From EVs to a 5-Liter Mercedes: The Cars Driven by Giorgio Armani

Famed Italian designer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Armani fashion empire Giorgio Armani passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 91. To honor his memory, Auto30.com revisited the cars he was known to drive — some of which were made especially for him.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)

Armani was photographed several times behind the wheel of a classic Mercedes-Benz SL R107. Produced from 1971 to 1989, it was the third generation of the iconic roadster. The SL offered a wide range of engines — the most powerful being the SL 450, powered by a 4.5-liter V8 with 218 horsepower. Other popular variants included the SL 280 with a 2.8-liter engine (177 hp) and the SL 380 with a 3.8-liter engine (204 hp).

Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 designo by Giorgio Armani

Armani personally commissioned his next Mercedes — a CLK 500 Cabriolet customized through the brand’s designo program. His version featured a unique matte sand-colored exterior (Sabbia) with gloss-black accents. The cabin was trimmed in warm brown leather, and all chrome details were matte-finished and artificially aged for a vintage aesthetic.

The W209-generation CLK, owned by the designer, was produced between 2002 and 2010. The 500 model was the most powerful in the lineup, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 with 306 horsepower, while the entry-level CLK 200 came with a 1.8-liter 163-hp engine.

Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector’s Edition

In collaboration with the Italian fashion house, Fiat created a special edition of the 500e electric car — and, naturally, presented one to Armani himself. Technically identical to the standard 500e, it featured a front-wheel-drive setup and a 118-horsepower electric motor, but with exclusive Giorgio Armani design touches — from bespoke wheel designs to interior trim elements inspired by the designer’s minimalist style.

Elegant, understated, and refined — much like Armani’s own fashion philosophy — his choice of cars reflected a lifelong appreciation for timeless design over fleeting trends.