2010 BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo review and pictures

BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo review:

Luxury SUV with 650 hp / 478 kW and WIDESTAR Version

Strong as a bull, sporty yet elegant and with exclusive appointments: The new BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo, which celebrates its world debut at the DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW, combines these three attributes to perfection. With this luxury SUV BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) further expands its impressive portfolio of exclusive high-performance automobiles. The 4x4 SUV is powered by a BRABUS B63 Biturbo 6.3-liter V8 engine with 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). Visually the SUV sets itself apart with the stunningly styled BRABUS WIDESTAR version and forged 23-inch wheels. Also part of the standard equipment of the BRABUS GL63 Biturbo is an exclusive interior with leather and Alcantara. The GL 63 Biturbo is built in small-series production and starts at 368,000 Euros MSRP.

BRABUS fits the high-speed eight-cylinder four-valve engine from the ML63 AMG with a twin turbo system and implants it into the largest Mercedes SUV. By doing so the luxury manufacturer from Bottrop elevates the GL 63 to a new performance dimension.

The twin turbo system is yet another high-tech development so typical for BRABUS. The BRABUS engineers have developed special cast exhaust manifolds with integrated turbine housings and bypass valves for the V8 engine. For faster response the turbochargers were sized relatively small and both manifolds were designed to only use the exhaust gases from three of the four cylinders on each side for driving the turbochargers.

The turbochargers themselves are also a custom BRABUS development. Normally V-type engines are fitted with two right-turning chargers. That results in a slower response on the right side of the engine because the intake on the right side of the turbine housing necessitates a more complicated exhaust routing than on the left side of the engine. To solve this problem the BRABUS engineers designed a left-turning turbocharger for the right cylinder bank of the engine and thus achieved perfect exhaust-gas dynamics.

The twin turbo system also includes a generously dimensioned water-to-air intercooler as well as a dual intake manifold with cast-in BRABUS Biturbo logos and sport air filters. High-performance catalysts behind the turbochargers reduce back pressure and further lower exhaust emissions.

The inner workings of the engine are adapted to turbocharging with BRABUS forged pistons that reduce the compression ratio to 9.0:1. Newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection adapted to the turbo technology and an electronic boost pressure management system play a key role. Together they ensure not only maximum power yield but also clean emissions in accordance with the EURO IV emission standards. Like all BRABUS engines the B63 Biturbo is lubricated exclusively with synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

This engine establishes the BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo among the world`s most powerful SUVs. The engine has a rated power output of 650 hp (641 bhp) / 478 kW at a low 6,200 rpm. The maximum torque of 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) is available on a plateau between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm.

In combination with a modified SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive this engine delivers performance previously unimaginable for a vehicle of this type: The BRABUS GL63 Biturbo accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

Naturally the vehicle`s aerodynamic properties, tires, suspension and brakes are all adapted to this enormous performance potential.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR version with its elegantly contoured fender flares adds six centimeters (2.4 inches) to the width of the GL 63 Biturbo. The WIDESTAR front apron was shaped in the wind tunnel to reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle thus maximizing directional stability at high speed. Generously sized air inlets provide the engine and the front brakes with as much cooling air as possible. For further increased active safety the BRABUS front features LED daytime running lights and four auxiliary headlamps.

BRABUS rocker panels create an aerodynamically smooth transition between the fender flares on front and rear axle. Integrated entrance lights facilitate entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark.

The vehicle`s aerodynamics are further optimized by a roof spoiler and the BRABUS rear apron with integrated diffuser. The apron is custom-tailored to fit the wider fenders and in addition to cutouts for the tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system features integrated underfloor lights.

The large wheel houses offer plenty of room for three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION 11Jx23 wheels. These nine-spoke wheels have a forged and high-gloss-polished drop center and can be fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires up to size 305/30 R 23.

The BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo can also be equipped with forged 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch Monoblock VI, E, Q or S and new BRABUS Monoblock G PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels.

The ride height of the high performance car is lowered by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) with the BRABUS suspension tuning module for the AIRMATIC air suspension. This measure not only benefits the looks of the GL. The lowered center of gravity also results in even sportier and safer on-road handling.

To further optimize active safety the SUV is equipped with a BRABUS high-performance brake system. The version for the GL 63 Biturbo features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter (15.0 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers.

The luxury equipment of the BRABUS GL 63 Biturbo also includes a premium interior. The interior is custom-tailored to customer specifications from a combination of especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara.

BRABUS precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays are available in a variety of versions and are color-coordinated with the leather. The sporty character of the vehicle is reflected by the speedometer with 320-km/h (200-mph) scale, aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel.

Special consoles for the backs of the front seats each have an integrated seven-inch LCD screen, a DVD player and a folding table. They transform the rear passenger compartment into a multimedia studio. The entertainment equipment can be further expanded into a fully functional office on wheels with state-of-the-art communication and computer technology.