Brabus Unleashes 'Tuned' Mercedes S-Class

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/11/2005

In recent times we've taken a look at extremely powerful cars, called dream cars by some, performance vehicles by others.

These include prototype vehicles like the Ford GTX1 and VW Passat R GT, and real-world supercars like the extraordinary Bugatti Veyron.

You can now add another vehicle to this recent dream car list in the form of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class program by Brabus, which can be juiced-up to reach an electronically limited speed of 340km/h.

The well-known German tuning house (manufacturing much of its componentry in-house) has taken the S-Class - already a luxury saloon with few superiors and kind of features you'd expect on the first-class flight across the Atlantic ocean - and improved it in a number of areas.

The Brabus program for the new W 221 series S-Class enhances the vehicle in a number of areas: aerodynamics, power output, ride and handling and interior decor.

Modifications for three models are already in the works at Brabus, which recently exhibited the enhanced S-Class at the Essen Motor Show in Germany.

The most noticeable changes are the visual ones. Brabus explains: To give the luxury sedan an even more striking face there is a sporty-looking front apron complete with auxiliary headlights. As an alternative the standard front of the S-Class can be refined with the addition of the Brabus carbon front spoiler. Both versions are wind-tunnel-tested and reduce lift at high speeds.

There are also custom-tailored auxiliary headlight inserts for the standard front bumper that each house two fog lamps and two high-beams.

The Brabus sill trim and the rear apron, both with integrated LED lights, are as attractive as they are useful, explains the German tuner.

Upon activation via keyless-entry remote or by pulling on the inside door handle five LED lights on either side and in the rear illuminate the ground around the vehicle, making exiting and entering the car and loading or unloading the trunk in the dark safer. The rear apron further features custom cutouts for the four tailpipes of the Brabus sport exhaust.

In combination with a range of wheel sizes and design, the modified body cladding of the S-Class exhibits a more aggressive look. Brabus forges its own wheel designs, which it explains are offered in one-piece or multi-piece monoblock light-alloy. Sizes include 17-, 18-, 19-, 20- or even 21-inch diameter.

The largest tyre/wheel combination features multi-piece forged and highly polished 21-inch Brabus Monoblock VI wheels, and that extensive driving tests determined Pirelli and Yokohama tires in sizes 255/30 ZR21 in front and 285/30 ZR21 on the rear axle as the ideal counterparts.

Brabus can also tune a range of S-Class engines to deliver monstrous power outputs, from the S 320 CDI, to the S 350, S 500 and the 12-cylinder S 600.

The standard S 600 features a 5.5-litre dual turbo V12 engine that Brabus has four tuning options for. Brabus explains: They start with the Brabus T12 performance kit, which increases power output of the 5.5-litre 3-valve engine from standard 380kW (517hp) to 419kW (580hp) and bumps peak torque to 900Nm (from 800Nm).

The pinnacle of powerful engine tuning is the Brabus S V12 S Biturbo engine. Its displacement is increased to 6233cc (from 5513cc) with the help of a custom crankshaft, a larger cylinder bore and forged pistons.

The inner workings of the engine are also modified extensively: gas flow in intake and outlet ports of both cylinder heads is optimised, and the engine is fitted with sports camshafts.

Brabus engine specialists further equip the engine with larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four tailpipes and metal catalysts with low backpressure. Newly programmed engine electronics ensure not only the optimal synchronisation of all new components but also contribute to maximum power yield and to meeting all current emission limits.

Performance and power output is up there with the quickest automobiles in the world, as the Brabus S V12 S Biturbo engine produces 537kW (730hp) @ 5100rpm and while Brabus notes that peak torque is 1320Nm (more torque than the world's fastest car, the Bugatti 16.4 Veyron) it has limited torque output to 1100Nm @ 2100rpm to improve engine life.

Mercedes' new W 221 series S-Class is a heavy car by anyone's standards, yet the top tune from Brabus will deliver occupants from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds, which is quick enough to beat a Ferrari F430 to that speed. It will also reach 200km/h in under 12.0 seconds and has an electronically limited speed of 340km/h. The engine's power is delivered to the rear wheels via a modified 5-speed automatic transmission, and an optional Brabus locking differential can be ordered to further improve traction.

In addition to the V12 engine tunes, Brabus describes other models that will be ready for modification soon: A Brabus displacement engine for the new 8-cylinder 4-valve engine of the S 500 model is in its final development stages. For the V6 engine of the S 350 model Brabus offers the B7 tuning kit for an additional 15hp/11kW of power or the Brabus 4.0 displacement engine with 244kW (332hp) and a peak torque of 420Nm @ 4200rpm.

Also available is the Brabus PowerXtra D6 (III) performance kit for the S 320 CDI model. This kit can be installed by any authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer [in Europe] and boosts power output of the V6 common-rail turbo diesel engine by 35kW (48hp) to 200kW (272hp) and increases peak torque to 590Nm.

Sporty sound and thrilling looks are the main characteristics of the Brabus sport exhaust systems with four tailpipes. The fully stainless-steel exhausts are available for all engine variants of the S-Class.

In addition to the powertrain and aero mods, Brabus can also fine tune the suspension systems (including air suspension features). Ride height is lowered by 25 millimetres, giving what Brabus calls a sporty yet comfortable ride.

High performance braking packages can be ordered, with three different versions for the new top-of-the-line Mercedes. Brabus states that the largest version features 12-piston aluminium fixed calipers and 380mm x 36mm vented and perforated discs on the front axle. On the rear axle 355mm x 28mm millimetre discs and 6-piston aluminium fixed calipers provide ample stopping power. Upgraded flex-steel brake lines ensure solid pedal feel and high brake pressure at all times.

Interior options for the S-Class range from sports steering wheels, to the entire re-upholstering of the interior leathers (seats, inserts etc) with Brabus Mastik and Alcantara leathers, and even a deafening custom multimedia system.