That is the label under which the world’s largest independent automotive refinement specialist now offers a new, luxurious high-performance SUV. The name says it all: Inside and out, it is the color black that rules. The forged BRABUS Monoblock Z “PLATINUM EDITION” 24-inch wheels likewise sport this same color. To match the black paint finish, ‘Shadow Grey’ glazing was applied to all trim pieces that are chromed on the base vehicle. Exposed-carbon elements add sporty highlights on the body and in the interior.
The heart of this all-wheel-drive supercar is the BRABUS ROCKET 900 V8 twin-turbo engine with a displacement increase to 4.5 liters and a high-performance turbocharging system. After the modification the eight-cylinder produces a peak output of 662 kW / 900 hp (888 bhp) and a peak torque of 1,250 Nm (922 lb-ft), which is limited to 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) in the vehicle.
The supercar’s performance is on par with purebred sports cars: From rest, the BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK catapults itself to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds. Depending on the selected tire/wheel combination, the top speed is electronically limited to 310 or 330 km/h (192 or 205 mph).
The in-house upholstery shop of BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, internet www.brabus.com) enhances the high-performance luxury SUV with a particularly exclusive BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior, perfectly crafted from black leather and Alcantara down to the last detail.
The BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK sells for 370,550 euros MSRP (export price in Germany excluding 19 percent VAT).
For more than 45 years, the BRABUS brand has stood for superior engines that combine outstanding performance and flawless durability at the highest level of perfection. Consequently, the new BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK is also powered by one of the most potent engines in the history of the company. In tried and proven tradition, the GLS 63 engine is completely revised in the high-tech engine shop of the company from Bottrop.
The formula for the BRABUS ROCKET 900 V8 twin-turbo engine is as complex as it is well-established: more displacement produces more power. For this reason the cylinder volume of the four-valve, twin-turbo eight-cylinder is increased from stock 3,982 cc to 4,407 cc (243 to 269 cu in). This is achieved by enlarging the cylinder bore to 84 millimeters (3.3 in), complemented by the installation of accordingly sized forged pistons and high-performance connecting rods. A precision-balanced, billet custom crankshaft lengthens the stroke to exactly 100 millimeters (3.9 in).
To realize the increase in power by 212 kW / 288 hp (284 bhp) compared to the production engine, which develops 450 kW / 612 hp (603 bhp), the turbocharging system was also redesigned. Two special BRABUS turbochargers with larger compressor unit and special core assembly with reinforced axial bearing produce a peak boost pressure of 1.4 bar. A pair of BRABUS BoostXtra valves ensure a thrilling blow-off noise when the driver lifts off the gas.
Because an engine as powerful as this also needs more air to breathe, exposed-carbon air intakes are integrated into the radiator grille at the left and right. The fuel supply is modified accordingly as well with three special high-pressure pumps. The BRABUS 900 engine cover made from red exposed carbon puts the finishing touches on the V8.
The exhaust side is upgraded with special downpipes with a diameter of 76 millimeters (3 in), and metal catalysts. Just as important for the superior power delivery is the BRABUS stainless high-performance exhaust system with actively controlled butterfly valves for managing the exhaust note. Drivers can switch between the whispering “Coming Home” mode and a throaty, pure V8 sound when the “Sport” option is activated. The four BRABUS tailpipes made from a combination of carbon and titanium are also an absolute visual treat.
In order to coordinate the interaction of all high-performance components and the engine electronics perfectly, the BRABUS power unit engineers and electronics specialists conducted extensive testing, both on state-of-the-art test benches and on the road. These tests were crucial for the engine’s tremendous performance. What is more, the precisely programmed maps also serve to comply with the stringent EURO 6D ISC-FCM emissions standard. Additionally, this huge effort also ensures the proverbial reliability of a BRABUS engine, which is of course backed by the three-year or 100,000-km / 62,000-mile BRABUS Tuning Warranty (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013).
Technology partner MOTUL supplies the hi-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain.
The performance figures of the BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK are outstanding: It produces its peak power of 662 kW / 900 hp (888 bhp)) at a low 6,200 rpm. Just as unrivalled is the gigantic peak torque of 1,250 Nm (922 lb-ft), which is already on tap at a low 2,900 rpm. In the vehicle, this figure is limited electronically to 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) in order to protect the drivetrain.
