With the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup to choose from, you’re never quite sure what car official tuner Brabus will choose to display at the Geneva motor show: It could be anything from a Smart Fortwo to a G-wagen.
This year though Brabus will display what it does best: A hugely fast saloon. By applying its PowerXtra B40S performance package to a Mercedes-AMG C63 S, the Bottrop-based concern has liberated 641bhp, a 3.7-second 0-62mph time and a headline 200mph top speed in a car it calls the Brabus 650.
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As Brabus puts it, the best way to extract power from a turbocharged engine – like the 4-litre ‘hot vee’ V8 of the current C63 – is raising boost pressure. While some might stop at that alone, Brabus has developed its own special turbochargers for the car, with a larger compressor unit and stronger internal bearings.
With a new ECU and changes to both injection and ignition, the B40S package lifts power from 503bhp to 641bhp and torque from 516lb ft to 604lb ft, developed between 1750-4500rpm.
The seven-speed torque converter automatic remains standard, but tactility is improved with aluminium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Aural qualities have also improved with a Brabus stainless steel exhaust system, though this can be moderated with a ‘coming home’ mode for the butterfly valves, to avoid waking your neighbours.
Styling features include carbonfibre bodywork additions with matte or polished finish options – there’s a front spoiler, bumper air intake surrounds, a rear spoiler, and lower bumper insert to surround the twin dual-tailpipe units of the sports exhaust.
Brabus wheels are almost as well-known as the engine packages, and the 650 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Two different 20-inch designs are available, with either five spokes or a distinctive cross-spoke design, wrapped in a choice of Continental, Pirelli or Yokohama 255/30 ZR20 front and 275/30 ZR20 rear tyres. Gap ‘twixt tyre and arch is minimized by a set of height-adjustable Bilstein coilovers.
Inside, Brabus has gone to down with leather and black Alcantara trim, the latter covering the seats, steering wheel rim, dashboard and door centre panels.
The Brabus 650 will appear on the company’s stand at the Geneva motor show next week. You can keep up to date with all the latest Geneva news on our hub page.
