G-Class

See the Limitless Brabus 800 iBusiness Based on the Mercedes G65 AMG

BRABUS presents the world premiere of a super car powered by a 588-kW / 800-hp (788-bhp) V12 engine in a G65 AMG body

Words Jim Davis
February 27, 2014
BRABUS presents the world premiere of a super car powered by a 588-kW / 800-hp (788-bhp) V12 engine in a G65 AMG body
Words Jim Davis February 27, 2014

In the desert or on magnificent boulevards: The BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” based on the Mercedes G 65 literally knows no limits – real or virtual: At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, BRABUS presents the world premiere of a super car powered by a 588-kW / 800-hp (788-bhp) V12 engine and equipped with an innovative BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system whose Apple components offer state-of-the-art communications and entertainment on wheels.

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness interior

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness

Visually the 250-km/h (155-mph) off-roader dazzles with its spectacular BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody version and BRABUS “Platinum Edition” 23-inch forged wheels custom-developed for this model.

The ability to always be in touch and the desire to be able to enjoy entertainment anywhere while having the option to communicate with the entire world: multimedia and connectivity are increasingly gaining importance in cars as well. BRABUS was one of the first companies to stylishly integrate computers and telecommunications into cars with a full range of functionalities.

Since that time the technology has advanced at a rapid pace. In the new BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” based on the Mercedes G 65 an exclusive and extremely powerful super car now celebrates its world premiere. The all-wheel-drive car provides its owners with the capability to communicate with the entire world or enjoy multimedia content such as music, movies or games using an iPad mini, Mac mini, iPod touch and Apple TV.

While the heart of the system, the Mac Mini computer, is housed together with the Apple TV module and the power amp rather inconspicuously in custom-designed consoles in the trunk, the modifications in the rear compartment of the G-Class are immediately apparent: The production rear-seat bench is replaced by individual seats that offer any conceivable creature comfort including an integrated seat ventilation system.

A tailor-made BRABUS center console was installed between the two rear seats, and extends all the way from the front seats to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests. The upper section features a refrigerator for refreshments, the main part of the console houses numerous components of the “iBusiness” multimedia concept. These include not only a folding and swiveling table for each rear seat, but also docking stations with built-in chargers for the iPad mini and the iPod touch, as well as space for the concealed storage of keyboard and mouse plus USB ports for connecting to the Mac mini.

A special console was also developed for the stylish integration of the 15.6-inch LCD monitor into the headliner made of the finest leather and Alcantara. It serves as the main screen for the entire multimedia system, and can be deployed and retracted via the BRABUS Remote app specifically developed for the “iBusiness” package. The app is also used for powering on the Mac mini.

Brabus 800 iBusiness based on the Mercedes G65 AMG

Brabus 800 iBusiness based on the Mercedes G65 AMG

The rear-seat passengers can enjoy all benefits of the BRABUS multimedia system at any time. Both computers, the iPad Mini and the Mac mini mainframe, allow working just like at home or the office. The connection to the internet is established via a high-speed modem and a WLAN. Because the BRABUS electronics specialists integrated the iPad mini into the vehicle’s on-board electronics system, the tablet computer also controls the various functions of the multimedia equipment.

Internet television from all over the world is displayed by the Apple TV module on the main screen. The DVD changer of the standard COMAND system was also integrated into the multimedia options. The high-end sound system is tailored to the G-Class interior and offers a wide range of first-class listening pleasures. The iPod touch in the rear console serves as the program source and can store more than 14,000 titles.

Rear-seat passengers can also enjoy the amenities of the BRABUS “iBusiness” concept in a particularly pleasant environment at night. To this end, the interior designers have installed dimmable ambiance lighting between the seats and in the roof. The roof-mounted console also features gimbaled LED reading lights.

The BRABUS upholstery shop created a black all-leather interior for the BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” show car. It continues the quilted pattern of the exclusive BRABUS leather floor on the seat center surfaces and the center sections of the doors. The interior is rounded off with red contrasting stitching that matches the pinstripes on the wheels.

Of course BRABUS also offers interiors in any other color. There are virtually no limits for the color scheme of the especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather and the classy Alcantara. Just as unlimited are the variations offered by the many leather upholstery designs and exclusive wood or carbon-fiber inlays. BRABUS can fulfill requests for special colors and designs, including wood inlays in an especially exclusive yachting design.

Stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and other attractive accessories such as high-quality velour floor mats and aluminum BRABUS pedals and door-lock pins are also part of the BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” interior appointments.

