Monday 9th September 2013

Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness

Silly name and even sillier performance from the latest Brabus, launching at Frankfurt

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So it appears even Brabus has to adapt to prevailing buyer attitudes. Yes, there's an unfeasibly large amount of power (the 850 6.0 Biturbo part of the name should have confirmed that) for its new car, but there's also an entire iStore's worth of connectivity equipment (that's the iBusiness part).

Definitely not the plug-in hybrid with those pipes

And that isn't entirely hyperbole. The latest Brabus features an iPad mini and an iPod touch as standard equipment, which is perhaps to be expected on a modern luxobarge. However, there's also a Mac mini plus an Apple TV; these can be controlled by the rear passengers through an upgraded rear seat entertainment package. Who needs to ever leave the car?

Now that's probably very desirable for a certain Brabus customer, but what about those of us who look fondly upon 7.3-litre SLs and E-Classes capable of more than 200mph? Don't worry, Brabus hasn't abandoned its old values.

Plenty to do if 850hp becomes boring!

Based on the S63 AMG, the 850 6.0 Biturbo takes that car's 5.5-litre engine and bores it out to 5.9-litres (clearly the misnaming strategy of Mercedes has made its way across to Brabus). There are (much) larger turbos, forged pistons, a new crank, an ECU remap and a freer-flowing stainless steel exhaust. The result? 850hp and 848lb ft. In an S-Class. Brabus claims 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and a 217mph top speed.

The 850 Biturbo also receives carbon ceramic brakes, new 21-inch wheels and a Brabus bodykit. The aesthetic result is standard Brabus fare; a fairly restrained appearance apart from some blingy rims but with plenty of menace in black. The banoffee leather interior wouldn't be our choice though.

Unsurprisingly, a price hasn't yet been announced for the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness. Given the standard S63 AMG will cost £119,565 in Britain, a figure around £200,000 must be likely.

[pSyCoSiS]

Epic machine. Outstanding technology and stats.

But, '850 Biturbo' sounds very BMW?!

[0a]

Hmm a bit vulgar for me, and I can't imagine that much power will be useful very often in such a large car.

[E38Ross]

Holy cow that's a lot of power. Who cares about its name anyway? I'd rather it without the blingy wheels but I'm sure that could be changed!

[otolith]

What's it for?

[RINGMEISTER]

£200,000 is the new £100,000

[Krikkit]

Blimey, 850hp? Good for a spot of Autobahn storming while doing a spot of business.

[Podie]

All that power, all that tech and it still looks like someone bought a £50 over the headrest DVD holder.

[British Beef]

The rectangular profile in the roof, Iassume must be a 24in fold down TV, reclining seats and there must a bar hidden in the centre armrest - making it the worlds fastest and cinema.

Otherwise its a pointless vehicle of excesses.

[AyBee]

otolith said:

What's it for?

Does it matter? 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds and a 217mph top speed in something the size of the QE2

[Justices]

WIll you actually have time to do any business or watch a film if it's moving that bloody fast?

[Ocellia]

Speed wasted. If designed for comfort, try this.....?

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/225378-to...

[Chuck328]

Around £200k? A Bullet is over £300K!

[edinph]

Ridiculous!

[Liquid Tuna]

When will it all end!!

[Chuck328]

Liquid Tuna said:

When will it all end!!

When cars start pealing the tarmac up? This things probably not too far off it..

[Passeyfier]

Certainly has presence, but the wheels are a touch too big (just a touch!) 20" would suit it better IMHO.

[Chicane-UK]

Stunning... wouldn't mind an autobahn jaunt behind the wheel of that monster!

[MycroftWard]

That's phenomenal performance, the hp war continues.

The exterior looks good though not interesting enough for a £200k motor IMO, though maybe a relatively inconspicuous appearance is the idea?? That two tone interior is a bit yuk for me, it would look good with less contrasting colours I think.

Why it needs to have "iBusiness" tacked on the end of the name I'm not sure, seems a little cringeworthy for such an expensive, high end car.

[rtz62]

It just goes to prove the old saying;
"You can't buy class..."
Seems that Mercedes, sorry Brabus, have one eye on the late, un-lamented Maybach with regard to (lack of) style.
Horrible.

[E38Ross]

For those saying it's pointless, why? Is it the power? If so, where do you draw the line? 50bhp is more than enough to hustle you along at 70mph in the UK so why bother with more? What about Germany? What about the those who want the thrill of G force of acceleration?

Is it because of all the gadgets in the back? Seems good if you've got stuff to do and you're having to be sat in the car for a few hours to get the your next meeting or whatever your destination may be.

So what's pointless about it and why?