Review Car

625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp) and a peak torque of 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) thanks to a 6.0-liter eight-cylinder biturbo engine. With a top speed electronically limited to more than 350 km/h (217 mph) and wrapped in the designer outfit of the legendary BRABUS ROCKET 800. These are the most important features of the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo WIDESTAR based on the four-door Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Coupe. With this unrivalled supercar BRABUS seamlessly continues its tradition of building high-performance automobiles for more than 35 years.

After three different performance levels for the CLS 63 AMG with 430 kW / 584 hp, 456 kW / 620 hp and 537 kW / 730 hp (577, 611 and 720 bhp) offered by the BRABUS B63S - 730 performance kit, the BRABUS motor engineers unlock a new dimension in performance for all current CLS 63 models.

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo high-capacity engine is the crowning achievement in the 2014 BRABUS engine portfolio. The displacement increase from standard 5,461 cc to 5,912 cc (333 to 361 cubic in.) follows the proven BRABUS philosophy that displacement can only be substituted by even more displacement. In the new high-end engine from Bottrop the increased displacement of just less than 6.0 liters is combined with a biturbo system with even more efficient design. 

In a first step the inner workings of the eight-cylinder engine are thoroughly revised. This includes boring out the cylinders in the state-of-the-art BRABUS engine-building shop and installing eight forged pistons with a diameter of 99 millimeters (3.89 in.). They are connected by billet custom piston rods to a precision-balanced billet custom crankshaft with a stroke of 96 instead of the standard 90.5 millimeters (3.77 instead of 3.52 in.) In addition, both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow.

The engine peripherals are also upgraded with high-performance components. The two production turbos are replaced by turbos with a larger compressor unit and modified exhaust manifolds. To further lower the charge-air temperature the intake and charge-air tubes are fitted with special "Gold Heat Reflection" sheathing that immediately catches the eye.

Furthermore, the BRABUS engine specialists developed the 850 intake module for this engine conversion. It includes a larger air filter box with enlarged intake cross section. For an optimal supply of fresh air the hood has an integrated air duct, which directs the air from the air slits in the ROCKET front element. 

Metal catalysts and a BRABUS sport exhaust round out the exhaust side of the high-capacity engine. Thanks to an integrated controlled butterfly valve the driver is able to choose between a throaty V8 exhaust note in “Sport” mode and a subtle whisper in “Coming Home” mode at the push of a button. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system is also a visual treat: the two ceramic-coated design tailpipes marked with BRABUS logo perfectly fill out the cutouts in the rear fascia on either side of the BRABUS diffuser.

The highly efficient coordination of all high-performance components was ensured by the BRABUS motor engineers and electronics specialists by means of the electronic engine management system. To this end they not only made use of the company’s state-of-the-art engine test benches, but also road tests on high-speed circuits and in everyday traffic. Beyond outstanding power delivery the focus of the development engineers was also on maximum durability and exemplary emissions. 

A displacement of six liters (361 cu. in.) and two turbochargers result in the most powerful street-legal BRABUS engine to date: 625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp) at a low 5,400 rpm are just as much a benchmark as the enormous peak torque of 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. In the vehicle peak torque is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft) in the interest of the longevity of the powertrain. Like all BRABUS components this high-performance engine, operated exclusively with high-tech lubricants from technology partner MOTUL, 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). 

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo high-capacity engine catapults the rear-wheel-drive four-door coupe with BRABUS limited-slip differential to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. The version with 4MATIC all-wheel drive reaches 100 km/h from rest even quicker in just 3.1 seconds.

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo WIDESTAR also offers a superlative top speed: Depending on the final-drive ratio the four-door coupe reaches a top speed in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph). 

To keep this enormous performance safely in check at all times, aerodynamics and suspension were thoroughly revised.

The ROCKET 800 front element on the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo WIDESTAR was originally developed for the twelve-cylinder BRABUS ROCKET 800 with a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph). This aerodynamics component includes the front spoiler and the radiator frame. Like all other BRABUS bodywork components for the latest CLS it was developed in the wind tunnel. All ROCKET 800 components are manufactured from ultra-light yet high-strength carbon fiber.

