BRABUS Refines the Facelift Version of the GL-Class WIDESTAR Version and Tuning with up to 462 hp / 340 kW The Mercedes GL-Class begins a new chapter with a facelift and BRABUS offers an extensive customization program for the largest Mercedes SUV. It includes the stunning WIDESTAR wide version, engine tuning including the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW of power, custom-tailored wheels with diameters of up to 23 inches and exclusive interior upgrades.
The BRABUS WIDESTAR wide version, manufactured in OEM quality from Pur-R-Rim plastics, lends all GL-Class models an even more stunning appearance. The elegantly curved fender flares add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV. The BRABUS WIDESTAR front apron and its large air dams give the 4×4 an even more striking face, and reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speed. Integrated LED daytime running lights and auxiliary high beams and fog lamps improve active safety further.
The BRABUS rocker panels don’t just look great, they also make entering and exiting the vehicle in the dark safer thanks to their integrated entrance lights. The rear view of the wide version is dominated by the roof spoiler and the new rear apron custom-tailored to the wider fenders. The new bumper features an integrated diffuser, courtesy lights that illuminate the ground behind the vehicle and cutouts for the tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system. The BRABUS WIDESTAR version also creates room for three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E PLATINUM EDITION wheels in size 11Jx23. These nine-spoke wheels have a forged high-gloss-polished drop center and can be fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance street tires up to size 305/30 R 23. The BRABUS WIDESTAR can also be equipped with 21-inch Monoblock VI or F wheels or with 22-inch wheels from the Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S design families. BRABUS offers powerful tuning for all GL engines, all backed by the incomparable BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006) that sets the standard for the entire tuning industry.
All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. For the gasoline-powered V8 engines of the GL 450 and GL 500 models the top-of-the-line option is the BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft). Equipped with this engine the 4×4 accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). The BRABUS ECO PowerXtra tuning kits were developed for the especially popular common-rail turbodiesel engines. The BRABUS D6 (III) module bumps rated power output of the GL 350 CDI to 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and peak torque to 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm. Rated power output of the GL 450 CDI with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) tuning jumps from standard 306 hp (302 bhp) / 225 kW to 350 hp (344 bhp) / 257 kW at just 3,800 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). Performance is on an accordingly high level: The tuned GL 450 CDI accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.1 seconds, half a second faster than the production car. Top speed increases from 230 to 240 km/h (144 to 150 mph). The sporty performance of the tuned SUV’s is ideally combined with professional BRABUS suspension tuning. A special module for the AIRMATIC air suspension of the GL-Class lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). This measure not only benefits the looks of the GL. The lowered center of gravity also results in even sportier and safer on-road handling.
To further optimize active safety BRABUS also offers various high-performance brake systems for the Mercedes SUV. The largest version for the GL features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter (15.0 x 1.4 inches) discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops on 355 x 28 mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers. Individual interior exclusivity is also a BRABUS top priority for the five-door SUV. The company upholstery shop transforms customer requests into masterfully crafted fully leather interiors made from especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS program also includes numerous striking interior accessories. The list of available options ranges from scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to sporty aluminum components such as pedals and door-lock pins, to an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel. Especially sporty highlights are added with carbon-fiber elements in ‘checkered-flag’ design. Also available are precious-wood inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.
Multimedia is another BRABUS domain. Special consoles for the back of the GL-Class front seats each house a seven-inch LCD screen and a DVD player. These consoles are optionally available with an electrically deployed table. The multimedia equipment can be expanded further. The expansion options include larger screens deployed from the headliner, an on-board PC system with ultra-fast Internet connection and an MP3 player that can hold more than 5,000 songs.
