Although there are high-performance SUVs, a SUV that can demoralize the driver of a supercar seems unlikely – unless it’s the BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition. With a bigger engine that boosts output to 888 bhp and 1,250 Nm, this ‘Godfather of SUVs’ (as a former senior executive in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia referred to it) can go from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds and if not because of the limiter, it would go beyond 280 km/h.
Enlarged V8 engine
The Rocket 900 is the latest creation from the German tuner which specialises in Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models, extending their performance potential significantly. With the Rocket 900, they have given the current Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV a twin-turbo V8 engine with an increased displacement of 4407 cc from the standard 3982 cc.
This involved more than enlarging the cylinder bores to 84 mm and installing appropriately sized forged pistons. A special precision-balanced billet crankshaft together with likewise forged high-performance connecting rods had also to be produced, which increases the stroke to 100 mm.
The dual turbocharging system, developed by BRABUS has a larger compressor unit and a special core assembly with reinforced axial bearings produce a maximum boost pressure of 1.4 bar. Two BRABUS BoostXtra valves provide an exciting blow-off noise when lifting off the throttle. For better breathing and more air intake, a RAM-AIR system is integrated into the exposed carbonfibre radiator grille.
There are also larger downpipes, and the final link in the chain of modified components is the stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with actively controlled exhaust valves for changing the exhaust note. This switches between a throaty V8 sound in Sport mode and a discreet whisper in ‘Coming Home’ mode at the touch of a button.
WIDESTAR package adds 100 mm width
Apart from the impressive technical aspects, the new WIDESTAR widebody package makes the imposing SUV more intimidating, adding 100 mm to the overall width. Many elements have exposed carbonfibre with an emphatically sporty rear wing on the roof, and a diffuser under the rear end. Appropriate paint finishes such as Stealth Gray or Signature Black have been specially developed for the Rocket 900.
Exclusive for this model are newly designed Monoblock Z 24-inch hi-tech forged wheels with BRABUS Aero Discs made of exposed carbonfibre, 10J in front and 12J behind. They are fitted with extremely wide 24-inch high-performance ZR-rated street tyres up to a size of 355/25 on the rear axle.
The chassis engineers developed the new BRABUS RideControl aluminium coil-over suspension specifically for this 2,560-kg model. The front-axle struts and rear-axle shock absorbers with integrated heat sinks are milled from solid stock, allowing height variation of up to 45 mm, with damping also adjustable.
Non-nonsense image in cabin
The cabin also mirrors the aggressive no-nonsense image of the exterior. Black leather with colour-contrasting as well as decorative stitching is used for upholstery. In addition to bucket seats front and rear, there’s a centre console with retractable tables in the rear. Two cupholders cool or warm the drinks of the rear passengers and for keeping the drinks cold, there’s a refrigerated compartment as well.
Only 25 units for sale
BRABUS will make on 25 units of the Rocket 900, with the first 10 vehicles to be delivered to their owners by the end of this year. The remainder will be completed during 2022. Ex-factory, each unit costs 480,059 euros (about RM2.4 million) but as each customer will almost certainly personalise his or her SUV, the final price would be higher.