The front spoiler’s large air scoops and side air vents ensures an optimal supply of cooling air for water and oil coolers as well as for the front brakes. Just as important is that it minimizes negative lift on the front axle while lowering drag. 

The air outlets in the front fenders are part of the sporty-elegant yet subtle appearance of the four-door car. The BRABUS rocker panels with integrated LED entrance lights calm the airstream along the vehicle sides.

To achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, the BRABUS design studio developed a rear wing and a rear diffuser for the body of the four-door coupe. Air outlets in the sides of the rear bumper round out the sporty outfit.

High tech and design also enter into a perfect symbiosis in the wheels of the BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo. Thanks to state-of-the-art forging technology the BRABUS Monoblock R "Platinum Edition" wheels reduce unsprung masses to a minimum. At the same time they have a fascinating and innovative design with two sets of five double-spokes alternatingly polished and painted anthracite grey, arranged in two planes. Of course dynamic handling doesn’t come up short either: the size 9Jx20 front wheels with size 255/30 ZR 20 tires provide excellent grip as do the size 295/25 ZR 20 tires on size 10.5Jx20 wheels on the rear axle. The perfect high-performance tires are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

Exclusive BRABUS fine leather interiors that satisfy any customer request are another specialty realized in the company upholstery shop. The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo can be equipped with the finest leathers and Alcantara in any desired color. Scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and the rear tables for installation on the back of the front seats add individual highlights as do the markedly sporty aluminum components such as pedal pads, door-lock pins and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The product portfolio also includes high-quality clear-coated carbon-fiber inlays for the instrument panel and center console in any desired color as well as wood trim in any desired color and grain.

625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp) of power and 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) of torque in the wagon: The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo based on the Mercedes E 63 AMG celebrates its world premiere at the 2013 ESSEN MOTOR SHOW and in tandem with the BRABUS version of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake becomes the world’s most powerful street-legal all-wheel-drive wagon. 

Powered by the most powerful BRABUS engine to date, the new 850 6.0 Biturbo V8 high-capacity engine, the five-door supercar delivers superlative dynamics: As a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive model the wagon from BRABUS sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 300 km/h (186 mph) to protect the tires.

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo, which is of course also available as a sedan, impresses not only with superior performance, but also with its sporty-elegant BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit, tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of 19 or 20 inches, and its BRABUS fine leather interior tailored to the individual customer’s preferences.

The turbocharged eight-cylinder engine in the AMG E 63 serves as the perfect basis for professional engine tuning. BRABUS relies on the tried and proven concept of increasing displacement for the new top-of-the-line engine. To increase the displacement of the four-valve engine from standard 5,461 cc to 5,912 cc (333 to 361 cubic in.) the BRABUS high-tech engine-building shop increases cylinder bore to 99 millimeters (3.89 in.) and installs forged pistons tailor-made to the new specs. A precision-balanced billet custom crankshaft with a stroke of 96 instead of the standard 90.5 millimeters (3.77 instead of 3.52 in.) in conjunction with eight custom billet piston rods completes the displacement increase. In addition, both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow.

Additional performance potential lies in the engine peripherals: The production turbos are replaced by two BRABUS turbos with a larger compressor unit and special exhaust manifolds. To optimize the air supply, the BRABUS engine specialists designed the carbon-fiber BRABUS 850 intake module, which includes a larger air filter box with enlarged intake cross section. For an optimal supply of fresh air the hood has an integrated air duct, which draws cool air via generously dimensioned air tube from an aperture in the front fascia to optimize power yield of the engine.

To lower the charge-air temperature and thus positively influence power delivery, BRABUS fits the intake and charge-air tubes with special "Gold Heat Reflection" sheathing.

The discharge of exhaust gases is optimized with high-performance catalysts and a BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust with controlled butterfly valve. The driver can choose between a throaty V8 exhaust note in “Sport” mode and a subtle whisper in “Coming Home” mode at the push of a button. The two ceramic-coated design tailpipes with cast BRABUS logo on either side of the BRABUS diffuser make the exhaust system also a visual treat. 

