Mercedes-AMG’s latest E63 S is one of the fastest saloons on our roads, but Brabus has turned up the wick a little more
The current Mercedes-AMG E63 marked the beginning of a shift in the performance saloon market, the model gaining all-wheel drive to help it deploy its 563bhp, or 604bhp in E63 S form. Predictably, the result was straight-line performance of the kind usually reserved for supercars, but it seems Brabus wasn’t satisfied.
Available for either the saloon or estate, its Brabus 800 tuning package provides the E63 S with both aesthetic and performance upgrades. The model takes styling inspiration from full Brabus conversions such as the GT63 S-based Rocket 900, with buyers able to opt for only certain elements of the package should they desire.
As the name suggests, power output now stands at 800 PS, or 789bhp, and it’s supported by 737lb ft of torque – substantial increases of 185bhp and 111lb ft over the E63 S in standard form. These improvements come as a result of uprated turbochargers with larger compressor units, a modified core assembly and more, pushing over 23 psi of boost to the 4-litre V8. To extract as much power as possible from the new set-up, a piggyback ECU module is also fitted to adjust injection, ignition and boost pressure mapping accordingly.
Those increased outputs are sent to both axles through the E63’s standard nine-speed automatic gearbox, meaning 0-100kph now comes in a mind-boggling 3sec flat – 0.4sec quicker than the unmodified E63 S saloon, and two tenths quicker than the $468,000 AMG GT Black Series. Likely due to tyre limitations, top speed is still restricted to 300kph.
As seen on the recent Brabus Rocket 900, the carbonfibre aerodynamics package (available in either a matt or gloss finish) adds unique air intakes either side of the central grille plus a new front splitter, rear lip spoiler and a diffuser insert to accommodate a new set of quad exhaust tips.
New 21-inch monoblock wheels are also on the options list and are available in a number of finishes and wrapped in 255-section front and 295-section rear tyres to help get that power to the ground. A software tweak for the air suspension drops ride height by up to 20mm, a striking new red Brabus engine cover is fitted and, of course, there’s a valved stainless steel exhaust system on the menu too – this decreases back pressure for a marginal performance bump and increases sound.
Alongside complete reupholstery in virtually any colour of leather and/or Alcantara, Brabus will also fit branded, illuminated sill plates, aluminium door pins and new pedals, with fresh wood or carbonfibre trim also available. Though insignificant compared to the rest of the offerings, the ‘Brabus Start-Stop Memory’ system permanently disables start-stop, making quick getaways just that little bit easier.
Prices for the Brabus 800 start from c$307,000, rising from there with the selection of any custom interior upgrades.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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