Confession time: when the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Cabriolet was first announced, it was missed on these news pages. Apologies. But with a GLS-based 850 XL now confirmed to join it in the range, attention can be evenly split between the two.
You have a Range Rover SVR? Pah!
Absurdly yet brilliantly, both SUV and super cabrio use the same engine. Taking AMG's standard 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, Brabus bores and strokes it to 5,912cc with forged pistons installed along with a new billet crank and reworked heads.
The intake system is overhauled, the exhaust manifolds are new and the Brabus turbos have "larger compressor units." We're guessing they're much larger, given Brabus claims 850hp and 1,069lb ft (!); that torque peak is available from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm as well. Pray for the tyres and gearbox!
Note on this particular GLS the 23-inch wheels, carbon body adornments and revised air suspension that drops the car by 30mm. Inside it's pretty much as you please, this car with brown leather and "gorgeous" braided leather highlights. Perhaps take Brabus up on its offer of wood or carbon inlays available "in every conceivable variation". And no braided leather.
The 850 Biturbo Cabriolet is claimed to be the world's fastest and most powerful four-seat drop-top, a claim we're not going to doubt with a 217mph top speed. As mentioned, it uses the same mechanical upgrades as the GLS, including a new exhaust with a 'Coming Home' mode that's quieter than standard. Thoughtful.
Like the GLS, a range of carbon and wheel packages are available to mark your uber S-Class out, plus low-profile tyres and a suspension drop. Leave the red lip and we'll take this as it is, actually. Don't mock the front spoiler and rear diffuser either; they're said to reduce lift at speed, which is useful with 850hp.
Both the 850 XL and Biturbo cabrio are on sale now, either as conversions from the standard car or one-off builds. Brabus chooses not to list prices, but there's already an 850 for sale on the site at 315,000 euros. Check out the C63-based 650 as well, if you need something a little more modest.