World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: BRABUS refines the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (W 166)

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456.3 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft) give it a top speed of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). The spectacular WIDESTAR wide-body version in conjunction with forged 23-inch wheels set it far apart from the masses: BRABUS refines the Mercedes ML 63 AMG!

There is no such thing as enough power and consequently the BRABUS engine specialists have developed performance tuning for the 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine of the latest ML 63 AMG: the B63-620 performance kit. The engine tuning kit is available in various versions for vehicles with or without AMG performance package. It is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS tuning warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated November 2006). BRABUS recommends high-performance lubricants from technology partner MOTUL.

The tuning involves the integration of a plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra module into the engine electronics. This auxiliary control unit optimizes power yield as the result of a new mapping for injection and ignition as well as a moderate increase in boost pressure.

The perfect complement to the BRABUS engine tuning for the ML 63 AMG is a stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust system with butterfly valve. It gives drivers the option of switching between a discreet and quiet “coming home” mode and a decidedly throaty V8 exhaust note in “sport” mode at the push of a button. The BRABUS sport exhaust features two ceramics-coated design exhaust embellishers on either side for an even more striking rear appearance.

ML 63 models delivered ex-factory without performance package gain an extra 69 kW / 95 hp (93 bhp) with BRABUS B63-620 tuning; the performance version adds 45 kW / 63 hp (60 bhp). Both models produce a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft), available between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm.

The BRABUS-tuned SUV accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit that is part of the performance kit can be programmed to allow an electronically limited top speed of 280 or 300 km/h (174 or 186 mph).

At these speeds aerodynamic properties are crucial. To account for this fact, the BRABUS designers have developed an additional spoiler for the production fascia. It is made from clear-coated carbon fiber and reduces lift on the front axle. A rear spoiler is available as its aerodynamic counterpart.

The front of the refined ML 63 AMG adds more appeal with striking attachments for the side air inlets. A centrally placed diffuser made from clear-coated carbon fiber adds even more sporty character to the rear.

The BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares on the front and rear axle add six centimeters (2.5 inches) to the width of the top-of-the-line M-Class. These flares give the vehicle a more bullish stance that is rounded out with the attachment components for the sides of the front and rear fasciae. But that’s not all: The WIDESTAR fender flares also make room for extremely wide BRABUS king-size tires with diameters of up to 23 inches.

The largest possible tire/wheel combination for the BRABUS WIDESTAR version features size 10Jx22 wheels. Customers can choose from five wheel designs, Monoblock VI, E, G "Platinum Edition", Q and R. The most exclusive option is the BRABUS Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheel. Thanks to cutting-edge manufacturing technology it offers an unparalleled combination of lightweight design and maximum strength. The corresponding high-performance tires in size 295/30 ZR 22 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

A special BRABUS control module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the ML 63 AMG lowers the ride height of the high-performance SUV. This not only gives the all-wheel-drive car an even more striking appearance, the lowered center of gravity also further improves handling.

BRABUS is one of the top addresses in the world for exclusive automotive interior design. The company upholstery shop uses the finest leather and Alcantara to craft custom-tailored interiors for the ML 63 AMG to suit each owner’s personal taste.

Wood and genuine carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surface finishes are available to round out the ensemble. A speedometer with 360-km/h dial (225 mph) is also part of the product program.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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World debut at the 2012 Essen Motor Show: The BRABUS Tuning Program for the Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W 166)

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Exclusive, individual and ecofriendly strong in compliance with EURO VI emission standards: these three attributes best describe the latest BRABUS tuning program for the Mercedes W 166-series M-Class. From a visual standpoint the SUV receives an upgrade with a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program and custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches. The program also includes engine tuning for the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC that is as powerful as it is ecofriendly. Further on offer are stainless-steel sport exhaust systems for all models and striking interior designs including an all-leather interior in any desired color. BRABUS backs all components with the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles.

To give the current M-Class a more customized and exclusive look BRABUS offers an innovative and striking appearance package. The front bumper of the sport version can receive some added profile with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ front spoiler and attachments for the air inlets in the front fascia.

To give the new 4x4 seemingly a longer, sleeker stance the BRABUS designers have developed new sill skirts. They combine elegant design with a safety feature: entrance lights integrated into the underside are activated by pulling on a door handle or by pushing the unlock button on the keyless remote. This also activates the BRABUS logo optionally integrated into the sill skirts and the BRABUS lettering in the fender attachments that are a new development as well.

