2006 Mercedes-Benz Brabus R 500 6.1 S review

Mercedes-Benz Brabus R 500 6.1 S review:

Concurrent with the market introduction of the new Mercedes R-Class in Europe Brabus presents an exclusive tuning program for the new Grand Sports Tourer. Highlights of the product lineup are the Brabus 6.1 S displacement engine with 445 bhp for the R 500, a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, light-alloy wheels up to 22 inches in diameter with custom-calibrated suspensions, and individual interior options.

More Power

The eight-cylinder R 500 can be elevated to new performance levels in four Brabus tuning stages. The most powerful of them is labeled Brabus 6.1 S. In addition to the displacement increase of the V8 engine to 6.1 liters 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 impressive result after the conversion: 445 bhp at 6,000 rpm and an enormous peak torque of 468 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. In Brabus 6.1 S specification the Grand Sports Tourer delivers excellent performance: only 5.6 seconds for 0 - 60 mph with a top speed of 165 mph.

For a more sporty emphasis of the characteristic R-Class lines the Brabus designers developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front spoiler, precise-fit auxiliary headlight inserts for the front bumper and a rear apron with cutouts for the two dual chrome tailpipes of the Brabus sport exhaust.

22-inch Light-alloy Wheels

Just as important for a customized appearance are Brabus Monoblock A, S and VI light-alloy wheels, which come in various designs with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version for the new R-Class features Brabus wheels in size 10Jx22 shod with Yokohama or Pirelli high-performance tires in size 265/35 ZR22 in front and in size 295/30 ZR22 on the rear axle.

The Brabus suspension engineers developed sporty yet comfortable suspensions perfectly matched to the new tire/wheel combinations. Brabus also offers high-performance brake systems for the new R-Class. The most powerful system, Version III, consists of 380-millimeter perforated discs and 12-piston aluminum calipers on the front axle. The rear axle features 6-piston calipers on 355-millimeter discs.

Luxury Interior

Luxury and individuality in the interior is another Brabus specialty. 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.

Multimedia Package with DVD Player, Game Console and LCD Screens

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. End of Mercedes-Benz Brabus R 500 6.1 S review.