Who are we to judge a megalux custom SUV?
Nobody – that is who.
At least, nobody with anywhere near the wealth or status to feel let down by the factory GL63 AMG from Mercedes-Benz.
But in certain worlds, the factory model is just too plain, and too similar, to even find in a Brentwood organic produce parking lot — let alone feel passionate about.
BRABUS takes things up a notch in every regard. More premium, much faster, more exclusive and *much* more expensive.
But these upgrades are so deep and thorough that they have a definite value proposition in their own right. Floor mats in wool or cashmere or – gasp – carpet?
Not fun or sensual on your bare feet in back. But Brabus quilted leather lining every surface of the cabin?
That is memorable and swanky. As is the teak flooring of the rear cargo area, the monstrous power upgrade of the engine, and even the body kit.
BRABUS is growing up, it seems – and away from flash-bang body kits and into a more refined, premium world.
Just like its customers, in Hollywood A-Lister cases.
The BRABUS B63S 700 Widestar for the GL-Class is a mighty fine way to show everyone else on the 405 that *you* are definitely a somebody.
BRABUS B63S 700 Widestar
EXTERIORS
BRABUS B63S 700 Widestar
INTERIORS
Official Details from BRABUS
BRABUS NEWS RELEASE
BRABUS B63S – 700 WIDESTAR
SUV GL 63 AMG with 700 hp and a top speed of 300 km/h
A top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), a peak power output of 515 kW / 700 hp (690 bhp), an electronically limited torque of 960 Nm (708 lb-ft) and a thrilling widebody version with 23-inch high-tech forged wheels: BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, 46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, internet www.brabus.com)
BRABUS now sells two exclusive high-performance SUVs based on the Mercedes models ML 63 AMG and GL 63 AMG – their name: BRABUS B63S – 700 WIDESTAR.
With the new B63S – 700 performance kit BRABUS significantly upgrades the potential of the 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine in the ML 63 and GL 63. And like the familiar B63-620 performance kit, which boosts power output of the eight-cylinder to 456 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp), the new and markedly more powerful version is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100.000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013). It goes without saying that this performance kit will soon also be available for the Mercedes G 63 AMG.
At the heart of the BRABUS B63S – 700 engine conversion are the newly designed peripherals of the turbocharged eight-cylinder four-valve engine. While the intake and charge-air pipes immediately catch the observer’s eye thanks to their BRABUS Gold Heat Reflection insulation, the other important details of the conversion remain invisible from the outside. They include the two special BRABUS turbochargers with larger compressor unit, which generate a higher boost pressure than the production turbos.
The production exhaust system is replaced with a free-flow metal catalyst system that features downpipes with a diameter of 75 mm (3 in.). In addition, a BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve is available for both vehicles. They give the driver the option of choosing between a discrete “Coming Home” mode and a decidedly sporty exhaust note at the push of a button on the steering wheel.
All high-performance components were perfectly matched to each other and to the new mapping for injection and ignition by the BRABUS electronics specialists and engineers using state-of-the-art test rigs and test drives on public roads and racetracks. The result is a perfect symbiosis of environmentally compatible exhaust emissions in line with current EURO V standards, durability beyond reproach and outstanding power yield.
With a power output of 515 kW / 700 hp (690 bhp) at 5,300 rpm the BRABUS B63S – 700 engine in the ML 63 surpasses its origin by up to 129 kW / 175 hp (173 bhp) – depending on whether the car was delivered with or without Performance package. The GL 63 with an identical power output of 515 kW / 700 hp (690 bhp) adds 105 kW / 143 hp (141 hp). Just as impressive in both SUVs is the increase in peak torque. Both tuning versions produce 960 Nm (708 lb-ft) of torque from a low 2,000 rpm. Peak torque was limited electronically to protect the drivetrain.
The combination of ultra-powerful BRABUS B63S – 700 engine and AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission achieves performance levels that previously seemed more likely for a sports car than for an SUV. From rest the all-wheel-drive car based on the ML 63 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. At 4.6 seconds the heavier GL takes just two tenths of a second longer. The BRABUS Vmax unit, which is part of the engine conversion, limits the top speed electronically to 300 km/h (186 mph) to protect the tires.
These tremendous speeds also necessitated modifications to the aerodynamics, tires and suspension. The BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody version for both SUVs is impressive not only on account of its fender flares on the front and rear axle.
To reduce negative lift on the front axle the BRABUS designers developed an additional front spoiler and a rear spoiler as its aerodynamic counterpart.
In addition, the front of the refined ML 63 AMG is accentuated with striking add-on components for the side air inlets. The rear receives some added sporty character with a central diffuser for the production bumper. This bodywork component can be combined with the production exhaust or with the two ceramic-coated dual designer tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust.
The BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares add six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the width of the M-Class at the front and rear axle. The GL even adds eight centimeters (3.1 inches) in width. This not only results in a more bullish appearance, which is further complemented by add-on components for the front and rear fascia. The WIDESTAR fender flares also create space for extremely wide BRABUS king-size wheels with diameters of up to 23 inches.
Wheels in size 10Jx22 for the BRABUS WIDESTAR version are available in five designs: Monoblock VI, E, G “Platinum Edition”, Q and R. The most exclusive version on offer features giant BRABUS Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheels in size 11Jx23. Thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology these wheels represent a unique combination of lightweight construction and maximum strength. The matching high-performance tires in size 315/25 ZR 23 for the ML and in size 305/30 ZR 23 for the GL are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.
A special BRABUS control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the ML 63 AMG or GL 63 AMG lowers the ride height of the high-performance SUVs. This not only adds further visual pizzazz to the all-wheel-drive car, but as a result of the lowered center of gravity also further improves dynamic handling.
BRABUS is one of the leading addresses in the world for exclusive automotive interior design. The company upholstery shop crafts interiors from the finest leathers and Alcantara, tailor-made to customer specifications.
As a striking complement to these interiors BRABUS also offers wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes. BRABUS aluminum shift paddles for the steering wheel add sporty highlights in the cockpit. Another particular specialty of the refinement specialist from Bottrop is the BRABUS teakwood floor for the trunk of the two SUVs.
www.brabus.com
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.