The Cars Of A True Fashion Icon
Karl Lagerfeld was more than a fashion icon — he was a man of style in every detail of life, including the garage. His collection blended sophistication, performance, and timeless design, much like his runway shows. Let’s take a joyride through his most stunning cars, one ride at a time.
Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman
Few cars scream “power and prestige” like the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman. Lagerfeld reportedly purchased his Pullman in the 1970s, when the car was already known as the “Dictator’s Limo.” With a 6.3-liter V8 and a hydraulic system that operated everything from windows to seats, it was as much a technological marvel as a statement piece. Karl loved its grandeur — it was couture on wheels.
Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II
Classic British elegance was never far from Karl’s aesthetic. He owned a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II, most likely acquired in the 1980s. Under the hood purred a 6.2-liter V8, while inside, hand-stitched leather and walnut trim wrapped him in luxury. It wasn’t just transport — it was a rolling salon, perfect for an icon who lived in perpetual motion.
Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, Wikimedia Commons
BMW 7 Series (E38)
In the 1990s, Karl embraced German engineering again with a BMW 7 Series E38. Known for its understated power, the 7 Series was equipped with either a silky V12 or strong inline-six, depending on the trim. Lagerfeld reportedly favored black models, matching his monochromatic wardrobe. It was his modern executive express — sharp, quiet, and uncompromising.
BMW L7 (E38) - Karl Lagerfeld - BMW Museum Munich, DrGumoLunatic
Jaguar XJ12
Never one to shy away from British flair, Karl added a Jaguar XJ12 to his collection. With its 5.3-liter V12, the XJ12 balanced grace and growl. Purchased during the 1980s, this Jag suited Lagerfeld’s persona: refined yet daring. It’s the kind of car you could imagine pulling up to a Parisian soirée without missing a beat.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126)
The W126 S-Class is often considered the most elegant Mercedes sedan ever made, and Karl knew it. His 1980s model carried the iconic boxy lines, advanced safety tech, and smooth inline-six engines. Lagerfeld adored its sophistication and its ability to glide effortlessly through the streets of Paris.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Bentley Brooklands
Karl also had a taste for Bentley’s stately presence, picking up a Brooklands in the 1990s. With a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8 and a cabin lined with Connolly leather, this Bentley was as close as one could get to a luxury cocoon. It was dignified but powerful, just like Lagerfeld’s own persona.
Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R129)
For sunny French Riviera escapes, Lagerfeld kept a Mercedes SL 500 roadster in his garage. Purchased in the early 1990s, this two-seater featured a 5.0-liter V8, retractable soft top, and timeless wedge-shaped styling. It was the perfect blend of glamour and performance — runway-worthy, in fact.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Rolls-Royce Phantom V
Another Rolls? Of course. Lagerfeld’s Phantom V was the pinnacle of aristocratic motoring. Acquired in the 1970s, this hand-built behemoth offered space for an entourage, a chauffeur, and champagne. The massive 6.2-liter V8 was more about effortless wafting than speed. It was Karl’s royal carriage.
Rex Gray from Southern California, Wikimedia Commons
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
Surprisingly, Karl also dabbled in sporty minimalism with a Porsche 911 Carrera from the 1980s. The rear-mounted 3.2-liter flat-six delivered 231 hp, giving him a true driver’s car. For someone who lived in a world of refinement, this raw, connected Porsche showed that Lagerfeld also loved pure thrills.
Maybach 62
When Maybach reemerged in the early 2000s, Lagerfeld was among the elite to embrace it. His Maybach 62 was powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, offering 550 hp and a rolling palace interior. Reclining seats, champagne coolers, and ambient lighting — Karl’s idea of haute couture on four wheels.
Lincoln Town Car
Yes, Lagerfeld had a quirky side. The Lincoln Town Car, a symbol of American excess, found a place in his fleet in the late 1980s. With a 4.9-liter V8 and stretch-limo options, it was pure Americana. Karl loved contrasts, and this was as far from Parisian subtlety as you could get.
Alexander Migl, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari 400i
Lagerfeld also owned a Ferrari 400i — one of the more understated Ferraris of the 1980s. With its front-mounted 4.8-liter V12 and four-seat GT layout, it was a discreet Prancing Horse. It spoke to Karl’s ability to merge performance with class, never shouting but always commanding attention.
Dave Hamster, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (A124)
The A124 Cabriolet from the early 1990s was a refined cruiser, and Karl adored it for relaxed drives. With a range of straight-six and V8 options, it wasn’t just stylish — it was also technically advanced. The folding soft top was elegance in motion, echoing the sweep of a designer’s pen.
Rutger van der Maar, Wikimedia Commons
Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible
The Corniche Convertible was Lagerfeld’s open-air Rolls indulgence. Acquired in the late 1970s, it paired a 6.75-liter V8 with stately proportions and endless leather. Driving it along the Riviera was as much performance art as transportation — Lagerfeld understood that better than anyone.
Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C215)
In the early 2000s, Karl acquired the futuristic CL600 coupe. With its twin-turbo V12 pumping out 500+ hp, it was as much a tech statement as a luxury cruiser. The pillarless design and advanced suspension gave it a floating-on-air ride that Lagerfeld adored.
Jaguar E-Type Series III
Even fashion royalty can’t resist the Jaguar E-Type. Karl’s Series III, purchased in the 1970s, boasted a 5.3-liter V12. Its swooping lines were often compared to haute couture — and Karl likely loved the parallel. “The most beautiful car ever made,” Enzo Ferrari once said. Karl probably agreed.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
When you think Lagerfeld, you think sleek sedans. But he also had a Mercedes G-Wagon, adding rugged chic to his stable. His G-Class, picked up in the 1990s, combined off-road capability with boxy style. It was the SUV equivalent of his own uniform: timeless, bold, and instantly recognizable.
Dinkun Chen, Wikimedia Commons
Audi A8
Not one to miss out on Audi’s flagship luxury, Lagerfeld also drove an A8 in the late 1990s. The aluminum-bodied sedan offered Quattro all-wheel drive and V8 power, wrapped in subtle elegance. It was modernism at its finest — and Karl always had a soft spot for forward-thinking design.
Rolls-Royce Phantom VII
In the 2000s, Lagerfeld rounded out his Rolls collection with the then-new Phantom VII. With a BMW-sourced 6.75-liter V12 and a cabin dripping with luxury, it was a modern reinvention of aristocratic motoring. For Karl, it was both a nod to tradition and an embrace of innovation.
Charles from Port Chester, New York, Wikimedia Commons
Karl's Style Was Found In Every Facet Of His Life
Taken together, Karl Lagerfeld’s cars were more than machines — they were mirrors of his persona. German precision, British tradition, Italian passion, and even American boldness all lived under one roof. Just like his fashion, Lagerfeld’s garage was a curated collection of timeless beauty and daring contrasts. Which of his exotic beauties would you ride in?
Christopher William Adach from Mexico, Wikimedia Commons
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