G-Class

Tuner: Brabus 800 Conversion for Mercedes G65 AMG

Words Jim Davis | January 30, 2013
588 kW / 800 hp, 1,420 Nm and a Brabus wide-body version for the new 12-cylinder off-roader Mercedes G 65 AMG
Words Jim Davis January 30, 2013

Brabus has unveiled their Brabus 800 engine conversion, a powerful performance upgrade for the new Mercedes G 65 AMG at the Quatar Motor Show. Outputting 588 kW / 800 hp and 1,420 Nm instead of the standard-spec 450 kW / 612 hp the G65 can sprint 0-62 mph in just 4.2 second. The Brabus 800 G65 is electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) and can be fitted with the Brabus WIDESTAR wide-body – complete with 23-inch Brabus forged wheels available in various versions set the tuned off-roader far apart from the rest. The electrically adjustable Brabus Ride Control suspension offers a perfect symbiosis of excellent ride comfort and safe, agile handling.

The Brabus 800 engine conversion unleashes the power reserves inherent in the 6.0-liter V12 Biturbo engine. To this end the Brabus engine specialists developed a high-tech Biturbo system. The exhaust manifolds custom-designed for the G 65 AMG with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers optimize throttle response and produce a higher boost pressure than the production turbos. Four water-to-air intercoolers arranged under the Brabus carbon-fiber hood scoop ensure lower charge-air temperatures. This benefits power yield and durability even under extreme conditions such as in the desert. The optimized engine air supply is provided by two air filter boxes in the front fenders.

On the exhaust side there is a Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and a sound management system courtesy of a butterfly valve in the exhaust. The high-tech exhaust is controlled with a button on the steering wheel. The V12 can purr discreetly in “coming home” mode or shout out its exhilarating power in the sport position. The sport exhaust adds some visual excitement with its two dual tailpipes – with regular or black chrome finish – exiting on both sides in front of the rear wheels.

The newly programmed engine electronics with special mapping for injection and ignition coordinates the perfect interaction of the high-performance components while at the same time ensuring compliance with EURO V emission standards. The high-performance lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The Brabus 800 engine produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at a low 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), already on tap from 2,100 rpm. In the vehicle, peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The vehicle performance speaks volumes: In combination with the seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system the Brabus 800 WIDESTAR accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph). Without the limiter the high-performance off-roader would be capable of reaching a speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

It goes without saying that Brabus goes beyond simply tuning the engine of the G 65 AMG. The designers lend the classic G-Class body updated for 2013 an even more striking and dynamic profile with the WIDESTAR wide-body version. The front of the off-roader is characterized, among other things, by the powerfully sculpted fender flares. The Brabus front spoiler attaches to the production fascia and features integrated LED daytime running lights on the left- and right-hand side. But that’s not all: The Brabus logos integrated into both sides of the aerodynamics component are activated by pulling on a door handle or by operating the keyless-entry remote.

The new look for the front is further defined by the front grille with integrated Brabus logo and an additional panel below the radiator grille. The Brabus front-end components are also available for all G 65 AMG models without WIDESTAR conversion. The same applies to the Brabus rear fascia and the Brabus roof spoiler.

The fender flares front and back add 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) to the width of the G-Class body. Integrated LEDs illuminate the running boards of the G 65. They are also activated by pulling on a door handle or by operating the keyless-entry remote. The integrated air vents and the Brabus attachment components on the doors add further striking highlights when viewed from the side.

The widened wheel wells provide space for Brabus forged wheels with a diameter of 23 inches. State-of-the-art manufacturing technology ensures that these wheels represent an ideal combination of lightweight design and maximum strength. There are three Brabus “Platinum Edition” 11Jx23 wheels to choose from: In addition to the popular Monoblock E evo and Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” designs, there is now also the Brabus Monoblock R “Platinum Edition” forged wheel. This design has nine double spokes arranged in two matt titanium and fully polished plains. It is fitted with high-performance tires in size 305/35 R 23 from Brabus technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA.

Another Brabus high-tech feature is the Ride Control suspension developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. An aluminum button sporting the Brabus logo on the center console lets the driver manually choose between two setups for the two-way electrically adjustable shock absorbers. In comfort mode the off-roader provides exemplary ride comfort that even surpasses the production car. At higher speeds and for a spirited driving style the firmer sports setting offers more dynamic handling and even further increased safety reserves.

Furthermore, the Brabus Ride Control suspension features automatic damper adjustment. If the vehicle sensors detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical handling situation, the system autonomously switches to the firmer sports setting in the blink of an eye. The sportier damper setup further improves the directional stability of the all-wheel-drive vehicle. In return the CAN control unit also recognizes when the driver reverts to a more moderate driving style. In that event the system automatically switches back to the comfort position.

The interior of the G 65 AMG can be custom-tailored to the owner’s personal preferences in the Brabus upholstery shop. The choice of colors for the especially softy and breathable Brabus Mastik leather and the fine Alcantara is virtually limitless. Just as boundless is the selection of upholstery designs and the variety of exclusive wood or carbon-fiber inlays. In this area as well Brabus can fulfill special color requests and designs, including wood inlays in an especially exclusive yachting design.

The Brabus product range also includes stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit Brabus logo and further attractive accessories such as high-quality velour floor mats and Brabus aluminum pedals and door-lock pins.