The 789bhp Brabus 800 Adventure XLP is a Mercedes-AMG G63 pickup
Taking inspiration from Mercedes-AMG’s 6x6, Brabus has given the G63 more power and a pickup bed
German tuner Brabus is renowned for its madhat, Affalterbach-derived creations, adding copious amounts of power to already-capable machines, and more carbonfibre components than you’d think possible. The new 800 Adventure XLP is perhaps one of its most extreme yet, taking a G63 and adding a pickup bed...
Taking inspiration from the limited-run G63 6x6 of 2013, Brabus has made the latest iteration of the G63 a little more appealing for those wishing to spend their time scaling mountains. An additional 49cm of ground clearance, 50cm in wheelbase and new portal axles make it more suited to extreme conditions, whilst the new steel rear end accommodates the carbon and flexi-teak-panelled pickup bed.
> New Mercedes-AMG G63 2018 review - a new skeleton under familiar old skin
Achieving this was no easy task, with a suspension redesign and the development of a new module for the steel ladder frame required, the latter preserving the standard car’s torsional rigidity, whilst replacing the rear suspension mounting points.
Under the skin lies the same 4-litre hot-V V8 you’ll find in every 63 AMG product currently on sale, but thanks to the use of two new turbochargers, a larger compressor unit and an ECU tune, power now sits at 789bhp and 737lb ft of torque, enough for a 4.8sec 0-62mph time – top speed is limited to 130mph due to tyre restrictions and a high centre of gravity.
Of course, added capability isn’t enough for Brabus, and so its ‘Widestar’ carbon wide-body kit is bolted on for an additional 11cm of extra width, eight-lug 6x6-esque off-road wheels added, and 325 section, all-terrain Pirelli tyres wrapped around them for optimum traction. A roof-mounted luggage rack, carbon wind deflector (with LED lights), and a winch rated for 4500kg can also be optioned.
Alongside every optional extra, this matte Rocket Silver Geneva show car features a take-off and landing pad for a ‘Wingcopter’ – a drone capable of flying at 150mph, with the ability to supply aid up to 75 miles away.
The limited-run ‘First Edition’ show car will make its debut at the Geneva motor show, and would set you back an eye-watering €666,386 (£566,000). Next year, order books for a ‘basic’ 700bhp variant will open, priced from a comparatively reasonable €389,831 (£331,000).
