German tuner BRABUS is known for offering the most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz vehicles and now BRABUS is introducing performance kits for the new Mercedes-Benz V8 biturbo engines that are found on the latest S and CL models (US: S550 and CL550) and the S63 and CL63 AMG models. Depending on the model and the level of tuning, the kits boost power output to up to 620 hp (610 bhp) / 455 kW and peak torque to 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). In addition, there are aerodynamic-enhancement components made from exposed carbon fiber, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations with diameters of up to 21 inches, and exclusive interior options. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles .
The BRABUS engine specialists have developed two performance kits for each of the new eight-cylinder biturbo engines. BRABUS recommends fully synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil for all engines.
For the S500 and CL500 models, BRABUS offers the BRABUS B50 – 490 PowerXtra CGI performance kits that sell for EUR 4,900 MSRP. The BRABUS PowerXtra module is a plug-and-play device that is integrated into the engine electronics. After the installation the 4.7-liter (287 cu. in.) eight-cylinder biturbo engine produces a powerful 490 hp (482 bhp) / 360 kW, up from standard 435 hp (429 bhp) / 320 kW. Peak torque grows to 780 Nm (575 lb-ft).
The BRABUS B50 – 520 PowerXtra CGI performance kit, available for EUR 5,900 MSRP, results in a power increase by 85 horsepower for both 500 models. In addition to the PowerXtra module, this version includes a supplementary intercooler. Equipped with this kit, both sedan and coupe reach a top speed of 300 km/h (188 mph) in combination with the BRABUS Vmax Unit. Rated power output is 520 hp (512 bhp) / 382 kW with a peak torque of 820 Nm (604 lb-ft).
In addition to the auxiliary control unit for the engine electronics, the two BRABUS power upgrades for the S 63 and CL 63 models also include a water-to-air intercooler powered by an electric auxiliary pump. The lower charge air temperature in both cases benefits power yield and longevity even under extreme operating conditions.
For the S 63 and CL 63 models not equipped with performance package BRABUS offers the BRABUS B63 – 584 PowerXtra CGI performance kit for EUR 5,900 MSRP. It bumps power output by 40 hp (39 bhp) / 29.4 kW.
For all 63-series models equipped with performance package BRABUS offers the BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra CGI version, which also costs EUR 5,900 MSRP. As the name indicates, after the conversion the biturbo engine produces 620 hp (610 bhp) / 455 kW at just 5,500 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 900 to 1,000 Nm (663 to 737 lb-ft), available between 2,250 and 3,750 rpm.
In the S63 and CL63 models with BRABUS B63 – 620 PowerXtra CGI tuning sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds. In combination with the integrated BRABUS V/max Unit, top speed increases to up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
The ideal complement to the tuning of the 5.5-liter engine is the BRABUS sport exhaust system with exhaust flap control. At the push of a button on the steering wheel the driver can choose whether to enjoy the V8 sound in the quiet and unobtrusive ‘Coming Home’ or in the markedly throaty ‘Sport’ mode. The fully stainless-steel exhaust system features two ceramic-coated tailpipes with striking design that add some visual thrills as well.
To transfer the increased power to the road with minimum slip, BRABUS offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of up to 40 percent for the Mercedes S63 and CL63 models.
For even better directional stability at these extremely high speeds, the BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop appealing and functional aerodynamic-enhancement components for the body kit of the S 63 AMG. The components are manufactured from exposed carbon fiber.
The BRABUS front spoiler gives the production front apron a visual upgrade and reduces lift on the front axle. The more striking front is rounded out with carbon-fiber moldings for the gills in the sides of the front bumper. BRABUS aluminum sport fenders lend the car a decidedly dynamic appearance.
The BRABUS carbon-fiber diffuser with integrated reflector and the carbon-fiber rear spoiler reduce lift on the rear axle.
Naturally BRABUS also offers custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches for all Mercedes S- and CL-Class models. The wheels are mounted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires.
Upon customer request BRABUS also refines the interiors of Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans and CL coupes to suit the owners’ personal tastes.
