Those of us who felt that Mercedes might have missed a trick with its decision not to produce an AMG version of its gorgeous E-Class Coupé will feel somewhat vindicated when clapping eyes on the latest creation from Mercedes tuning maestros Brabus.
The Brabus E V12 Coupé, which made its debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show, not only looks as though it's about to punch you in the gut and take your wallet, it's also being touted as "the fastest Grand Tourismo in the world" by its creators.
That's quite a statement, so what makes this car so special? Well, reports of maniacal late night rituals taking place in the company's factory in Bottrop have not yet emerged but it still seems as though Brabus has lost none of its ability to apply its dark arts to the already powerful 5,5-litre V12 engine that it lifted from the CL600.
Thanks to a brace of turbochargers, a carbon-fibre RAM airbox, revised cranks and cylinders and heavily reworked engine management system, the chaps in Bottrop have managed to extract a frankly bonkers 588 kW and 1 420 tarmac-rippling N.m from the powerplant. All of this power is channelled to the rear wheels via a reinforced 5-speed automatic transmission and Brabus high performance limited-slip differential.
Performance is...brisk. The company claims that 0-100 km/h takes 3,7 seconds, 0-200 km/h comes up in 9,9 seconds while 0-300 km/h elapses in 23,9 seconds. To put that into context, the Bugatti Veyron hits 300 km/h from standstill in around 17 seconds and is nearly 150 kW up on the Brabus. The top speed has been electronically limited to "just 350 km/h", but Brabus claims that removing the limiter will see the E V12 Coupé rocket to speeds "in excess of 370 km/h".
Brabus has upgraded the driving stability systems, although the brave or foolhardy can opt to switch them off altogether. The suspension setup comprises an adjustable coil-over system with settings to drop the ride height within a range of 35 mm, as well as a sports sway bar to minimise body-roll.
Obviously, something as ballistically fast as the E V12 Coupé requires some serious stopping, and Brabus has not skimped in this department. The front wheels are fitted with 12-piston aluminium calipers working on vented and grooved steel discs measuring 380 x 37 mm. The rear brakes comprise six-pot callipers gripping 360 x 28 mm grooved and vented discs. Brabus has also uprated the Mercedes-sourced Brake Assist system from the standard E-Class.
So there you have it, Ferrari-devouring performance wrapped up in a German executive saloon package...albeit one that looks as though it's eyeing you up for a fight.
MAD! I want one!...or 3
