Crafted in Europe and sold in the UAE, this custom-built Batmobile replica is more original creation than cinematic copy, boasting nearly 500 horsepower and a price tag to match.
AMG Gotham Cruiser
In a transformation that defies convention, a Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG has been radically reimagined as a custom Batmobile. The build began with the already formidable CL55 AMG, a car powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that produced 493 horsepower in its original form. Originally painted bright orange and modified by tuning firm Kleeman with a new exhaust, the vehicle was anything but subtle to begin with. Yet even that didn’t hint at what it would become.
A Batmobile, But Not The Batmobile
Unlike most replicas that strive to imitate a specific Batmobile from film or television, this one breaks the mold. The car doesn't try to recreate the Tumbler or the 1989 Burton Batmobile. Instead, it takes inspiration from several iterations of the Batmobile, creating a new spin on the tactile vehicle in the process. It features custom bodywork made from lightweight composites, fabricated to resemble something between an armored vehicle and a futuristic muscle car.
From Ukraine to Germany—and Beyond
The build was the result of a collaboration between Specautotuning in Ukraine and AVG Autos in Germany. Together, they crafted this singular vehicle at a reported cost of €251,250—about $285,200 at the time—excluding the price of the donor car. The result was then listed by SBX Cars, a specialty car marketplace, and eventually sold for approximately $270,000.
Designed for Drama
Visually, the car is a spectacle. It rolls on enormous 22.5-inch wheels fitted with rugged off-road tires and includes exaggerated side air intakes, working side steps, and a pair of custom flip-up doors. Every angle of the car is engineered for impact, prioritizing theatricality over traditional aesthetics. If the goal was to stop traffic—literally or figuratively—it succeeds.
Interior Echoes of Mercedes Past
While the exterior is nearly unrecognizable as a Mercedes, remnants of the CL55's interior remain. The cabin retains a few factory details but has been updated with a modern infotainment screen and an aftermarket steering wheel. It’s a mash-up of past and present, luxury and comic-book excess.
Street Legal? Depends Where You Are
Despite its radical appearance, the Batmobile-Mercedes hybrid is technically street legal—but with a catch. According to the seller, its road legality only applies within the United Arab Emirates, where the vehicle was ultimately sold. For anyone outside the UAE hoping to register or drive it, local laws would likely pose a serious hurdle.
Not Just a Showpiece
This isn’t a static prop or parade car. Beneath the comic book exterior lies real performance. The 5.4-liter engine delivers enough muscle to move its outsized body with authority, and with its upgraded exhaust and supercharged powertrain, it backs up its looks with legitimate AMG aggression.
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