The latest Mercedes AMG model to get the new 5.5 liter bi-turbo V8 replacing the naturally-aspirated 6.3 liter V8 is the all new E63 AMG. With the new unit, the power output is increased from 386 kW (525 hp) to 410 kW (557 hp), and offers an impressive reduction in fuel consumption. The E 63 AMG consumes 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (Estate 10.0 litres) according to NEDC combined, in other words 22 percent less than its predecessor with the AMG 6.3-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine. As part of the “AMG Performance 2015” model strategy, the high-performance vehicle now benefits from the new 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine. An important contribution is also made here by the newly developed electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering system, which only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered. Additional assistance systems now raise occupant safety to a whole new level.
This eight-cylinder powerhouse, designated internally as the M 157, boasts a combination of innovative high-tech components: in addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, these include a full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and a stop/start system. With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine develops a peak output of 386 kW (525 hp) and torque of 700 Nm. In conjunction with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 410 kW (557 hp) and 800 Nm. Both variants of the E 63 AMG achieve exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively (Estate: 4.4 and 4.3 seconds), and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Fuel consumption reduced by 2.8 litres per 100 km
Despite its increased output, higher torque and improved performance, the new E 63 AMG shows an improvement of 2.8 litres in fuel efficiency compared with the previous model with V8 naturally aspirated engine. Fuel consumption, at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres according to NEDC combined, corresponds to CO2 emissions of 230 grams per kilometre (Estate: 10.0 l/100 km; 234 g/km). Both variants achieve the same consumption and CO2 figures either with or without the AMG Performance package and so take the lead in a competitive comparison.
Key data at a glance:
| E 63 AMG | E 63 AMG Estate | |
| Displacement | 5461 cc | 5461 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 98.0 x 90.5 mm | 98.0 x 90.5 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Output | 386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 250-5750 rpm* |
386 kW (525 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm 410 kW (557 hp) at 5250-5750 rpm* |
| Max. torque | 700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm* |
700 Nm at 1750-5000 rpm 800 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm* |
| Engine weight (dry) | 204 kg | 204 kg |
| Fuel consumption NEDC combined | 9.8 l per 100 km | 10.0 l per 100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 230 g/km | 234 g/km |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.3 s 4.2 s* |
4.4 s 4.3 s* |
| Top speed** | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited
The improvements in output and torque that come with the AMG Performance package can be attributed primarily to an increase in the maximum charge pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. Visible differentiation is provided by the exceptionally high-quality engine cover in genuine carbon fibre. The AMG Performance package also includes the AMG Performance steering wheel with black Alcantara in the grip area, red-painted brake callipers and, in the case of the Saloon, the genuine carbon fibre AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid and the electric rear window blind.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission helps save fuel
A major contribution to the car’s exemplary consumption figures is also made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. In place of a conventional torque converter, this uses a compact wet start-up clutch. The E 63 AMG also features a stop/start function as standard: this is active in the Controlled Efficiency (“C”) transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The stop/start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the centre console. When in transmission mode “C”, the vehicle will always start up in second gear. The system will also change gears noticeably early and avoid high engine speeds. Demand-driven delivery of fuel and a generator management system with braking energy recuperation during deceleration add further to the economic use of fuel.
Driving dynamics certainly don’t suffer as a result: the transmission modes
“S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) enhance the car’s agility quite noticeably. Shorter response times, higher engine speeds and more spontaneous gear changes demonstrate the full potential of the new AMG V8 biturbo engine. In all three transmission modes, not only is the stop/start system deactivated but, at full load, the engine management system partially suppresses the cylinders. This carefully managed interruption to ignition and injection results in faster gear changes and an emotive acoustic effect. The automatic double-declutching function in reverse gear provides the perfect complement.
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension and new steering system
The E 63 AMG features the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with a specially designed front axle: the track has been widened by 56 millimetres and includes independent wheel carriers, for increased negative camber at the front, giving clear benefits in terms of grip when driving fast through bends. Further features include steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, with an automatic level control system. Also standard here is an electronically controlled damping system, which automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving situation and reduces the roll angle of the body. The result: lightning-fast adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus” at the touch of a button.
The steering system on the E 63 AMG is also new: the electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features a more direct ratio of 14:1 and variable power assistance that adapts according to the suspension mode. The result: extremely agile handling through bends. The steering also helps to reduce fuel consumption, since the power assistance system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.
