Wednesday 5th December 2018

Brabus reveals 270hp A250

Famed tuner delivers stock A-Class model with even more torque than Mercedes-AMG A35

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Funny, really; all the concerns raised about AMG tinkering with A-Classes, as raised in Sam's A35 drive, must apply to Brabus as well. Here's a company whose reputation is built on V8 and V12 'bahnstormers, now forced to embrace a downsized, four-cylinder way of thinking. And in a fortunate bit of timing - that's what we'll assume it is, at least - Brabus's latest work has been released at the same moment as the world learns what an AMG A35 is like.

First surprise? It's not as powerful. No doubt more potent versions will arrive in time, but for now a Mercedes A250 with the Brabus 'PowerXtra B25 S' performance upgrade is making 270hp - 36hp less than the AMG equivalent. However, it does best the A35 on torque, 317lb ft playing 295. It should be a 155mph car too, with 62mph coming up in 5.9 seconds - presumably that's for a front-wheel drive A250, with the kit available for the 4Matic version also.

Elsewhere the Brabus tweaks are cosmetic: a little more carbon here, some more exhaust tip there - you know the score by now. A range of wheel upgrades are also on offer, with Brabus engineers and test drivers said to have developed bespoke tyre and wheel combinations for anything from 17- to 20-inches. Note too the bodykit, comprising a two-piece front spoiler, a roof airfoil for "optimal aerodynamic balance" (useful on a 270hp road car), a diffuser insert at the back and bespoke exhaust cut-outs for the four (!) outlets. Brabus says the tips are "an extravagant visual treat."

The interior can also be jazzed up in typically Brabus fashion, with Mastik leather, "high-quality velour floor mats" and as much Alcantara as you could ever wish for. Apparently it can be all leather, if you wish... Prices haven't yet been released by Brabus, though the latest range of A-Class accessories are on sale now. There's even a three-year, 62,000-mile warranty - what's to stop you?

[Coley88]

Given the launch of the A35 AMG, unless this Brabus is significantly cheaper, I really do not see the point.

[DBRacingGod]

I see the sub’s gone in the takeover.
“...than then...”?

[Al U]

I can see the appeal of it. Maybe for someone a bit nervous of getting an A35/A45 for fear of it getting pinched, this would arguably be a bit less desirable while still not being a standard A-class.

I also think that it might appeal to those few that want something a little different, these will undoubtedly be less common than the A35/A45. Like you the poster above said, if it is in fact cheaper than an A35 then it could sit in a nice space in the lineup. A step up from the A250 both in terms of power and visuals and more torque than the A35 above it. With 270bhp it won't be a slouch either and could end up being driven harder more of the time if that makes sense.

[MrGTI6]

I'm surprised Brabus hasn't started doing this to the A180d. Yes, it would be ste, but they'd sell thousands!

[BeirutTaxi]

Horsepower sells the car torque wins the race.

[TonyRPH]

Could it be any uglier?

[Luke.]

Sheep in wolf's clothing.

[Prinny]

Luke. said:

Sheep in wolf's clothing.

Baabus?

[Oz83]

Until this, what has been the cheapest Brabus?

Not so sure this will do the brand any favours. Imagine what would happen to Rolex if they released a £500 high street watch.

[J4CKO]

Luke. said:

Sheep in wolf's clothing.

270 bhp hatchback a sheep, suppose it is aping an AMG A45 a bit but should still shift quite nicely.

[RemyMartin81D]

Oz83 said:

Until this, what has been the cheapest Brabus?

Not so sure this will do the brand any favours. Imagine what would happen to Rolex if they released a £500 high street watch.

What you mean like the Brabus fortwo and for four? Yes I imagine those power houses simply exude cool.

[Looket]

Luke. said:

Sheep in wolf's clothing.

Absolutely, apart from the aggressive front spoiler, enormous wheels, quad exhaust, racing rear wing, diffusers and smattering of Brabus badges.

But apart from that totally non-descript and Q. No one would ever guess it's a bit racy!

[fernando the frog]

why can't brabus create a better looking badge? i've always hated that emblem

[MrGTI6]

fernando the frog said:

why can't brabus create a better looking badge? i've always hated that emblem

Agreed. Looks like a five-year-old designed it.

[schmalex]

Looket said:

Luke. said:

Sheep in wolf's clothing.

Absolutely, apart from the aggressive front spoiler, enormous wheels, quad exhaust, racing rear wing, diffusers and smattering of Brabus badges.

But apart from that totally non-descript and Q. No one would ever guess it's a bit racy!

Read his post. That’s what he said...




I think it looks pretty good

Edited by schmalex on Thursday 6th December 18:33

[fathomfive]

Is it just me, or is the front bumper a different shade of grey to the rest of the car?

Could just be the lighting, I suppose.

The spoiler doesn't work for me. It would be quite subtle a job without it.

[Onehp]

BeirutTaxi said:

Horsepower sells the car torque wins the race.

Horsepower overheats, and torque breaks
(OEM vs tuner)

And my oneliner (no intentional plagiarism ifbit exists already):
Torque without revs is powerless

[BFleming]

Coley88 said:

Given the launch of the A35 AMG, unless this Brabus is significantly cheaper, I really do not see the point.

I found it strange that this article didn't mention pricing, it's almost like it was posted prematurely. However, the bumpers, exhausts and power boost comes to a shade more than €8000. If you want the Brabus wheels too expect to part with another €2000.
So in the UK the A250 AMG Line is £29545 in 2 wheel drive guise (you can't get an A250 4 matic in the UK). The A35 4-Matic is £34350. I guess the Brabus kit is appealing if you have too much money & already own an A250. Pointless bit of exclusivity otherwise.