Timed to coincide with the European launch of the new Mercedes R Class, tuners BRABUS will be showing their take on the new 4WD at Geneva. In the tradition of the company, the headlining R 500 version will have 445 hp. This model features the BRABUS 6.1 S displacement engine, and also has a full aerodynamic package, light-alloy wheels up to 22" in diameter with custom-calibrated suspension, and individual interior options.

And it's not all petrol-performance. Equipped with the BRABUS PowerXtra D6 (III) power output of the R 320 CDI increases from a standard 224 hp to 272 hp at just 3,800 rpm. At the same time peak torque grows from 510 Nm to 590 Nm. With the tuned common-rail turbodiesel engine the R 320 CDI sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. The new top speed is 227 km/h.

The eight-cylinder R 500 can be treated to four stages of BRABUS tuning. The most powerful of them labelled BRABUS 6.1 S. In addition to the displacement increase of the V8 engine to 6.1 litres the three-valve cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow and fitted with special camshafts. The conversion further includes a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts. The result after the conversion? 445 hp at 6,000 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 635 Nm at 4,500 rpm. In BRABUS 6.1 S specification the Grand Sports Tourer delivers excellent performance: Just 5.9 seconds for 0 - 100 km/h with a top speed of 265 km/h.

Externally the BRABUS cars can be recognised by the four tailpipe BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust systems and revised body kit that includes: front spoiler, precise-fit auxiliary headlight inserts for the front bumper and a rear apron with cutouts for the two dual chrome tailpipes.

Inside the R Class the options range from stainless-steel sill plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels to an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior crafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

The BRABUS multimedia package is also available for the new model series. It includes DVD player, game console and LCD screens integrated into the back of the headrests. Upon customer request BRABUS can convert the new R-Class into a fully functional office on wheels with powered tables and a state-of-the-art computer system.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Brabus