GLE-Class

2012 Mercedes ML63 AMG by Brabus B63 Outputs 620 hp

Words Jim Davis | December 03, 2012
The new Brabus WIDESTAR wide-body ML63 AMG has been tuned to reach a top speed of 186 mph
Words Jim Davis December 03, 2012

Brabus refines the Mercedes ML 63 AMG. The spectacular WIDESTAR wide-body from Brabus outputs 456.3 kW / 620 hp (611 bhp) of power and a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft) to give it a top speed of up to 300 km/h (186 mph), proving there is no such thing as enough power. The Brabus engine specialists have developed performance tuning for the ML63 AMG 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo engine named the B63-620 performance kit. The engine tuning kit is available in various versions for vehicles with or without AMG performance package.

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.