BRABUS introduces the Mercedes-Benz M-Class Widestar
Muamer Hodzic January 15, 2009
It seems that BRABUS, the uber-tuner from Germany, has not received the memo from AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg, declaring the horsepower war as being over, as they unleash another beast at us. This time it’s no other than the M-Class Widestar, the big brother of the GLK Widestar seen at SEMA.
BRABUS makes the updated SUV even more exclusive with an exciting custom wide version. Fitting additions are 23-inch forged wheels, sporty suspension modifications and power tuning for the entire engine lineup of this model series. The top-of-the-line engine is the ML63 with BRABUS B63S performance tuning. It delivers a maximum power output of 550 hp (542 bhp / 404.8 kW).
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The WIDESTAR package is also available for all current M-Class models and combines dynamic looks with maximum functionality. Elegantly shaped fender flares on front and rear axle add five centimeters (two inches) to the width of the SUV.
The wider stance not only benefits the appearance of the M-Class, it also improves handling. Three-piece BRABUS Monoblock E wheels are specially designed for the WIDESTAR model. They come in size 11Jx23 and feature forged wells, creating an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum mechanical strength. The new light-alloy wheels are fitted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23 front and back.
The BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) which also benefits sporty on-road handling.
The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion further includes door trim components and rocker panels that create a perfect transition between front and rear fender flares. New aprons replace their production counterparts in the front and rear. The front spoiler bumper with its three strikingly styled air inlets, four auxiliary headlights and daytime running lights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. The rear apron features an integrated diffuser and cutouts for the chrome-plated tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system. In combination with the rear spoiler it creates an optimal aerodynamic balance.
BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. The BRABUS engine specialists have developed BRABUS ECO PowerXtra power kits for the CDI turbodiesel models that meet the same stringent emission limits as the unmodified production cars.
The ML 280 CDI equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D5 (III) tuning produces an extra 52 hp (51 bhp) / 38 kW. For the ML 320 CDI BRABUS has designed the D6 (III) power kit. It bumps maximum power output to 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and produces an enormous peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft) at just 1,600 rpm. In the top-of-the-line diesel model ML 420 CDI the BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D8 (III) power kit unleashes the true power inherent in the V8 common-rail turbodiesel engine without jeopardizing reliability and longevity. Rated power output jumps from 306 hp (302 bhp) / 225 kW to 350 hp (345 bhp) / 257 kW at just 3,800 rpm. At the same time peak torque grows from 700 Nm to 800 Nm (516 to 590 lb-ft). Thus powered, the tuned ML 420 CDI sprints from von 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.0 seconds, half a second less than the production car. Top speed increases from 235 to 245 km/h (147 to 153 mph).
For the gasoline-powered models the BRABUS engine tuning program starts with the B7 power kit which increases power output of the ML 350 to 287 hp (283 bhp) / 211 kW. The BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine with 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW is available for the ML 500 with four-valve engine. The culmination of the engine program for the M-Class is the B63 S power kit for the ML 63. Its 550 hp (542 bhp) / 404.8 kW accelerate the tuned top-of-the-line M-Class model from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds on its way to a new top speed of 275 km/h (172 mph).
All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. The specially calibrated stainless-steel BRABUS sport exhaust with four chrome-plated tailpipes is available for all M-Class engines.
To further optimize active safety the BRABUS WIDESTAR is optionally equipped with a high-performance brake system. 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers grip front discs measuring 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches). The rear axle features six-piston fixed calipers. Together these components provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.
Exclusive interior options are another BRABUS specialty for the Mercedes M-Class: They include stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel, and leather-covered door elements for upgrading the factory interior. An exclusive BRABUS fully leather interior made from a perfectly finished combination of the finest Mastik and Alcantara leathers is also available.
Sporty BRABUS ‘Checkered Flag’ carbon-fiber components for the interior are another BRABUS innovation. They have a carbon-fiber surface structure made to look like a checkered flag used in motorsports.
The front seats are fitted with custom rear consoles that encompass the headrests. They each house a seven-inch LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio and integrated DVD player. These consoles are also available in a version that features a power-folding precious-wood table.
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