AbgTutor dot Com: Brabus B63S-700 6×6 – the six-wheeled black beast

Thursday 12 September 2013

Brabus B63S-700 6×6 – the six-wheeled black beast

Here’s a mad one from Frankfurt. The Brabus B63S-700 6×6 is the tuner’s take on the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6, which Merc describes as having “the last word in forward-thrusting power far from the beaten track”. If so, this black beast is nothing less than a monster, because AMG power is never enough for the boys from Bottrop.

The small-series production G63 AMG 6×6, which has low-range ratio, five differential locks and portal axles, is powered by a 5.5 litre biturbo V8 with 544 hp. Brabus’ B63S-700 performance kit, which is also applicable to the normal G63 AMG, “unleashes the inherent power slumbering in the turbocharged V8 engine.” To realise a major power bump, the peripherals of the V8 have been modified extensively.

The stock turbochargers are replaced by two Brabus turbos with a larger compressor unit for higher boost pressure. Brabus Gold Heat Reflection sheathing for the intake and charge-air pipes further lower the charge-air temperature. This contributes equally to the power yield and durability, which also manifests itself in Brabus’ warranty of three years or 100,000 km.

In addition, high-performance metal catalysts with 75 mm downpipes are installed to lower back pressure. The stainless-steel sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve was custom-developed for both power and active control of the exhaust note, which has a subtle “Coming Home” mode and a loud “Sport” position. The pipes are at the sides. The engine management system has been retuned, of course.

The final result is 700 hp at a low 5,300 rpm and 960 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm, a big jump of 156 hp and 200 Nm from the standard engine. The powerplant is mated to the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

That amount of firepower would turn cars into supercars, but this six-wheeled heavyweight does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds, which is respectable when you consider its kerb weight of 3,850 kg. The heavy-duty off-road tyres the 6×6 wears means that top speed is curbed at 160 km/h.