2009 BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo / 650HP review and pictures

BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo / 650HP review:

BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo with 310-km/h Top Speed

650 hp / 478 kW Twin-Turbo Power for the Mercedes AMG ML 63

Innovative engine technology has been the mainstay of BRABUS product portfolio for more than three decades. The new BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo, based on the Mercedes AMG ML 63, celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2009. It sets new standards for SUV performance and styling. The new BRABUS B63 Biturbo 6.3-liter V8 engine produces 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW and propels the 4x4 to a top speed of 310 km/h (194 mph). In addition to a superior engine the new BRABUS ML 63 sets itself apart from the rest with the sporty yet elegant WIDESTAR package, forged 23-inch wheels and an exclusive interior trimmed out with leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber. The BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo starts at 190,602 Euros MSRP.

The BRABUS engineers spent some two years on the development and testing of the fast-revving engine with twin turbochargers. The newly developed turbocharger system of the eight-cylinder engine represents high-tech par excellence. Custom exhaust manifolds were developed for both cylinder banks. These OEM-quality-cast manifolds feature integrated turbine housings and bypass valves. For maximum response at low engine speeds the chargers are comparatively small. To avoid negative effects on the system from excessive exhaust-gas pressures the manifolds are designed to utilize the exhaust from only three of the four cylinders on each side of the engine V for driving the turbochargers.

Even the choice of turbochargers was unconventional: Normally two right-turning turbochargers are used in twin-turbo V-engines. Because the inlet port of right-turning turbocharger is located on the right side, engineers would have to compromise on the optimal exhaust-gas routing on the right side of the engine. To avoid any compromises the BRABUS developers equip the B63 Biturbo system with left-turning turbocharger on the right side. This turbocharger was custom-developed for this engine and ensures optimal gas flow and perfect exhaust dynamics.

The twin-turbo system further includes a large intercooler, a dual-flow intake manifold with cast-in BRABUS Biturbo logo, and high-performance free-flow metal catalysts for efficient exhaust-gas purification.

Forged BRABUS pistons provide a charger-friendly compression ratio of 9.0:1. The engine is controlled by custom-tailored engine electronics with precision-matched mapping for ignition, injection and the electronic BRABUS boost-pressure control. That guarantees not just optimal power yield but also exemplary low emissions in accordance with the EURO IV norm. Like all BRABUS engines the B63 Biturbo is lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil.

The high-end B63 Biturbo engine costs 69,800 Euros and offers power on a level previously unknown in the SUV world. With a rated power output of 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW at just 6,200 rpm the BRABUS engine surpasses its production counterpart by 140 hp (138 bhp) / 103 kW. Peak torque of the ML 63 Biturbo is 850 Nm (626 lb-ft), up from standard 630 Nm (464 lb-ft). It is available on a wide plateau between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm.

Just as unique in this vehicle category is the performance this engine delivers in concert with a modified seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened by 0.8 seconds to 4.2 seconds. Top speed increases from 250 to 310 km/h (155 to 194 mph).

That type of performance potential places especially high demands on aerodynamics, tires, suspension and brakes. The BRABUS WIDESTAR version with its elegantly shaped fender flares on front and rear axle is five centimeters (two inches) wider than the production car.

The front spoiler bumper with its three strikingly styled air inlets, four auxiliary headlights and daytime running lights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion further includes door trim components and rocker panels that create a perfect transition between front and rear fender flares. The rear apron features an integrated diffuser and cutouts for the chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system. In combination with the rear spoiler it creates an optimal aerodynamic balance.

The wider stance not only benefits the appearance of the M-Class, it also improves handling. Three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION wheels are specially designed for the WIDESTAR model. They come in size 11Jx23 and feature forged wells, creating an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum mechanical strength. The new nine-spoke wheels are fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23 front and back.

The BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) which also benefits sporty on-road handling.

To further optimize active safety the BRABUS ML 63 is equipped with a high-performance brake system. 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers grip front discs measuring 380 x 36 mm (15.0 x 1.4 inches). The rear axle features six-piston fixed calipers and 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs. Together these components provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.

The most powerful M-Class ever also features numerous exclusive interior highlights. Stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel are part of the package as is an exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior made from a perfectly finished combination of the finest Mastik and Alcantara leathers.

Sporty BRABUS ‘Checkered Flag` carbon-fiber components for the interior are another BRABUS innovation. They have a carbon-fiber surface structure made to look like a checkered flag used as the finish flag in motorsports. The front seats can be fitted with custom rear consoles that encompass the headrests. They each house a seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player. These consoles are also available in a version that features a power-folding precious-wood table.