CL-Class

Mercedes-Benz CL500 and S500 by BRABUS

Words Jim Davis | October 19, 2011
BRABUS offers up to 520 hp / 382 kW of power, a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft), a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph)
Words Jim Davis October 19, 2011

Ahead of their global premiere at the Essen Motor Show, which takes place at the expo center of the Ruhr Valley metropolis November 26 through December 4, Brabus announced their tuning programs for the Mercedes-Benz CL 500 and S 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY.  Both vehicles are powered by Brabus’ recently launched power kit for the Mercedes-Benz 4.7-liter eight-cylinder twin turbo engine, which has a standard output of 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

BRABUS offers up to 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW of power, a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft), a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), a wide selection of wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches, sporty-elegant designer suits and exclusive interior options on their refined versions of the Mercedes CL 500 and S 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY models.

The all-wheel-drive versions of the CL 500 and S 500 are equipped ex-factory with a 4.7-liter eight-cylinder twin turbo engine that produces 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW of power and a peak torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). The BRABUS engine specialists have developed two different BRABUS PowerXtra CGI performance kits for this engine, which are also available for all rear-wheel-drive models.

BRABUS B50 – 490 engine tuning consists of a plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra module, which is integrated into the engine electronics and recalibrates the mapping for ignition, injection and the electronic boost pressure control. After the conversion the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder twin turbo engine produces a powerful 490 hp (482 bhp) / 360 kW, up from 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW. Peak torque jumps to 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).

The BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra performance kit features an additional intercooler. This BRABUS power upgrade produces 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW at 5,250 rpm, an increase by 85 horsepower. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 820 Nm (604 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm.

The performance of the tuned CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY benefits accordingly. The all-wheel-drive coupe accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.5 seconds.

The BRABUS Vmax unit eliminates the standard 250-km/h (155-mph) speed limit. The two-door car equipped with Vmax unit and BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra performance kit reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The new top speed requires the installation of a BRABUS speedometer with 360-km/h (220-mph) dial.

Performance of the all-wheel-drive S 500 model is at the same high level.

The BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system with butterfly valve and four distinctive BRABUS-design tailpipes provide the V8 engine with a sportier exhaust note that never becomes intrusive.

BRABUS offers not just engine tuning but a complete customization program for the 2011 facelift generation of the Mercedes CL-Class.

It includes a sporty-elegant aerodynamic-enhancement kit that fits all latest versions of the coupe not equipped ex-factory with AMG body styling. The BRABUS front spoiler attaches to the underside of the production bumper and gives the CL an even more energetic front end. The spoiler’s sophisticated shape was fine-tuned in the wind tunnel and reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds.

To optimize the airflow along the vehicle’s sides the BRABUS designers developed strikingly styled side skirts with stylized air vent. The side skirts also feature integrated LED entrance lights for safely getting in and out of the vehicle in the dark.

The BRABUS rear fascia features a central reflector and a custom-tailored cutout on each side for the two dual tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust system. An understated rear spoiler on the trunk lid rounds out the striking looks, and minimizes lift on the rear axle.

Just as important for a custom appearance and sportier handling are custom-tailored wheels. The CL 500 and S 500 4MATIC can be equipped with BRABUS Monoblock wheels in various designs and with diameters between 18 and 22 inches. The especially exclusive BRABUS “Platinum Edition” forged wheels represent high tech par excellence. The Monoblock F cross-spoke design is available in size 9Jx21 mounted with tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 from BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA.

In light of the approaching winter BRABUS also offers extensively tested tire/wheel combinations with high-performance snow tires. Due to their elaborate four coats of gray “Liquid Titanium” paint the one-piece BRABUS Monoblock F wheels with diameters of 19 or 20 inches are particularly suited for winter use.

The BRABUS lowering module for the standard ABC suspension is specifically calibrated to these ultra-low-profile tires. The module lowers the ride height of the two-door car by some 25 millimeters (1 in.).

To keep the enormous performance safely under control, the Mercedes naturally can be equipped with a BRABUS high-performance brake system that comes in various versions. Version IV, the largest one, consists of vented and cross-drilled discs measuring 405 x 35 mm (16 x 1.4 in.) and 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle. The rear axle stops on steel discs measuring 380 x 34 mm (15 x 1.3 in.) and 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

The interior of the all-wheel-drive Mercedes coupe also offers numerous possibilities for exclusive BRABUS refinement. The list of accessories ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel to aluminum pedals, footrest and shifter.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers countless exclusive options for trimming the interior of the CL- and S-Class to suit the owner’s personal taste. A giant selection of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and finest Alcantara in any desired color is available for that purpose.

Just as diverse is the selection of wood and carbon-fiber trim. The wood inlays can be manufactured in any desired color and wood grain with a high-gloss or matte surface finish. The lineup of sporty carbon-fiber trim is just as colorful.

BRABUS also offers every option to equip the CL Coupe or the S-Class luxury sedan with a multimedia system custom-tailored to the suit each owner’s individual preferences.