There may be no better SUV to portray flashy wealth and a driver’s inability to engage in any off-roading than the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, especially low-profile tyres. Well, seasoned German high-performance aftermarket company Brabus has other ideas and have taken G63 bakkies from the 2020 model year and correctly equipped them with the equipment needed to unlock the G’s potential off-road ability, making the original Geländewagen proud. Say hello to the Brabus 800 Adventure XLP.
True to Brabus and their tinkering ability, the 800 Adventure XLP uses the same trusted 4,0-litre twin-turbo V8 which is found throughout Mercedes-Benz range of eye-wateringly expensive performance models. Power is bumped up to 588 kW and 1 000 Nm, numbers that could come in handy when laden or powering up an incline with loose road surface.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLQJiSzqpDI
The XLP’s engine upgrade is a drop in the ocean when compared to the subtly upgraded exterior, all of which follow function to enable this true off-road ability. The most obvious is the 49cm of ground clearance compliments of a newly designed special suspension with portal axles. It comes with 22-inch BRABUS Monoblock HD wheels which are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-terrain tires sized at 325/55 R22 and sit beneath the naked carbon fibre fender flares. Those with a keen eye will also notice a longer wheelbase of 50cm which Brabus state was necessary to mount a bigger sized pickup bed behind the unchanged passenger cabin.
Starting from the top down with bolt-on accessories, the optional luggage rack on the roof of the cab is equipped with a front wind deflector and four LED lights. The rear of the rack is equipped with a convenience light that shines into the loading bay mounted just below the matte black double bed bar behind the passenger compartment which also offers some roll-over protection.
Despite being lengthened, the pickup bed remains small with neat, faceted metal surfaces lining the extremities. Opening the outward swinging hinged tailgate, the flat surface can function as a gimmick flex as it can double up as a drone landing pad too.
Carbon fibre lines the periphery of this Brabus with bumpers, side steps and wheel arches sporting a naked layup of the lightweight material. The front end not only has a rugged looking bumper which is equipped with a brush guard and Warn winch but also a bonnet bulge in carbon fibre to give the uprated engine more breathing room.
The interior remains unchanged save for an extra panel which controls the added lights and winch, after all topping the ultra luxurious amenities would be a hard act to follow!
Words: Alex Shahini
