Brabus reveals new powerhouse 850 XL
If German tuning house's GLS-based creation were an athlete, WADA would be all over itWhen it comes to performance enhancing Mercedes, none do it with more gusto and 'joi de vive' than German tuning house Brabus.
The company's latest creation, named the 850 XL, starts its life as a standard GLS 63 AMG 4Matic before Brabus bores out the twin-turbo V8's displacement from 5461 cc to 5912 cc.
Brabus then goes about doing a number of other performance-enhancing operations, including fitting larger turbochargers, forged pistons, forged rods, larger downpipes, a new exhaust system and a new air intake, to name just a few.
If all this mechanical engineering talk is a bit overwhelming, the performance figures are even more so. The stock engine produces 430kW and 760Nm of torque, but the 850 XL makes a whopping 625kW and enough torque to tow Tasmania back to the mainland (1450 Nm).
This means that the 2.6-tonne leviathan is capable of accelerating to 100km/h from a standing start in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 300km/h. What's more, the 850 XL could go faster, but the tyres that wrap around the 23-inch forged rims are only speed-rated to 300 clicks.
The 850 XL also gets a full carbon-fibre aero kit, for which some pieces were developed in a wind tunnel for the purpose of enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the SUV. The interior is also completely re-done, with things like braided leather and chequered-flag carbon-fibre inserts added, for extra luxury.
There is no official word as to how much all of this will cost in Australia, however we anticipate it will be rather a lot.
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