Big-bore 662kW Mercedes-AMG G63 busts out

If you thought the mad 24-inch alloy wheels, red roof spoiler and several other outrageous visual upgrades to for the latest Brabus-fettled version of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 were extreme, wait until you see under the bonnet.

The Brabus 900 Rocket Edition of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, or Gelandewagen for the purists, pumps out an astonishing 662kW of power (900hp, hence the name) from its big-bore biturbo V8 that now displaces 4.4 litres (see below). That’s a solid 232kW more than the standard vehicle’s already-bonkers 430kW.

Peak torque has been boosted, by 200Nm to 1050Nm, giving the Brabus Rocket enough thrust to launch to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds. That’s quicker than the latest Porsche 911 GT3 manual.

Just 25 of these ego-stroking off-road vehicles will be created, although we doubt any of them will ever venture away from the black-top, each priced at an eye-watering 480,000 Euros (roughly $A756,000), or more than double the price of the standard $299K G63.

The significantly overhauled version of Mercedes-AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 also propels the big, blocky German 4x4 to a top speed of 280km/h, at which point wind noise would likely drown out the screams of passengers as it punches its way through the air.

The regular G 63 is already quick with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5sec, and fast with a 220km/h top speed.

The Brabus Rocket 900 Edition of the G63 also comes with a completely transformed look inside and out, starting with giant 24-inch alloy wheels with red pinstripes.

Boasting a wide body kit that adds a powerful visual punch, the Brabus bruiser’s exterior add-ons are largely made of carbon-fibre.

If the G63 didn’t already say “look at me!”, the new Brabus version’s roof spoiler, rear diffuser, bonnet scoop, resculpted front bumper, new side boards, pumped wheel-arches and illuminated ‘Rocket’ logos will certainly turn heads.

Brabus has even reworked the suspension, making the off-roader very much an on-roader with a 45mm lower ride height thanks to aluminum coilover shocks. Thanks also to adaptive dampers, the German tuner says its latest G-wagen delivers “supercar” performance.

The interior has been completely upgraded too – as you’d hope for more than a quarter of a million dollars, although we’re willing to bet you can probably buy one of these with Bitcoin if you wanted.

The Brabus Rocket 900 Edition’s cabin looks like it was custom-made to Spiderman’s specification, the red-on-black motif creating a very superhero-like vibe. Owners can customise the interior to suit their tastes, thankfully.

As it stands, the crest-quilted seats and even the leather upholstered foot wells are new, while 206 cockpit elements (switchgear, vents, etc) feature rocket-red glazing.

There’s also twin bucket seats in the back of the Brabus to ensure all passengers get extra support during white-knuckle driving manoeuvres.

Brabus has pulled AMG’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to pieces and increased both its cylinder bore and stroke, upping displacement from 3982 to 4407cc. Bigger forged pistons are installed, along with a precision-balanced billet crankshaft.

Larger turbochargers designed by Brabus are also added, pumping out up to 1.4 bar of boost, and special valves “provide an exciting blow-off noise when lifting off the throttle” says Brabus. Hectic.

A new ram-air intake has been developed, poking out on either side of the new grille, along with a massive bonnet scoop. Its thirst for high-octane fuel means special high-pressure fuel pumps were required. And the engine cover is red carbon-fibre, naturally.

The bi-modal stainless steel exhaust system can be switched between “a throaty V8 sound in sport mode and a discreet whisper in coming home mode” says Brabus, while the side-mount exhaust outlets are finished in exposed carbon trim and feature their own illumination system.

Peak power of 662kW hits at 6200rpm, while torque maxes out at 1250Nm – but is limited to 1050Nm in order to keep the nine-speed transmission from catastrophically malfunctioning. Torque hits the skids at just 2900rpm.

Does the world need vehicles like this? Have your say in the comments section below.