From the W124 500E-based 6.9 V12 with 509PS (502hp) to the more contemporary “one of ten” E V12 from 2009 that had 800PS (789hp) and a top speed in excess of 370km/h (230mph), Brabus has been constantly upping the ante for Mercedes-Benz’ E-Class series. Now, the German tuner is presenting what it calls, “the legitimate successor of the famed BRABUS 800 E V12” with the new 850 6.0 Biturbo based on the latest E63 AMG.
The new model utilizes a V8 unit instead of the previous car’s 12-cylinder engine, but that doesn’t come with a penalty in power.
On the contrary; after increasing the E63 AMG’s 557PS (550hp) twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8’s displacement to 6.0-liters and upgrading many of the engine’s internal parts including the turbochargers and the air intake system, it produces 850PS (838hp) at 5,400 rpm and up to 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm – though, Brabus says torque is limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft) tom, hint-hint “reduce stress on the entire drivetrain”.
A modified SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission transfers power to the rear- or if the 4MATIC version is chosen, all-four wheels (that’s a first for the series). The RWD 850 6.0 Biturbo sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, while the 4MATIC takes a mere 3.1 seconds thanks to the added traction.
Top speed depends on the model, the tires, the final drive ratio and the programming of the BRABUS Vmax unit, ranging between 300 km/h (186 mph) and more than 350 km/h (217 mph).
For owners of the latest E63 AMG who prefer not to meddle with their engine’s displacement, Brabus offers three more tuning options that increase power outputs to 620PS (612hp), 650PS (641hp), and 730PS (720hp) for the B63S-730 version.
Other highlights of the tune include a high-performance exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve, a styling and aero package, new 20-inch light alloy wheels wrapped in tires size 255/30 ZR 20 on the front and 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle, plus an assortment of interior appointments, including aluminum shift paddles and customized leather upholstery.
By John Halas
PHOTO GALLERY