As a result, the all-wheel-drive supercar is capable of delivering the performance of a sports car thoroughbred. From rest, the all-wheel-drive SUV weighing about 2.6 metric tons accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.6 seconds. Depending on the selected tire/wheel combination, the top speed is electronically limited to 310 or 330 km/h (192 or 205 mph). In addition, the five-door mesmerizes above all with its outstanding acceleration muscle at any engine speed.
It goes without saying that the aerodynamics, tires and suspension were also tailored to the tremendous performance potential of the BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK. The designers of the Bottrop-based automotive refinement specialist shaped exposed-carbon bodywork components that are sporty, elegant and offer a precise fit. They give the SUV sportier looks and are aerodynamically efficient.
The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the lower part of the fascia and makes the front of the SUV even more distinctive. Moreover, the sophisticated shape of this aerodynamic-enhancement component reduces front-axle lift at high speeds, which results in further improved handling stability. The side air intakes in the front bumper are upgraded with tailor-made air ducting. The thrilling looks also include the BRABUS air intakes in the radiator grille as well as a backlit BRABUS emblem and white signature stripes. These stripes and the BRABUS model badges on the rear and sides of the supercar provide contrast to the dark SUPERBLACK outfit.
Tailor-made BRABUS exposed-carbon trim give the wheel arches a sportier appearance. The same effect is achieved at the rear by the BRABUS diffuser insert, which perfectly showcases the four BRABUS tailpipes of the sports exhaust. In contrast, the BRABUS roof spoiler made from PUR-R-RIM is painted the same black as the vehicle.
In the largest variant, the forged BRABUS Monoblock Z “PLATINUM EDITION” 24-inch wheels make perfect use of the available space under the wheel arches of the supercar. Thanks to the use of CAD technology and state-of-the-art production processes, these wheels offer a perfect combination of lightweight design and strength. Their design features ten spokes extending all the way to the edge of the rim, which makes them appear even larger than they are. The ideal high-performance tires for these hi-tech wheels are supplied by technology partner Continental. The front axle runs on size 10Jx24 rims with 295/35 R 24 tires. The rear axle uses wheels 12 inches wide with tires of size 335/30 R 24. These tires require limiting the top speed electronically to 310 km/h (192 mph). When choosing the optionally available BRABUS 23-inch set of wheels, the tires allow increasing the top speed to 330 km/h (205 mph).
In order to further optimize the handling and make it even safer while making the car look sportier as the result of lowering, the suspension engineers of the tuner developed a custom control module for the air suspension. It decreases the ride of the BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK by 25 millimeters (1.0) compared to the base car.
BRABUS interior design has been another strong suit of the German dream factory for decades. The in-house upholstery shop created an equally exclusive and comfortable BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior for the new supercar crafted with consummate craftsmanship and precision. Matching the paint finish, the interior is dominated by especially soft and skin-friendly black leather, complemented with some areas covered in Alcantara, for example the headliner.
This exquisite interior design also demonstrates the great love of detail that characterizes the work of the BRABUS upholstery shop in the styling of the upholstery. A typical example of this is the precise shell-shaped quilting on the seat surfaces and the inner segments of the door panels. In addition, these leather sections feature perforations applied with pinpoint precision. The floor of the vehicle cabin and the entire trunk are quilted in the same design. Components such as the sun visors embossed with the “77” logo commemorate the year 1977 when BRABUS was founded.
The exclusive interior of the new supercar also includes a host of sporty carbon components. Parts of the steering wheel rim are made from this composite as are the bezels in the dashboard, the door panels and the center console. Classy scuff plates with BRABUS logo that changes color in sync with the ambient interior lighting at all four doors and the tailgate add further appealing touches.
In keeping with the cockpit all in black, matt ‘Shadow Grey’ glazing was applied to all controls, air vents, speaker grilles and surrounds. Sporty accessories in the interior are the aluminum paddle shifters, pedals and door-lock pins covered with black glazing.
Fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions and efficiency class:
BRABUS 900 SUPERBLACK based on the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+: city 16.2 l/100 km (14.5 mpg), highway 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 mpg), combined: 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 mpg). Combined CO2 emissions: 273.5 g/km, efficiency class D.
