Brabus Mercedes-Maybach S600 Rocket 900 6.3 V12


Brabus' job here was relatively easy: Use the performance package of the Brabus Rocket 900 6.3-liter V12 sedan that debuted late last year, while customizing the interior with its iBusiness technology and infotainment suite.

Brabus punches the 6.0-liter V12 to 6.3 liters with a billet crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced connecting rods and forged pistons. The Bottrop-based tuner also ditches the stock turbochargers for new units with a larger compressor and turbine, plus performance exhaust manifolds. Helping the new engine breathe is a new exhaust system with an actively controlled butterfly valve.


The result is 900 hp and 1,106 lb-ft of torque figures identical to the Rocket 900 with Brabus quoting a 0 to 62 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. The top speed, meanwhile, is a breezy 217 mph, which is limited by concern for the tires more than anything else.

Brabus doesn't stop with the performance upgrades, adding new bumpers front and back in addition to side sills of its own design, with the integrated front spoiler and air intakes designed to increase high speed stability and channel more air to the engine, radiators and front brakes. The rear bumper, meanwhile, features integrated diffusers that serve as frames for the modified exhaust tips, while the trunk lid features a discreet yet functional spoiler. Brabus offers buyers a choice of Monoblock VI evo and Monoblock R Platinum Edition wheels in 21 inch diameter for the S600, wearing 255/35 ZR 21 tires up front and 295/30 ZR 21 in the back.


Brabus has always focused as much on interior modifications as on performance tweaks, and the Mercedes-Maybach S600 offers the full range of materials and technology available on Brabus' mobile offices and iBusiness sedans, combining Apple displays and controls for rear seat passengers with available Alcantara, carbon fiber or wood trimmings.

Oligarchs waiting to order one need to know a few things. First, the armored Guard-specification Mercedes-Maybach S600 isn't out yet, so if you want VR9 ballistic protection you'll have to wait about a year until Stuttgart produces it. Don't expect the same performance figures on the potential Brabus versions of the S600 Guard, as there is just too much weight for 3.7 second sprint times. Second, there is no base price for the Brabus versions since the interior modifications ultimately dictate which side of half a million dollars this sedan will cost. Third, then there is also the option of modifying an S500 version of the sedan, in case you're too far down on the waiting list for the S600 or if your president forbade you V12 cars. Finally, the only S-class variant more exclusive than the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is of course the Pullman but that starts at half a million dollars for the unarmored version and there is no guarantee that Brabus will be allowed by Mercedes-Benz to modify them.