As well as the 3-stage ESP® system with Sport mode, the standard equipment package includes an AMG high-performance braking system, with composite technology on the front axle. An even more powerful AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, 40 percent lighter in weight, is available as an option. Optimum grip comes courtesy of the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, fitted with 255/R40 R 18 tyres on the front and 285/35 R 18 on the rear. The “flowforming” production process already used with the SLS AMG and the CLS 63 AMG optimises durability, while also reducing weight by up to 0.8 kilograms per wheel.
Decidedly dynamic exterior
Externally, the E 63 AMG with the new M157 engine is identifiable by its new light-alloy wheels and by the “V8 BITURBO” lettering on its distinctive, wider front wings. Further characteristic features to aid recognition include AMG bodystyling with a specific design for the front and rear, along with AMG side sill panels and an AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
Significantly upgraded interior
A striking feature of the high-quality, exquisitely crafted interior is the new AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The rim of this wheel, which is already used in the CLS 63 AMG, is flattened at both top and bottom to facilitate even better control of the vehicle. Further identifying features of the new steering wheel: aluminium shift paddles, the perforated leather in the grip areas and the three-dimensional design of the airbag cover with its “Silver Shadow” metallic trim element. This is complemented by the new E-SELECT shift lever with embossed AMG badge.
Similarly adopted from the CLS 63 AMG is the three-dimensional full-colour TFT display in the centre of the speedometer. The driver is welcomed by a striking AMG logo that shows here as soon as the door is opened.
AMG Performance Studio: individuality ex factory
Special optional extras from the AMG Performance Studio can also be added ex factory to give the E 63 AMG even more individual flair:
New driving assistance systems for added safety
With immediate effect, over a dozen driver assistance systems in the E 63 AMG help to avoid traffic accidents or mitigate the severity of an accident. Among the new systems are Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver if the short-range radar sensors detect that there is a risk of collision should the vehicle change lanes. If the driver ignores these warnings and comes dangerously close to the vehicle in the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene. By applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle, controlled through the 3-stage ESP® system, a yaw movement is created which counteracts the collision course.
Active Lane Keeping Assist is also linked to the 3-stage ESP®. This system kicks into action if the driver inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist brakes the opposite wheels and thereby prevents the vehicle from crossing the line. A display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time – a discreet but highly effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes, the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning.
The E 63 AMG with the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine is available in either Saloon or Estate versions, with the market launch beginning in September 2011. Sales prices remain at the same level as for the previous model (all prices shown inclusive of 19% VAT):
The Brabus 700 Biturbo, based on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, was officially revealed Tuesday at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
To fit the Mercedes SLS V8 engine, the German tuner’s engineers have created their own twin-turbo system that achieves an output of 700 PS (514 kW / 690 bhp) and 850 Nm (626 lb-ft) of torque. The B63 bi-turbo system features a left-turning charger attached to the left side of the engine, as opposed to the more common right-charging, right-side fitted twin-turbochargers. Improved gas flow and dynamics are the result of this style of fitting.
Brabus created an ultra-light titanium exhaust system in house that features four slanted tailpipes that are 84 mm in diameter. In addition to new tailpipes, Brabus provides an inter-cooling system, performance exhaust manifold, sport air filter system, offers an ECU remap and forged its own fitted pistons that reduce the compression ratio to 9.0:1.
Final performance figures have the tuned SLS hitting 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.2 seconds and offers a respectable top speed of 340 km/h (213 mph).
Brabus adds a wide-body kit (WIDESTAR) that widens the SLS 20 mm at the rear axle and gives a sportier look and feel. A new front spoiler, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser are added in addition to the blue illuminated gills at the front fender.
To put even more emphasis on the wedge shape of the SLS AMG Gullwing, the Brabus Monoblock F “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels are mounted in 9.5J x 20-inch rims, with 275/30 ZR 20 tires on the front axle, and 11J x 21-inch covered by 295/25 ZR 21 tires on the back. Tires are either Pirelli or Yokohama.
Custom-tailored interiors have been a specialty of Brabus for more than three decades and Brabus livedup to their name on the Mercedes SLS interior. The Brabus upholstery shop crafts individual, exclusive interiors in any desired leather or Alcantara color for the SLS, offering a completely customizable look. There is also a new sport steering wheel, a 400 km/h (250 mph) speedometer, matte or shining carbon-fiber trims as well as matte anodized aluminum pedals and foot rest.