2009 BRABUS GLK V8 with 462 hp review and pictures

BRABUS GLK V8 with 462 hp review:

World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2009

V8-Power with 462 hp for the Smallest Mercedes SUV

An automotive dream comes true: The special model GLK V8, which celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2009, adds fascinating eight-cylinder power from BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) to the GLK. BRABUS, recognized as an automobile manufacturer by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency (Kraftfahrtbundesamt), implants the eight-cylinder four-valve engine from the S 500 into the confines of the GLK body. As part of the BRABUS power treatment the displacement of the engine is increased to 6.1 liters, after which it puts out 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the exclusive five-door to a new top speed of 275 km/h (172 mph). The BRABUS GLK V8 starts at 198,200 Euros MSRP.

The implantation of the V8 engine into the body of the GLK required the know-how the BRABUS development department gathered in the design of many ultra-fast high-performance sedans such as the BRABUS BULLIT that reaches a top speed of more than 360 km/h (225 mph). The BULLIT is based on the latest Mercedes C-Class.

There is nothing that replaces displacement except more displacement: The BRABUS engineers converted the four-valve V8 engine from the Mercedes S 500 to BRABUS 6.1 specifications. The displacement increase to 6,096 cc is facilitated with a custom billet-steel crankshaft with longer stroke and with an increase in cylinder bore. BRABUS high-performance pistons increase the compression ratio to 11.0:1.

Another focal point of the BRABUS engine modifications lies in the four-valve cylinder heads. Larger intake and outlet valves actuated by sport camshafts improve gas flow. Intake and outlet ports are also flow optimized.

The BRABUS conversion further includes new engine electronics, a special seven-speed automatic gearbox and a high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts custom-built for the GLK body.

462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at 3,100 rpm are the performance cornerstones of the BRABUS 6.1 engine, lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil.

This engine transforms the BRABUS GLK V8 into the prime example for a dynamic SUV: The five-door zooms from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 275 km/h (172 mph).

To keep this tremendous performance potential safely in check at all times, BRABUS thoroughly upgrades suspension, brakes and aerodynamics of the GLK.

The sporty yet comfortable BRABUS suspension was developed to account for the higher weight of the V8 engine. It lowers the ride height of the GLK by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches).

The BRABUS high-performance brake system is also designed to withstand the most extreme stress. Six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel discs measuring 360 x 36 millimeters (14.2 x 1.4 inches) provide maximum stopping power in the front. The rear axle helps stop the big-block GLK with six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved 300 x 28 millimeter (11.8 x 1.1 inches) steel discs.

A wider track also contributes to the sporty handling characteristics of the special model SUV. Underneath the striking fender flares that add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the GLK is plenty of room for extra-wide wheels. The GLK V8 runs on especially light yet extremely strong BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels. Customers can choose between the classic three-piece Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels and the new Monoblock F wheel styling with nine double spokes. These wheels are mounted in size 9Jx21 in front and in size 10.5Jx21 on the rear axle. BRABUS Monoblock E and S wheels are also available with 21-inch diameter. All wheels are shod with high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA. Even more exclusive is the 10Jx22 version with size 295/25 ZR 22 tires. In this size customers can choose from the familiar Monoblock designs VI, S, E and the new BRABUS Monoblock G forged five-spoke wheels.

In addition to the fender flares the WIDESTAR conversion includes the BRABUS front apron whose shape was optimized in the wind tunnel to reduce lift on the front axle. The component features generously dimensions air inlets as well as integrated LED daytime running lights and auxiliary high beams and fog lamps.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR rocker panels create a homogenous transition between front and rear fender flares. The underside of the panels features LED lights that are activated via the key fob of by pulling on a door handle. They illuminate the ground next to the SUV for safe entering and exiting of the vehicle in the dark.

The rear of the widened GLK is characterized by the BRABUS rear apron with centrally mounted reflector. Custom-tailored left and right cutouts provide the perfect surroundings for the four redesigned tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust. The rear appearance is rounded out by the BRABUS roof spoiler.

Individuality also rules in the GLK interior: The lineup of exclusive accessories starts with an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS WIDESTAR logo.

BRABUS also equips the GLK 6.1 with exclusive interior design. The BRABUS upholstery shop creates an entirely new BRABUS leather interior perfect down to the last detail. Customers can choose from single-color or multi-color interiors, with or without Alcantara elements. Especially exclusive is the leather covering of the entire vehicle floor that alone uses several kilometers of the finest color-coordinated thread, all sewn with utmost precision.

Additional interior highlights come in the form of carbon-fiber trim panels or trim made from a variety of different precious-wood grains for dashboard, doors and center console. Custom-tailored seatback consoles for the GLK front seats with integrated seven-inch monitors and DVD players offer multimedia on wheels.