Those possessed of a more delicate constitution will obviously have a fairly low threshold for the ostentatious. On the other end of the scale, you’ll find the people who deem large SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG positively drool-worthy.
Sitting just above the latter set is the sort who will argue that there is absolutely no such thing as too excessive, which would perfectly describe the person that’d eagerly spring for a Brabus-tuned version of the aforementioned car.
Now, we’re willing to bet there’s nobody out there who would say a “run of the mill” AMG car is something to be taken lightly, not even the small ones like the A45 (you might have already read about it in our AMG double-bill on page 94). But the ML63 is hardly retiring, given its imposing stature and the 525bhp/700Nm its 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is packing.
However, this is no regular ML63 – it already has a Performance Pack upgrade from the AMG factory, which boosts its output to 557bhp/760Nm. This should normally be enough to sate even the most power-mad, but for those out there who think it could do with even more, Brabus has answered the call.
Just by tweaking the ECU, Brabus has pushed this ML63’s output to 620bhp, with maximum torque rated at 820Nm. However, this isn’t Brabus’ most extreme expression of an ML63 – the B63S-700 Widestar develops 700bhp and 960Nm, its torque having to be artificially limited to protect the drivetrain.
While this particular Brabus ML63 is spared those tender ministrations, it’s a Widestar in everything but its power output, as it has the same widebody conversion kit that adds 60mm to the width of the car. Not only does this enhance the squat, muscular appearance of the ML63, the added clearance also allows the fitment of larger wheels. In this case, it gets a set of 23-inch Monoblock R Platinum Edition forged alloys with supercar-grade, 315-section Continental ContiSportContact 5P tyres.
This is handy, because this leviathan has performance that could give some sports cars a serious run for their money. Its zero to 100km/h time is quoted at 4.5 seconds (0.3 of a second quicker than the standard model), and it can reach a top speed of 300km/h. Heady stuff, but perhaps even more so given this super SUV’s top speed is electronically limited (the speedometer has a reading up to 360km/h!).
Helping keep the ML63 planted at that speed is a Brabus module to drop the ride height of the air suspension. That high-speed roadholding ability is complemented by a complete aerodynamic makeover from Brabus, including the front and rear spoilers, side skirts and rear diffuser.
Besides the added downforce these items muster, they also perform the important task of enhancing the ML63’s aesthetic appeal. Bodykit elements are picked out in matte-finish aluminium (the arrow-shaped side strakes) or in high-gloss carbon fibre (the front lip and rear diffuser).
These aesthetic touches extend to the interior as well, with Brabus providing some tasteful touches in the form of aluminium pedals, door lock pins and (beautifully machined) shifter paddles. The floor mats (including those in the boot space) are also replaced with Brabus items, along with the Brabus-branded illuminated scuff plates on the door sills.
And just to hammer home the fact this isn’t your garden-variety ML63 AMG (if you can call the standard car that), the exterior is littered with Brabus branding, including the replacement of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star in the front grille with the Brabus “B”.
It’s the icing on the cake, the cherry on top, or the star on top of the Christmas tree (we know the reference is a little belated, sorry) of what is a marvellous display of automotive excess.
For some, that might be a little… er… excessive, but if there’s really no such thing as “too much” to you, Brabus’ take on the ML63 AMG is nothing short of perfection.
EXTERIOR
Brabus Widestar widebody conversion
Brabus front spoiler & side skirts
Brabus rear diffuser & rear spoiler
Brabus front grille badge
Brabus side skirt badge
Brabus bonnet & tailgate logos
Brabus valve caps
INTERIOR
Brabus 360km/h speedometer dial
Brabus shifter paddles
Brabus illuminated scuff plates
Brabus aluminium pedals
Brabus door lock pins
Brabus floor & cargo bay mats
ENGINE
Brabus B63-620 ECU tuning
Brabus engine cover
Brabus exhaust system
SUSPENSION/HANDLING
Brabus air suspension lowering module
WHEELS/TYRES
Brabus Monoblock R Platinum Edition 23-inch wheels
Continental ContiSportContact 5P, 315/25 R23 tyres