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness

The custom interior is accompanied by sheer high performance: The 6.0-liter V12 Biturbo engine of the G 65 is upgraded with the BRABUS 800 engine conversion. For this purpose the BRABUS engine specialists have developed a high-tech twin turbo system. The exhaust manifolds with integrated turbo housings and high-performance turbochargers were custom-developed for the G 65. They not only further optimize throttle response, but produce a higher boost pressure than the production turbos. Four water-to-air intercoolers located beneath the carbon-fiber BRABUS hood scoop ensure lower charge-air temperatures. This benefits power delivery and durability even under extreme conditions such as, for example, in the desert. Two air filter boxes positioned in the front fenders ensure an optimized supply of breathing air for the engine.

On the exhaust side there is a BRABUS stainless-steel exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts and sound management via a controlled butterfly valve. The high-tech exhaust system is operated with a button on the steering wheel. The V 12 engine can either whisper discreetly in “Coming Home” mode or trumpet news of its power to the world in the “Sport” position. Visually the sport exhaust captivates with two dual tailpipes – either with standard or black chrome finish – exiting in front of the rear wheels on either side.

Special mapping for the engine management system coordinates the perfect interaction of all high-performance components while ensuring compliance with EURO V emissions standards. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner MOTUL.

The BRABUS 800 engine produces 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) of power at a low 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), on tap already from 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness Engine

Mercedes G65 AMG Brabus 800 iBusiness

The performance the car delivers speaks volumes: In combination with the seven-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, the BRABUS 800 WIDESTAR sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h (155 mph). Without the limiter the high-performance off-roader would be capable of reaching 270 km/h (167 mph).

With the WIDESTAR widebody version the designers lend the classic G-Class body in the current facelift version an even more distinctive and dynamic profile. The front of the off-roader is marked by powerful fender flares. But that’s not all: The BRABUS front spoiler, which also fits any G 63 or G 65 without WIDESTAR conversion, attaches to the production bumper and features LED daytime running lights on the left and right-hand side. The illumination of the BRABUS logos integrated into both sides of the aerodynamic-enhancement component is activated by pulling on a door handle or with the keyless remote.

Another important factor in the spectacular appearance of the front is the new lighting concept with dark BRABUS xenon headlights. The precise-fit inserts, which replace the production headlights of the G model, feature special integrated LED daytime running lights that also serve as turn signals. This renders the production turn signals on top of the fenders obsolete. Their openings are closed with custom covers made of clear-coated carbon fiber that add another sporty highlight.

The new look for the front is rounded off with the radiator grille with integrated BRABUS logo and an additional faceplate below the radiator grille. The BRABUS components for the front are of course also available for all G 65 models without WIDESTAR conversion. The BRABUS rear bumper with two LED backup and fog lights each and the BRABUS roof spoiler with integrated LED brake light are also suitable for universal use.

The front and rear fender flares add 12 centimeters (4.7 in) to the width of the body. Integrated LEDs illuminate the running boards of the G-Class when a door handle is pulled or the keyless remote is activated. Integrated air outlets and BRABUS door attachment components add further striking highlights in the side view.

Brabus 800 iBusiness based on the Mercedes G65 AMG

Brabus 800 iBusiness based on the Mercedes G65 AMG

The wider wheel arches make room for BRABUS “Platinum Edition” forged wheels with a diameter of 23 inches. The use of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology makes these wheels an ideal combination of low weight and maximum strength. Three BRABUS “Platinum Edition” size 11Jx23 wheels are available for the G-Class: Monoblock E evo, Monoblock F and Monoblock R. All are mounted with size 305/35 R 23 high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” show car on display at the Geneva Motor Show is equipped with BRABUS Monoblock F “Platinum Edition” 11Jx23 wheels sporting a black mirror finish and red pinstripes on the rim flange that echo the interior design.

Another BRABUS high-tech feature is the Ride Control suspension developed together with technology partner BILSTEIN. An aluminum button sporting the BRABUS logo in the center console allows drivers to choose manually between two setups for the electronically adjustable shock absorbers: In comfort position the off-roader offers exemplary ride comfort that even surpasses that of the production car. At higher speeds and for spirited driving, choosing the firmer sport setup offers more dynamic handling and even further increased safety reserves.

In addition, the BRABUS Ride Control suspension features automatic damper adjustment. If the vehicle sensor systems detect that certain parameters such as speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle might lead to a critical handling situation, the suspension is automatically switched to the firmer sport setting in the blink of an eye. The sportier damper setup further improves the handling stability of the all-wheel-drive car. The CAN control unit also detects when the driver reverts to a more moderate driving style. The system then automatically switches the shock absorbers back to the comfort position.

Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and efficiency class: BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” based on G 65: city 22.7 l/100 km, highway 13.7 l/100 km, combined: 17.0 l/100 km. CO2 emissions, combined: 397 g/km, efficiency class G.