In the BRABUS XLP pickups based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63, the vehicle manufacturer accredited by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority created a new and especially exclusive category in the world of sport trucks in 2020.
The German luxury mobility brand now presents the new BRABUS XLP 800, which ushers in the latest high-performance pickup generation that builds on the top-of-the-range model of the current W 465 series.
It starts with the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE, which impresses on and off the road with its custom-developed body with pickup bed and BRABUS WIDESTAR exposed-structure carbon widebody.
However, the new supercar doesn’t just look spectacular. Its custom-designed BRABUS special chassis with portal axles is conceived for toughest off-road use. This chassis enables maximum axle articulation and offers a tremendous ground clearance of 47 centimeters (18.5 in).
Just as extraordinary is its engine. The BRABUS 800 twin-turbo eight-cylinder power plant puts out 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) and produces a peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). It accelerates the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph).
In contrast to the black body panels and the BRABUS WIDESTAR exposed-structure carbon widebody, the special model is fitted with an exclusive BRABUS MASTERPIECE sky blue interior with sections quilted in “Diamond Double” design and signature carbon elements that add exciting highlights in the cockpit. Moreover, “77” logos embossed on the leather commemorate the year the BRABUS brand was born.
The BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE in the variant pictured here sells for 750,800 euros (export price in Germany excluding 19 percent VAT).
The new high-performance pickup is yet another highlight in the success story of tailor-made supercars from the Bottrop-based luxury manufactory. The basis for this exclusive pickup is the current Mercedes-AMG G 63 of the W 465 series. The BRABUS engineers employed state-of-the-art CAD technology to develop the bodywork refit made from steel and high-strength carbon. They designed a new back panel with heated rear window, which closes off the passenger compartment behind the rear seats. Moreover, the space occupied by the trunk in a stock G-Class model is taken up by the pickup bed in the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE. Its bedside panels were produced by the BRABUS Carbon Super Parts (CSP) Division using the complex pre-preg process. The bed is lined with the same heard-wearing Soft-teak material that is also used on the BRABUS Marine high-performance boats.
BRABUS developed a custom high-strength frame extension module and a longer drive shaft for the rear end of the pickup. They allow moving the rear axle further back and thus lengthen the wheelbase by 50 centimeters (19.7 in). This makes the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE exactly 532 centimeters (209 in) long. The vehicle body also includes double bed bars behind the cab and the robust ADVENTURE roof rack likewise finished with matte black coating, for which a rooftop tent is offered as an option.
The BRABUS special chassis is as extraordinary as the pickup body. It masters even the toughest off-road excursions in superior fashion. The chassis engineers opted for the portal axel principle here. The centerpieces of this technology developed for extreme off-road operations are CNC-milled intermediate gears for each wheel. This configuration gives the new BRABUS supercar an immense ground clearance of 47 centimeters (18.5 in). This also increases the approach and departure angles, which likewise is of tremendous importance in rough terrain. In addition, the fording depth is increased to 91.6 centimeters (36 in) in this way.
A special integral support and new suspension links are milled from high-strength aluminum for the independent front suspension suitable for this system. In addition, a host of special components, such as all suspension links and the reinforced axle housing, was tailor-made for the redesigned rigid axle.
Besides offering huge ground clearance, the BRABUS portal axle system also enables significantly greater axle articulation, which is extremely beneficial in hard off-road use. The BRABUS Ride Control coilover suspension of the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE with adjustable damping rate and ride height matching this design was developed in cooperation with technology partner KW. Using the standard suspension adjustment feature in the cockpit, the driver can select different setups for the titanium-coated aluminum struts. This allows adapting not only the damping, but also the powertrain, steering and assistance systems to the different operating conditions.
The BRABUS Monoblock HD 9.5Jx22 alloys, which are designed for the highest loads, represent another special feature of the exclusive pickup. Thanks to their eight-lug bolt pattern, these wheels produced using cutting-edge forging and machining technology are custom-tailored to the BRABUS portal axles. They are accommodated in the larger wheel wells under the BRABUS WIDESTAR fender extensions, which make the pickup 210 centimeters (82.6 in) wide. The rims carry all-terrain tires of size 325/55 R 22, which are equally suitable for demanding off-road use as well as for on-road operation.
