Renowned German tuner Brabus is getting into the armored cars business with its new Invicto line of bulletproof vehicles.
The first product to wear the Invicto badge is the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which will be offered in three accessory lines: Pure, Luxury and Mission. All of them feature the “Invicto Shelter Cell” which is said to meet OEM factory armoring standards thanks to hot formed armoring steel plates and 3D-printed protection parts.
The ballistic protection level offered by the armored G-Class is VR6, though it also offers state limousine-like side blast protection. For the utmost in protection from outside attacks, Brabus offers the Invicto VR6 Plus ERV (Explosion Resistant Vehicle) package.
See Also: This Mansory Mercedes-AMG G63 Is Literally Bulletproof
The base Invicto Pure model incorporates the maximum level of protection, yet the exterior and interior remain as close to a stock G-Class as possible. The Invicto Luxury combines the same level of protection with a tailor-made and handcrafted interior using the finest leather and Alcantara, as well as exterior components and performance upgrades from Brabus’ catalog.
Finally, the Invicto Mission is made for “special target groups” and is designed for use as an escort vehicle. Equipment highlights include protection vest compatible integral seats with variable foam geometry, “MOLLE”-system door panels and seat backs, a roof rail system, a digital rear display mirror, Acetech system with two touch control panels, an intercom system and 20-inch rough profile off-road tires.
The list of optional features for all three lines is long and includes lighting and signal systems, auxiliary roof lights, a fire extinguishing system, an IR package including a night vision device, a fresh air system with ABC filter or an escape hatch.
Since the armoring and the additional features add around 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) to the G-Class’ weight, Brabus had to modify the chassis as well. The armored G-Wagen gained reinforced springs, stabilizers and shock absorbers, frame reinforcements, an uprated braking system, wheels with increased load-bearing capacity, and a special run-flat system.
As for pulling power, the B40S-800 performance kit for the G63 takes the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to 800 PS (789 HP) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough to enable an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph) and a respectable 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) sprint of 8.2 seconds.