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.....

[ZOLLAR]

Ares said:

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




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

Really 600bhp in an SUV?
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That's not enough, they should do 700

[j90gta]

Ares said:

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




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

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.

[Jay_87]

Seems a bit tame to me.

[deltashad]

Looks alright for doing the shopping

[rudester]

Strangely attracted to the AMG S version of this car. The Brabus is a step too far in terms of styling for me though

[anonymous-user]

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 ?

[Kenny Powers]

That’s a handsome brute for that type of vehicle. Perfect machine for navigating the Waitrose car park on the way home from the Sunday morning pheasant shoot

[kambites]

Brooking10 said:

Like they already do with C63s coupe ?

Do they? I can't see it on the Brabus website.

That engine in a C-class estate would appeal as a family car, albeit at massively beyond my budget.

[RacerMike]

Well that grille badge definitely leaves you in no doubt it's a Brabus!

[BIRMA]

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.

[anonymous-user]

kambites said:

Do they? I can't see it on the Brabus website.

That engine in a C-class estate would appeal as a family car, albeit at massively beyond my budget.

It may be down because the C Class in the process of a facelift but yes, there is a Powerkit Xtra module for the C which gives the same power boost. In fact there are various flavours for the 4.0 biturbo engine.

I have the 700 kit on my E63s estate. It’s good fun and all 100% warranteed as supplied and fitted by MB dealers.

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 14th August 12:17

[spookly]

Love the engine, but don't like any of the Merc SUVs regardless of the engine.

[Glasgowrob]

love it,

now do a 800 bhp version please

[anonymous-user]

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.

[Burwood]

Brooking10 said:

kambites said:

Do they? I can't see it on the Brabus website.

That engine in a C-class estate would appeal as a family car, albeit at massively beyond my budget.

It may be down because the C Class in the process of a facelift but yes, there is a Powerkit Xtra module for the C which gives the same power boost. In fact there are various flavours for the 4.0 biturbo engine.

I have the 700 kit on my E63s estate. It’s good fun and all 100% warranteed as supplied and fitted by MB dealers.

Edited by Brooking10 on Tuesday 14th August 12:17

Didn't know Merc did an official tune. Is that the 'Dog Vomit' upgrade

[mik_jg]

I really, really want one...

[anonymous-user]

Burwood said:

Didn't know Merc did an official tune. Is that the 'Dog Vomit' upgrade

Yep Brabus all warranteed by MB which is v helpful !

[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

[rlw]

Ignoring all the rights and wrongs, it still looks fking awful.