when the car left the Tuscaloosa factory specified and ready for a life in China.

But the car never made it to China.

After MKB had worked their particular brand of magic on it, the car went into safe, dry, warm storage and it’s been there until now.

Hence its delivery mileage of just 150 miles and the fact that it has never been registered.

We understand that the following specification applies.

•    Obsidian Black Metallic paint
•    Tan leather interior
•    MKB Aero package
•    21-inch MKB ‘Gamma 1’ alloys
•    LED headlights
•    Smartphone integration
•    Apple /Android Carplay
•    Electric folding second row seats
•    Parking package
•    7-seater
•    Mirror package
•    Memory package
•    AMG Line exterior
•    Brown ash facias
•    Electric front seats with lumbar support
•    Blind spot monitor
•    Electric folding mirrors
•    High-beam assist
•    Active-park assist
•    Blind spot assist
•    Third row seating
•    Adaptive damping system
•    Climate front seating
•    Panoramic glass sunroof
•    Airmatic air suspension
•    Rear entertainment

Although the vehicle is effectively unused and in time-warp, showroom-fresh condition, it has sat for a while and will need some gentle recommissioning including a service, fresh fluids and replacement tyres. 

Those amongst you with a keen eye will have noticed that this was sold at auction last month; however, the buyer failed to make contact, and so we are delighted to offer this fabulous car again.

This is a vehicle that’s spent the last 7 years doing absolutely nothing and has just 150 delivery miles under its barely used belts.  

So, if you’re looking for patina, or you’re a fan of dents, creases or corrosion, then you’re about to be sorely disappointed.

Needless to say, the bodywork is in exemplary condition and there are no significant dinks, dimples or other deviations from the norm that we can see anywhere.

Nor will you find any scratches, scuffs or stone chips to speak of on the Obsidian Black (197U) paintwork, which has retained all of its original quality and depth of lustre.

The bespoke MKB 21-inch MKB ‘Gamma 1’ alloys have yet to be introduced to any kerbs or other roadside obstacles, and the Pirelli P-Zero tyres are barely acquainted with any sort of road surface – although they will be rather long in the tooth and in need of replacing now.

The car’s bright-work is lustrous and shiny throughout, and the glass, lights and lenses are clear and bright everywhere.

The car’s exclusive badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all beyond reproach.

The impression of minty-freshness and showroom-newness is, if anything, even more potent on the inside, and not least because half of what you can see is still swathed in the protective plastic sheeting with which it left the factory.

In our opinion, the interior is very tastefully executed – with the soft Brown (224A) leather upholstery perfectly complemented by the subtle, satin finish, brown ash wood trim.

Together, they combine to create an ambience that is warmly inviting and, we think, classily understated – not something you can always say of über SUVs, and particularly those that have been worked on by certain styling companies. 

Everything in here is aesthetically satisfying, tonally balanced and a treat for the senses.

The steering wheel and other controls look to be in immaculate condition, as do the car’s various instruments, dials, screens, buttons, levers and switches.

We couldn’t see so much as a fingerprint anywhere, let alone a nick or scuff.

The seats, front and back, are pristine, as are the door cards, carpets, mats and headlining.

The rear luggage bay contains the cars books, manuals, guides and spare keys - all in their factory wrappers - along with a space-saver spare wheel, a set of tools and a plastic-wrapped first-aid kit.

The engine bay is spotlessly clean, dry, orderly and entirely untroubled by anything even approaching so much as a stain or smudge. 

It could quite easily apply for, and be awarded, a 5-star food hygiene certificate.

Underneath the protective cowls and covers lurks a 6-cylinder 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine that’s good for around 300bhp.

The undersides of the car are as clean and tidy as the engine bay.

This car comes all of the books, manuals, spec sheets, accessories and tools it had when it left the factory.

It also comes with less history than David Bowie in ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth’ because, obviously, it hasn’t been anywhere or done anything.

The vehicle has never been registered and will be supplied with a copy of the Mercedes-Benz ‘Declaration of Conformity’ (note: this is not the same as a certificate of conformity)

If the vehicle is to be UK registered an IVA test and some simple modifications to align it with UK regulations will be required.

It is not currently registered, so you will need to make your own enquiries if you plan to take it to your country of choice and register it there. For help with this in the UK, we can suggest Robert Cook from RKC Consultants who are vehicle registration specialists, robert@rkcconsultants.co.uk.

Please don’t buy this car if you hate speaking to strangers or attracting attention.

We guarantee that every time you return to it in the supermarket car-park, it will be surrounding by puzzled people staring at the MKB badging, PG 40 S model designation and giant MKB coat-of-arms.

You might want to print some simple flyers to hand out, rather than explaining the car’s origins afresh 27 times a day.

The successful bidder on this car will be taking home a truly magnificent, very highly optioned Mercedes Benz GLS 400 with an ultra-rare MKB Aerodynamic Package.

He or she will also be taking home a brand-new car that just happens to be 7 years old.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £40,000 - £50,000.

The vendor has advised the following;  For overseas buyers this car can be sold nett of vat” **Conditions apply (10% handling fee on vat total and transport out of UK must be handled by ourselves and cost dependant on location etc).

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Rushden, Northamptonshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT, to make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.