The Mercedes Benz Brabus G63 700 6×6, for those wanting supercar acceleration and tank-sized heft with military budgets
Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis get all of the attention driving around town. However, high-end SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga and G-Class have the same effect. Few vehicles have the heft and curb appeal of the G63 AMG 6×6, attracting large crowds where ever they go. However, the Mercedes Benz Brabus G63 700 6X6 likely takes it to an entirely new level.
A stock G63 AMG 6X6 is the largest, most extreme, and most expensive Mercedes SUV ever. However, its sheer size, uniqueness, and hefty price endow it with a large helping of gravitas from the outset, and a 5.5L Biturbo V-8 supports it with a strapping 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque.
In an E-Class or S-Class, the AMG M157 V-8 Biturbo lays down some serious performance. However, in a stock G63 AMG 6×6, performance is a bit more subdued considering its 8,325-pound curb weight. Still, a stock G63 AMG 6×6, the M157 is sufficient to propel the behemoth from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a brisk 6 seconds flat, accelerating to an electronically limited top speed of 100 miles per hour.
While 6 seconds flat in a six-wheeled vehicle weighing over 8,300 pounds is sufficient for most people, there are always those who need more. For these people, it is for whom the Brabus G63 700 6X6 is designed.
What is the Brabus G63 700 6×6?
The Brabus G63 700 6×6 takes a stock G63 AMG 6×6, most often directly from the factory, and spices it up with an haute couture interior make-over and more performance, a lot more performance.
What is the engine powering the Brabus G63 700 6×6?
Before the M157 Biturbo V-8, the only way to significantly increase the power and torque of AMG vehicles was to undergo a complex and expensive engine conversion to a modified V-12 Biturbo. Such a transplant produces 800 horsepower, with torque electronically limited to 811 lb-ft to preserve the drivetrain. However, in the case of the G-Class, the output is limited to 700 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque since the drivetrain was initially designed for off-road use. Such a limitation preserves the longevity of the transmission and axles.
The engine wizards at Brabus can massage the M157 Biturbo V-8 to produce 50 additional horsepower over a modified V-12 Biturbo. By increasing engine displacement to 6.0 liters and incorporating a host of other modifications, Brabus can get 850 hp at 5,400 rpm and an astonishing 1,069 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 pm. However, torque is scaled back to 848 lb-ft of torque to protect the drivetrain. This is capable in an engine that weighs a little more than stock, leaving handling and balance unaffected.
What modifications does Brabus do to the M157 engine?
The M157 AMG motor displaces 5,461 ccs from a bore times stroke of 98 by 90.5 mm in stock form. For conversions opting for maximum performance, such as with an E-Class, Brabus increases the engine’s displacement to 6.0 liters, producing 850 horsepower. However, for the G63 AMG with a drivetrain designed for off-road use, a 700-horsepower conversion is much more appropriate. This conversion involves modifying the turbochargers with larger compressor wheels. Each modified turbo is then mounted to a custom exhaust manifold having a larger diameter exhaust. An additional water-cooled intercooler is also installed to accommodate the extra heat produced by the modified M157 engine.
What is the performance of the Brabus G63 700 6×6?
The Brabus 700 engine produces 700 hp, with 708 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 pm. The additional output drops the 0-to-62 time in the stock G63 AMG 6×6 from 6 seconds to 4.4 seconds. However, keep in mind that this is a six-wheel-drive vehicle weighing in at over 8,300 pounds.
Top speed remains limited to 100 miles per hour to maintain the use of all-terrain tires on the vehicle. Anything greater will require high-speed performance tires.
What is it like to drive the Brabus G63 700 6×6?
The Brabus towers over most cars and SUVs, providing a commanding driving position, best enjoyed at lower speeds. The interior cabin is filled throughout with soft-leather seats and trim. Interior trim not wrapped in leather is instead covered in carbon fiber. The final touches are the aluminum pedal set, door lock pins, and stainless steel kickplates with blue LED backlit Brabus logos.
Compared to the stock G63 AMG 6×6, I would imagine that the extra engine power is only felt when applying full throttle and using the revs. However, with 25% more torque on tap in the Brabus, the extra torque should be noticeable over the entire powerband. Thus, while the stock G63 6X6 in no way lacks power, I would expect power within the Brabus to be much more effortless.
While the engine is heavily refined, keep in mind that the underlying drivetrain has its origins as off-road military equipment. As a result, the ride is likely to be more like a powerful locomotive than a smooth and refined S-Class. However, the interior of the Brabus G63 700 6×6 is more like that of the sumptuous and luxurious S-Class.
Closing thoughts
While the Mercedes Benz G-Class has gone through several updates over the years, it is still a vehicle designed and built in the mechanical and analog era of 1979. Despite being heavily massaged and updated with electronic updates, the Mercedes Benz Brabus G63 700 6×6 has a large and imposing mechanical and analog presence that enables one to stand head and shoulders above any crowd.
This particular Mercedes Benz Brabus G63 700 6×6 is available for purchase from Canepa in Mill Valley.
