Tuesday 14th August 2018

Brabus launches 600hp GLC63

What to do when a 510hp SUV isn't enough? Take it to Brabus, of course...

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While some may now see the job of Brabus as more difficult, with ever faster and more accomplished AMG base products, its task has arguably been made easier with the advent of more turbo'd AMGs. Adjustments to boost pressure, intake and exhaust elicit the kind of gains that would have taken costly internal upgrades in a naturally aspirated engine.

Take the latest Brabus product, the rather prosaically named '600 Compact SUV'. It's based on the GLC, so is indeed a compact SUV - but now toting a remarkable 600hp. And yet the 90hp jump from a standard GLC63 S has been achieved through nothing more troubling than a recalibrated ECU, as the Brabus bumf explains: "A plug-and-play auxiliary control module is adapted to the electronic engine control unit, which introduces new mapping for injection and ignition while moderately increasing the boost pressure". So yes, the end result is 600hp at 5,800rpm and 590lb ft from 1,750 to 4,500rpm, which in turn means 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and 186mph. Should be enough...

As is the way with modern Brabus products, this 600 Compact SUV is not simply a case of lighting the blue touch paper under the bonnet and standing well back. There's a new control module for the air suspension that lowers it by 30mm, a range of forged wheels to choose from (the car you see here is on the 21-inch 'Y Platinum Edition') and assorted carbon trinkets which allegedly improve the aerodynamics. Furthermore, this GLC features a sports exhaust that Brabus describes as "not just an absolute acoustic treat, but a visual one as well."

In addition to blistering performance and rambunctious soundtrack, Brabus is typically known for its lavish interiors ("a world renowned authority in the area of interior design", no less). Again, that's no different for the GLC, the cabin swathed in Mastik leather and Alcantara, with wood and carbon trim packages also available.

Brabus says the 600 Compact kit is available now, for both regular GLC and the Coupe; it can be ordered as a complete car from Brabus, or with existing '63 owners able to choose their own upgrade parts. Could be the perfect family runaround while you keep the 800hp S-Class Coupe for the weekend...

[Ares]

Que comments of "pointless"..."too much power"...."vulgar"...."offensive"




Meanwhile those of us not hugging trees see a 600bhp V8.....

[Ares]

Brooking10 said:

j90gta said:

All of the above. No-one will argue about the engine, just that it's been put into an SUV. They need to find another home for it, preferably something with 2 doors and rear wheel drive.

Also that "B" badge is just horrendous.

Like they already do with C63s coupe ?

....and most cars with that engine in.

Moaners gonna moan... etc

[Ares]

Brooking10 said:

BIRMA said:

Brooking10 said:

BIRMA said:

A sober looking car from Brabus at last, I find most of their 'creations' hideous although you can't fault the engine work they do. No mention of price so that means it will be stratospheric not bad looking though.

The power kits stand-alone are about £6k fitted by an MB dealer.

Each to his own I guess but I can see why most AMG owners go with MSL or other tuning specialists.
Nowadays with turbo charged AMG's a straightforward re-mapp can put a really big grin on your face for about £400 and give you a significant hike in power.
Having said that the engine upgrade work that Brabus do is without doubt top class as is some but not all the other work they do.

I have had an MSL mapped car and it was great.

This time around I didn’t want to play warranty roulette.

Same with BMW

I could have had my 640d tweeked by DMS for c£600, but chose the £2,200 AC Schnitzer as it came with BMW warranty as well as ACS warranty.

[Ares]

sidesauce said:

Ares said:

Same with BMW

I could have had my 640d tweeked by DMS for c£600, but chose the £2,200 AC Schnitzer as it came with BMW warranty as well as ACS warranty.

I know it's off-topic but what did the upgrade end up getting you in terms of power/torque increase? I just had my 640d tweaked as well but I'm curious!

Tested at 383bhp and 740Nm (c550 lb ft IIRC).

Difference on the road was significant.