The perfect coordination of all high-performance components is ensured by means of special mapping for the electronic engine management system. This creates an optimal symbiosis of maximum performance, perfect drivability and eco-friendly emissions complying with strict EURO VI emissions standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The new high-capacity engine is the most powerful BRABUS to date: The rated power output of 625 kW / 850 hp (838 bhp) at a low 5,400 rpm and the enormous peak torque of 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm are new benchmarks for high-performance automobiles based on Mercedes-Benz. In the vehicle peak torque is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft) in the interest of the longevity of the powertrain. Of course this high-performance engine is also 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).

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo high-performance engine can be installed in a rear-wheel-drive or 4MATIC all-wheel-drive E 63. Due to the better traction the four-wheel-drive version in particular delivers acceleration figures only attained by a very few super sports cars or super sports bikes: From rest the wagon reaches a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds. Due to the tires the top speed of the wagon has to be limited to 300 km/h (186 mph). The lower rear-axle load of the sedan allows a top speed of up to 350 km/h (217 mph) with high-performance tires, depending on the final-drive ratio and the programming of the BRABUS Vmax unit.

BRABUS also offers three other power levels without a displacement increase for the current E 63 AMG models. They range from 456 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp) and 478 kW / 650 hp (640 bhp) to 537 kW / 730 hp (720 bhp) in the BRABUS B63S-730 version.

To further optimize handling stability, the BRABUS designers developed lightweight, high-strength carbon-fiber bodywork components in the wind tunnel. 

The front spoiler lip, which attaches to the production bumper of the E 63 and also fits the sedan, reduces negative lift on the front axle at high speeds while lending the vehicle an even more distinctive nose. The BRABUS diffuser insert provides the perfect backdrop for the two dual tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust. 

BRABUS offers tailor-made tire/wheel combinations for the E 63 AMG that match the designer outfit. The largest version features one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F or R wheels in size 9.5Jx20 with tires in size 255/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and size 295/25 ZR 20 tires in the rear. There is also a version that features BRABUS Monobock R "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in sizes 9Jx20 in front and 10.5Jx20 at the rear. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. 

The company upholstery shop crafts BRABUS fine leather interiors from especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara in any desired color to customer specifications. 

Particularly ergonomic BRABUS aluminum shift paddles and BRABUS RACE pedals add sporty highlights.

The BRABUS 850 6.0 Biturbo can be ordered as a complete car. Alternatively BRABUS will convert any current Mercedes E 63 AMG completely or in stages to this level.

The SL-Class range is set for a power hike as a series of revisions are announced. The new SL 400 Sport will join the SL family replacing the SL 350 as the entry model to the range and the SL 63 AMG will gain even more power. Fitted with a V6 biturbo drivetrain the SL 400 features an increase of 27 hp and 110 Nm of torque over the outgoing engine and is quicker, despite displacement being decreased by half a litre. The SL 400 will be available from £72,500 OTR and deliveries will start in July. A total of 333 hp and 480 Nm of torque are produced by the all-new six-cylinder engine equipped with two turbochargers lowering the 0-62 sprint from 5.9 to 5.2 seconds. This combination ensures that the automotive icon meets EU6 emissions standards, whilst also ensuring that customers have the very best in style, power and performance.

The SL 400 Sport will be fitted with 19” AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels as well as AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, a boot lid spoiler in body colour and sports suspension. On the inside, a host of eye-catching features include an instrument cluster with a chequered flag design, a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with silver gear shift paddles and perforated leather in the grip areas, plus brushed light aluminium trim and AMG floor mats.

Alongside unique standard equipment features like Frontbass and Magic Vision Control, the SL 400 and SL 500 (which also now meets EU 6 standards) will also feature DAB and Tyre Pressure Monitoring as standard.

The SL 63 AMG also gains enhancements from July. It will benefit from a power upgrade with a total output of 585 hp – an increase 48 hp. An increase of 100 Nm will result in a total of 900 Nm of torque being available, and this is all without any compromise to fuel efficiency and emissions. An AMG rear axle limited-slip differential will also be fitted as standard. With a locking effect of up to 40 per cent, superior traction and improved lateral dynamics are guaranteed.

For those wanting to customise their AMG customers can now also clad their engine in an AMG carbon-fibre engine cover for £1,580.