Thanks to their choice of material, the exposed-structure carbon wheel arch extensions add sporty highlights, as do further BRABUS components on this supercar that are made from this high-tech composite. The face of the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is additionally defined decisively by the BRABUS carbon fascia, which integrates a winch with a line pull of 4,500 kilograms (9,920 lbs.). The radiator grille surround with illuminated BRABUS logo adds yet another sporty touch.
The carbon-fiber concept also includes the BRABUS power bulge hood, the side mirror covers, the side guards, as well as the BRABUS wind deflector for the roof rack, whose three powerful LED panels bathe the terrain in front of the pickup in light bright as day.
Because the increased ground clearance means that the cab sits up considerably higher than on a normal G-Class model, power-retractable steps can be installed to supplement the standard running boards. They make getting in and out easier. The BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is additionally equipped with LEDs that illuminate not only the steps but also the ground next to the vehicle. They are activated by pulling on a door handle or by the Keyless-Go signal when approaching the vehicle. To be able to swing the rear doors open to up to 90 degrees, the pickup is fitted with special BRABUS “Easy Entry” hinges.
The rear end is characterized by the BRABUS exposed-structure carbon fascia, which like its counterpart at the front perfectly joins the wide WIDESTAR fenders. The tailgate impresses with an exposed-structure carbon trim panel with recessed BRABUS logotype.
However, the new BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is more than just an eye-catcher with the One-Second-Wow effect typical of the supercars from Bottrop. Thanks to the BRABUS 800 eight-cylinder twin-turbo with a displacement of four liters, it also delivers superior performance.
With an output of 588 kW / 800 hp (788 bhp) at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) at a low 3,600 rpm the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is one of the most powerful pickups on the world. The fast all-wheel-drive vehicle sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds. The gears are shifted either automatically or manually using the ergonomic BRABUS carbon paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Due to the all-terrain tires, the top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph).
Two BRABUS high-performance turbochargers with larger compressor unit and modified core assembly with reinforced axial bearings each produce a maximum boost pressure of 1.6 bar. Extensive tests on modern test benches and in normal driving resulted in special maps for the electronic engine management system and in a recalibration of the electronic boost pressure control. This high-end control software is introduced into the vehicle’s engine electronics by the plug and play BRABUS PowerXtra auxiliary control unit.
The BRABUS stainless sports exhaust system also plays a key role in the superior performance. Its integrated actively controlled butterfly valves enable electronically controlled sound management. Drivers can choose to operate in the subtle “Coming Home” mode or in “Sport” mode, which produces a decidedly sporty V8 sound. This exhaust system is also a visual highlight with its two side-exiting tailpipes on both sides of the vehicle. The two pairs of tailpipes are framed by an exposed-structure carbon surround with integrated “Launch Ambience” light, which lights up red with the activation of the interior lighting.
This supercar naturally also includes an exclusive BRABUS MASTERPIECE all-leather interior. This color sky blue extravagantly contrasts with the black bodywork. The seat center sections and the inner sections of the door panels feature “Diamond Double” design quilting applied with maximum precision. In addition, the seat center sections are perforated to ensure the effectiveness of the seat climate control system. As a tribute to the founding of BRABUS in 1977, other interior sections are adorned with embossed “77” signets. They can also be found on the leather-covered center section of the headliner finished in the same bright interior color, which apart from that is trimmed with Alcantara.
Various cockpit elements, parts of the steering wheel rim as well as the BRABUS pedal pads made from carbon with high-gloss surface finish add emphatically sporty touches. The door lock pins sporting the logo of the luxury manufactory are made from aluminum. The overhead gauge cluster, which keeps the passengers in the rear informed about the vehicle speed, time and date, lends the BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE a particularly sporty character.
The BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE is built to order and can be tailored to the exact specifications of the owner, from the exterior to every detail of the handcrafted MASTERPIECE interior appointments.
Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and emissions information:
BRABUS XLP 800 ADVENTURE based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63: combined fuel economy: 20.1 l/100 km (11.7 mpg); combined CO2 emissions: 456 g/km.