News Source: topspeed.com

There’s really not a lot to say about the Mercedes S-Class Coupe.  I could rattle off superlatives left and right and I still would arrive to the same conclusion: the car is just all sorts of awesome. So, with seemingly nowhere to go from the mountaintop where it’s perched, there’s really only one way for the S-Class Coupe  to add to its already growing legend. Fortunately, noted Mercedes  tuner FAB Design has the tuning kit that might do the work.

The German aftermarket specialist is known for its programs for Mercedes  vehicles. Over the years, we’ve seen it come out with programs for the SLS AMG,  SL600,  and SL-Class,  in addition to having its own programs for the likes of the McLaren 12C  and the Porsche Panamera. 

This time, it’s the S-Class Coupe that takes the spotlight with a wide array of modifications covering a wide spectrum of the car’s overall makeup. There’s a new aerodynamic program, a new set of wheels, and most importantly, a technical upgrade that adds even more power to the coupe’s 4.7-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine.

Fab Design’s kit for the S-Class Coupe is the kind of program that gives the high-powered coupe a chance to come out with a whole new look and more power to really redefine its segment. There are a few cars that can match wits with the S-Class Coupe, but with Fab Design’s Ethon kit, the Merc gets the opportunity to really stand out.

For those who are wondering why this program looks familiar, a backstory is in order. Back at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Fab Design showcased a program for the S-Class Coupe called the “Esquire”. This program, dubbed the “Ethon” after an eagle from Greek mythology, is essentially a more subdued version of the Esquire kit.

Even with that disclaimer, the kit itself isn’t what you’d consider awesome in all categories. The styling package, for instance, invites mixed reactions. Some people like it. Some people don’t. In any event, it’s hard to argue against Fab Design’s confidence in adding some modifications to a design that’s already considered as one of the best looks Mercedes  has created in recent years. If anything, the tuner deserves some applause for going against the grain with its aerodynamic kit. There’s a new front bumper with a design that makes the car’s front end look a lot busier. A revised grille with mesh inserts are also part of the program, although it does feel like this part of the upgrade has been overshadowed by the new bumper design.

Fortunately, there’s far less drama on the side and rear sections of the car. The former only received aerodynamic side skirts while the rear section was the recipient of a new bumper with an integrated diffuser. The last bit notable detail of the exterior styling package is a new set of 22-inch forged EVOLUTION II alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires. There are no interior modifications attached to this program. It’s a little bit of a disappointment because if there was a weak link to the S-Class Coupe, it’s the cabin. That’s not to say that the coupe’s interior is boring - far from it, actually - but there is that feeling of having far too many things going on. The controls on the doors alone could be overwhelming if you don’t know what they’re for. I don’t know what Fab Design would be able to add to make it better, which is probably why the tuner decided to leave it alone in the first place.

As provocative as the styling package for the S-Class Coupe is, we can all agree that Fab Design’s modification for the car’s 4.7-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine is the real highlight of the whole thing. The approach itself is pretty straightforward.

Fab Design itself didn’t dive into any details about the car, opting instead to say that the enhancements made on the V-8 engine gave the S-Class Coupe 630 horsepower and 678 pound-feet of torque. That’s a big jump from the V-8’s standard output of 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and should translate to a 0-to-60 mph sprint time will be much faster than the standard 4.5 seconds.

Likewise, the tuner didn’t mention if it took out the speed limiter on the car. If it did, the S-Class Coupe could be able to reach a top speed in excess of 186 mph. If it didn’t, consider the standard 155-mph top speed to still be there. There was no mention of a price for the Ethon tuning kit so if anybody out there is a little bit interested in Fab Design’s program for the S-Class Coupe, it would be best to reach out to the tuner directly to get a clear answer on what the price would be and what that price comes with. I’m a big fan of how the Mercedes S-Class Coupe looks, so I’m not exactly too thrilled with the modifications Fab Design did on the car’s exterior, especially that of the front bumper. I do understand if some people like it, but as far as I’m concerned, the modified bumper looks a tad too busy. On the flip side, the performance upgrade is very exciting. With that kind of power, the S-Class Coupe should be capable of having the kind of power that can give its rivals a reason or two to sweat.