Does a twin-turbocharged, V12-powered Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 700-horsepower make any sense to you - because as hard as we tried, we couldn't find anything sensible about Brabus' latest creation that will be revealed at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Even though it has been in production for precisely three-decades now, the G-Class remains without doubt, one of the world's most capable off-roaders.
Still, Brabus believes - and they're probably right- that there's a wealthy group of people out there who are willing to pay €379,000 ($482,000 U.S. with today's exchange rates) to buy a G-Class that has been virtually stripped out of its off-road capabilities -21 inch alloys shod in 295/40 R21 tires leaves no doubts about that- but has gained some serious power for the asphalt.
But anyways, time to see the Brabus-prepped G-Class in detail. Under the hood of the German SUV lurks a modified version of the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600. Brabus increased the V12's displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cubic inches). Along with a series of other upgrades, the V12 now produces 700HP at
In the G-Class the BRABUS S V12 S displacement engine produces 700HP at 5,100 rpm and a peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car, the peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the G-Class literally catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph) but if you're brave enough to remove the self-imposed limit, the G-Class could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).
To improve handling, Brabus equipped the G-Class V12 S Biturbo with a custom suspension and a high-performance brake system while the SUV sits on a set of forged Monoblock VI 21-inch alloys shod with size 295/40 R 21 tires front and back.
On the outside, the G-Class V12 S Biturbo is distinguished by aerodynamic-enhancement components that include a front apron with LED daytime running lights and a new rear bumper. The vehicle's interior has been enhanced with an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, a speedometer with 280-km/h scale (175 mph), stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and a handcrafted fully leather interior.
