Waltrop, August 2022. He is one of the most successful YouTubers in the field of Mercedes-Benz - and we are really proud that he is our customer: Betim Lushtako, who presents the highest-quality and most unusual Mercedes-Benz models internationally on his YouTube channel (258 million video views) as MercBenzKing, is currently having his private GLE 400D personalized in our SCHAWE manufactory in Waltrop.
The wait is worth it - we promise!
A process of change that will take several months to complete. Yes, the wait is sometimes difficult - for us, too, by the way. But absolute precision and meticulous care take time. After all, we're not doing a run-of-the-mill conversion here, we're refining a luxury SUV to the highest standards. In the meantime, two of three milestones have been reached, so we can already explain to you in detail at this point the design upgrades and one-off productions with which we have already transformed the GLE as a MercBenzKing Edition by SCHAWE into a beautiful one-off.
"I want the SCHAWE design"
Betim's mission was clear: "I want the SCHAWE design," he said at the first meeting in our manufacturing workshop. He was inspired by our SCHAWE G63-Legend, which he presented on his YouTube channel at the end of 2021. We had equipped this G-Class inside with an extremely high-quality carbon in matte. In addition, the SCHAWE carbon radiator grille based on the original Mercedes Panamericana grille, the illuminated SCHAWE door sill trims, our own carpet collection, SCHAWE carbon lettering and of course the SCHAWE carbon steering wheel.
For the GLE400D, Betim wanted a similar line of refinement, requiring extremely careful handwork even in the production of the many carbon features to perfection. Challenge accepted! Oh yes, MercBenzKing had one very special extra request, but we'll get to that in a moment....
An original solution for induction charging
First, we dealt with a little problem. That's because the front of the GLE was shipped from the factory without an induction charging option. The first attempt to retrofit induction charging failed. This was due to the cooled cupholder, which took up too much space. Retrofitting would only have been possible elsewhere, for example in the center console. We decided against it and ordered a new original cupholder with cooling function, which allows induction charging in the designated place.
Panamericana radiator grille is carbonized
So, we first focused on upgrading Betim's beautiful black GLE from the outside in a very visible way: with a new Panamericana grille, new rear diffuser, and spacers on the rear axle for track widening. As far as the Panamericana radiator grille is concerned, we are initially working with an interim solution until our SCHAWE carbon version is completed. For this purpose, we are reworking the original Mercedes radiator grille in an elaborate process, which will take several weeks. But it is worth the wait, because after our carbonization the GLE will have a face that will make the 400D stand out from all other models of its kind. A Panamericana dream in finest carbon and an eye-catcher for every enthusiast!
A rhombus with very personal branding
A small jump in time: In the meantime Betim has visited us a second time in Waltrop. An exciting day for all of us, because most of the reworked SCHAWE carbon interior parts are finished. As a reminder, our mission was to transform the Mercedes-Benz into a MercBenzKing Special Edition by SCHAWE - a complete personalization. So what could be more personal than a subtle name engraving on the interior and a diamond-shaped emblem on the rear flanks of the vehicle? Not much, right! So, naturally, we made Betim's very special request for personalized branding a reality. A diamond in
noble carbon, which carries the lettering MercBenzKing, now serves as a phenomenal eye-catcher behind the C-pillar on both sides.
Distinctive look and unique feel
Let's get back to the vehicle's interior. Of course, the dark wood look that the GLE received from the factory already looks beautiful and absolutely classy. But that's not a unique selling point, it's standard. However, the cockpit is made absolutely unique by our matte SCHAWE carbon refinement. Door panels, center console (with personal engraving!), trim, exterior lettering, steering wheel, even the pedals - all of this now impresses with a perfect carbon surface. It's not just the look that's exceptional, but also the feel. "It feels extremely good," was also Betim's first observation.
Watch parts 1 and 2 on YouTube now!
Now the GLE finishing process is almost complete. Soon, the SCHAWE carbon radiator grille and the SCHAWE side kick panels will also be ready, which will then have to be swapped. If you want to see in more detail how we implement such a personalization project, then take a look at our movies on YouTube. Parts 1 and 2 of the MercBenzKing special are already online!
Summary of our upgrades:
Exterior:
- SCHAWE carbon radiator grille
- SCHAWE carbon side running boards
- SCHAWE carbon trim trunk door
- Painted brake calipers (black with SCHAWE logo)
- SCHAWE carbon lettering and branding
- MercBenzKing side emblem
- Wheel spacers for wheel spacers (front and rear axle)
Interior:
- SCHAWE carbon steering wheel (with steering wheel heating!)
- SCHAWE door sill trims
- SCHAWE carbon center console and cockpit elements
- SCHAWE carpet collection - incl. trunk mat for G-Class (not available ex works!) - MercBenzKing engraving in center console
- SCHAWE carbon pedal trim
- Cooled Mercedes-Benz cupholder with induction charging (retrofitted!)
WATCH!
