While most luxury flagship buyers would find little need to improve on the current generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, there is one Italian firm that consistently manages to blow our minds with its unique upgrades and improvements furnished on some of the world's finest automobiles. After stretching the S-Class into a world class limousine, the XXL, a few months ago, Ares has just revealed a standard sedan version of the flagship Mercedes. And there is nothing standard about it. Of course, the improvements run inside, outside and under the hood.

Beyond the new front fascia, bumpers, side skirts and intakes, the Ares S-Class receives ultra-light 21-inch forged five-spoke wheels and red brake calipers. The interior upgrades are elegant and understated, and are more subdued than those featured in the XXL limousine. These include reshaped seats with loads of Carbon Alcantara and Nappa Italian leather, lots of hand-painted lacquered wood and a new multimedia system. As for performance and engine upgrades, Ares will offer anything between 520 and 580 hp versions, the latter sprinting from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds. Is this the most delicious blend of Italian design and German engineering? We'd certainly love to have a taste.