G-Class

BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR, The World’s Most Powerful Off-Roader

Words Chris Danielson | March 02, 2010
At the Geneva Motor Show 2010 the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR celebrates its world debut
Words Chris Danielson March 02, 2010

The world’s most powerful off-roader now comes in a striking wide version: At the Geneva Motor Show 2010 the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR celebrates its world debut. This exclusive special model is powered by a twin-turbo twelve-cylinder engine with 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW.

BRABUS builds the five-door by hand based on the latest Mercedes G-Class. Like all special models from BRABUS, accepted by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) as an automobile manufacturer, the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR is available with an extensive list of luxury appointments. The ultra-powerful 4×4 starts at 394,900 Euros MSRP.

As the model designation indicates, the engine bay of the G-Class vehicle houses the BRABUS SV12 S engine originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET with a top speed of 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph). The high-performance engine is based on the V12 Biturbo engine from the latest Mercedes S 600 model. In the state-of-the-art BRABUS engine shop displacement of the three-valve engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and larger pistons. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.

The engine peripherals were upgraded with larger turbochargers, an optimized intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. The exhaust was custom-developed for the G-Class and features dual chrome-plated tailpipes that exit in front of the rear wheels on either side. New precision mapping for the engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components. The result is an exemplary smooth-running engine with maximum power yield that meets the strict limits set by the EURO IV emission norm.

In the G-Class the BRABUS S V12 S displacement engine produces 700 hp (690 bhp) / 515 kW at 5,100 rpm. The turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine delivers its peak torque of 1,320 Nm (973 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is electronically limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo offers acceleration performance almost unimaginable for a true off-roader: Combined with a special five-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive the exclusive SUV catapults itself from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 240 km/h (150 mph). Without the self-imposed limit the high-tech G-Class model could reach 260 km/h (163 mph).

With the new BRABUS WIDESTAR version the designers have managed to lend the classic G-Class body an even more striking and dynamic profile. Powerfully shaped fender flares add 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) to the width of the body and optimize venting of front and rear wheel houses thanks to integrated air vents. Strikingly styled BRABUS door moldings give the 4×4 a highly distinctive appearance even when viewed from the side. Sturdy stainless-steel running boards facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle during the day and at night. LED lights integrated into the front and rear WIDESTAR fenders illuminate the running boards upon activation via the door handles or the keyless remote.

The wider fenders create space for extremely large wheels and tires. BRABUS offers WIDESTAR owners a wide selection of custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters ranging from 20 to 23 inches. The WIDESTAR version is available for all five-door G-Class models. The most exclusive option for the WIDESTAR features three-piece 11Jx23 Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION alloy wheels on front and rear axle. The corresponding high-performance tires in size 305/35 R 23 are supplied by Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR version offers a wider track and an even more impressive appearance. The front apron continues the shape of the flares on both sides and its large air ducts provide the front brakes with an ample supply of cooling air. At the same time the apron’s sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. Six stylishly integrated auxiliary headlights optimize active safety in low-light conditions. BRABUS LED daytime running lights below the main headlights call attention to the ‘Power G’ during the day.

The rear apron continues the design language of the front apron with its fading flares and stylized underride guard. In addition to the centrally mounted reflector the WIDESTAR rear bumper also houses a rear fog lamp and backup light on either side. The designer suit is rounded out with the BRABUS roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

For optimal handling BRABUS equips the special model G V12 S Biturbo with a comfortable custom suspension. To keep the enormous performance safely in check at all times the standard equipment also includes the BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380-mm (15.0 in.) vented discs on the front axle.

The custom interior of the BRABUS G V12 S Biturbo WIDESTAR is highly exclusive as well: It includes 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 BRABUS fully leather interior made from especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather.

Upon customer request BRABUS can transform the 4×4 into a fully functional and off-road capable office on wheels by installing a computer system including a wireless LAN network and UMTS internet connection. This concept can be upgraded to a high-tech multimedia system with a DVD changer, DVBT TV tuner and a game console.

Three screens display the images from the various sources: An electrically deployed 15.2-inch TFT display is integrated into the headliner. In addition, BRABUS has developed special consoles for the back of the front seats. They each feature a seven-inch LCD screen with integrated DVD player and an electrically deployed table. The sound is carried by infrared headphones.