The rear end of the M-Class is upgraded with the BRABUS ‘On Road’ rear fascia that is available in two versions. Depending on the type of engine the rear fascia comes with a cutout on the left or with a cutout on either side to provide the perfect backdrop for the BRABUS dual or quad sport exhaust system. A BRABUS rear spoiler that attaches to the liftgate is available as well. In addition, there is a BRABUS WIDESTAR wide-body version complete with fender flares. The entire appearance package is manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade Pur-R-Rim plastics.

The exclusive looks are also characterized by the custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 18 to 22 inches. The largest version BRABUS offers for the new M-Class features king-size 10Jx22 wheels. The cast wheels are available in five different designs as Monoblock VI, E, Q, R and S wheels. As an alternative BRABUS offers the Monoblock G "Platinum Edition" forged wheels in the same size. State-of-the-art forging technology makes these wheels with five double spokes the perfect symbiosis of low weight and maximum strength. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA supply suitable high-performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 22 front and back for all BRABUS wheels.

The BRABUS suspension components, developed in cooperation with BILSTEIN, are specifically calibrated to this tire/wheel combination. For vehicles with conventional steel suspension BRABUS offers a choice of sport springs for a ride-height lowering by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) or a sporty yet comfortable sport suspension. For M-Class vehicles with AIRMATIC air suspension the BRABUS suspension engineers have developed a custom control module that lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 30 – 40 millimeters (1.2 – 1.6 inches).

For further optimizing the off roader’s already impressive active safety BRABUS offers a high-performance brake system. The front axle combines six-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 34 millimeters (16 x 1.3 inches). Together with four-piston fixed aluminum calipers and brake discs measuring 380 x 28 mm (15 x 1.1 inches) on the rear axle the brake system provides stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars. The BRABUS system also delivers maximum fade-free endurance.

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive program of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles and so it is no wonder that the program was also adapted to the new M-Class. For the V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine of the ML 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit that falls into the same EURO VI emissions class as the production car.

The engineers developed the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S module for the direct-injection engine in the BRABUS engine development department using state-of-the-art test bench technology and a cutting-edge emissions lab. The plug-and-play auxiliary control unit is integrated into the CAN bus of the SUV. The BRABUS mapping was calibrated specifically to the ecofriendly BlueTEC concept that uses AdBlue® reactant for emission control.

The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit bumps peak torque from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm (457 to 509 lb-ft), available on a plateau between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. At the same time maximum power output jumps from 190 kW / 258 hp (254 bhp) to 227 kW / 309 hp (304 bhp) at a low 3,600 rpm.

Performance with BRABUS D6S tuning improves enormously: with a sprint time of just 6.0 seconds the SUV takes exactly 1.4 seconds less for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) than the production car. Top speed increases to 229 km/h (142 mph).

Additional versions of BRABUS engine tuning are available for the other M-Class engines. All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with MOTUL high-performance motor oil. Custom-calibrated stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with two or four distinctive BRABUS tailpipes are available for all M-Class engines.

Yet another particular BRABUS specialty are exclusive interior options for the new M-Class: bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo as well as matte-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and foot rest are part of the refinement repertoire as are exclusive BRABUS interiors masterfully crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. In addition, there are exotic-wood and carbon-fiber trim sets in any desired color and with a variety of surfaces from open-pored and matte to high-gloss finishes.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Efficiency champion takes victory in "Auto Bild Allrad" reader survey: M-Class is "Car of the Year 2012"

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The readers of Europe's biggest 4x4 magazine "Auto Bild Allrad" have spoken and reached a unanimous decision: the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is "Car of the Year 2012".

More than 120,000 readers cast their votes as part of an online survey in which a total of 157 all-wheel-drive models were put under the spotlight. In the category "Off-road vehicles and SUVs over €40,000", a good 12 percent preferred the M-Class and as a result voted the multi-talented vehicle as the overall winner. As the most successful Mercedes-Benz SUV with sales of more than 1,000,000 vehicles, the M-Class celebrated its premiere in 1997 and is seen as the forerunner to all modern premium SUVs. In 2011, the third generation of the model was launched. It boasts impressive performance both on and off the road, and has established its position as the champion of efficiency. A further three model series from Mercedes-Benz also featured among the top ten vehicles in this category in the guise of the G, GL and GLK-Class.

The R-Class, the impressive touring SUV offering high levels of comfort on long journeys as well as a generous and variable interior with up to seven seats, was voted into second place in the category for "All-wheel-drive vans and buses".

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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