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Carsales Staff29 May 2015
NEWS

BRABUS goes bonkers on S 500 HYBRID

Merc tuner boosts limo with green-tinged B50 power kit

BRABUS has specialised in bonkers for over 35 years, but even this over-the-top go-fast group has seen the writing on the wall... and that's why it's turned its tuning hand to the Mercedes-Benz S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID.

In a curious mix of shuffling uppercase letters, this latest creation is called the BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid, and is hyped as an 'eco-friendly performance upgrade', though we're not sure if its increased ability to torch tyres is especially green.

The BRABUS team has boosted the S 500 hybrid's 245kW/480Nm 3.0-litre turbo-V6 by 38kW and 70Nm, bumping total combined outputs to 368kW and 890Nm respectively.

The power gain is achieved via bespoke maps for the fuel injection and ignition systems as well as a 'moderate' boost increase. These changes have also been designed with the four-mode hybrid drive system in mind, and it promises to offer enhanced response throughout the rev range.

This results in a zero-100km/h sprint of 4.9sec, and though the top speed remains limited to 250km/h thanks to the hybrid system, you're assured of arriving there in a substantially quicker timeframe.

As ever, BRABUS goes beyond the engine to deliver a range of stylistic enhancements to the luxury Merc. In addition to a stainless-steel, quad-pipe performance exhaust there's a range of tailor-made wheels from 19-21in available. An 'aerodynamic enhancement program with sporty-elegant styling' relies heavily on carbon fibre and an integrated front spoiler lip that reduces lift. This is attached to a trademark BRABUS front fascia that completely replaces the production front bumper section. At the rear, a boot-lid spoiler, rear diffuser and cut-outs for the optional quad-exhaust add further to its tailored appearance.

Cars equipped with factory AIRMATIC suspension also gain a unique control module that lowers the B50 Hybrid's stance by up to 15mm.

Inside there are swathes of custom-design Mastik leather trim accompanied by Alcantara with wood and carbon-fibre trim finishes also available. BRABUS even supplies its own multimedia system, known as iBusiness.

The PowerXtra B50 Hybrid kit can be fitted to either standard- or long-wheelbase S 500 HYBRID variants.

Unlike many tuners, BRABUS also backs its work with a three-year/100,00km warranty, giving you further peace of mind as you drag off Ferraris in your (allegedly) green machine.

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Written byCarsales Staff
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