Iconic aftermarket outfit Brabus has revealed the Brabus 900 Superblack, a heavily modified take on the already impressive Mercedes-AMG GLS 63. This conversion is especially noteworthy because the German tuner has not only retuned the motor but has upped the capacity this time, increasing displacement on the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to just over 4.4 liters.
To achieve this, the cylinder bore was increased to 3.3 inches, and the gaps were filled with oversized forged pistons and upgraded connecting rods. In addition, a billet custom crankshaft lengthens the stroke to exactly 100 millimeters (3.9 inches). With that in mind, it's no surprise that the GLS now has three upgraded high-pressure fuel pumps.
Complementing the increased capacity is a pair of larger turbochargers with bigger compressors and enhanced cores featuring reinforced axial bearings. These are boosted to a maximum of 1.4 bar (20.3 psi), while two Brabus BoostXtra blow-off valves create a thrilling noise.
In total, you get 888 horsepower and a peak of 922 lb-ft of torque (774 lb-ft under normal conditions) - the same you get in the similarly named G-Class that Brabus makes. The tuner calls this package the Rocket 900 V8 twin-turbo engine, and that name is certainly lived up to with a 0-62 mph time of just 3.6 seconds.
Depending on the wheel and tire combination, top speed is limited to either 192 or 205 mph. Both numbers are scary for a seven-seat luxury SUV. Also unusual in this class is a red carbon fiber engine cover.
As is the case with prior Brabus builds, the job is not done until everybody knows it is, so the tuner fitted a pair of three-inch downpipes and a stainless exhaust system with controllable butterfly valves, allowing owners to switch between a quiet "Coming Home" mode and the noise of Sport mode. This system is finished in four finishers that blend carbon fiber and titanium. Pagani makes entire cars like the Utopia out of this combination, so it's worth mentioning.
These exotic materials are combined on the Brabus SUV for no real purpose beyond decoration. At least there's a theme, with several more carbon fiber elements garnishing the monstrous family hauler, both inside and out.
The cabin features steering wheel trims, dashboard bezels, door panels, and a center console made from the stuff, while custom scuff plates synchronized to the ambient lighting dial up the wow factor. Leather is everywhere else, including the sun visors. Aluminum pedals and matte Shadow Grey glazing complete the cabin.
Outside, the front boasts an aerodynamically honed spoiler, and the bumper's air intakes get new ducting. At the back, a carbon diffuser insert continues the carbon obsession seen around the wheel arches, but strangely, the roof spoiler is a plain gloss black.
Back at the front, a backlit Brabus emblem tells everyone you're driving a modified Merc, even at night. White stripes and several other Brabus identifiers and badges adorn the body, and forged Brabus Monoblock Z Platinum Edition 24-inch wheels limit you to 192 mph, but 23s are available if you want the full 205. A custom control module fiddles with the factory air suspension, lowering the car by a full inch to create a more menacing look.
Overall, it's a relatively subtle look for a vehicle that is anything but. Pricing and availability remain a mystery, but you can be sure that the cost and the standard of workmanship are equally high.