Brabus unleashes 'world's fastest AWD coupe'

Famous German Mercedes tuner, Brabus, will launch what it says is the world’s fastest and most powerful all-wheel drive coupe at the Geneva motor show next week.

Called the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo Coupe, the Mercedes S-Class Coupe-based car is powered by a new 625kW/1450Nm 5.9-litre V8 twin-turbo. Brabus claims its new flagship coupe will hit 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds before topping out at a limited 350km/h. From rest to 200km/h also takes just 9.4 seconds, giving the big coupe supercar levels of performance.

The increase in power has come from Brabus engineers boring out the standard S 63 AMG’s 5.5-litre engine and adding two larger turbochargers, plus a freer flowing exhaust. To help deal with the immense heat soak created by the powerful engine Brabus had to create heat reflective material made of gold.

The concept that will be revealed at Geneva is all-wheel drive but Brabus says a rear-wheel drive version is also feasible for production.

To cope with the extremely high speeds, Brabus has its own aero kit that was honed from wind tunnel testing. That’s why the 850 has a subtle rear spoiler and large carbon-fibre rear diffuser to help keep the big coupe stable at very high speeds.

Brabus engineers also had to redesign the front bumper, carving larger air intakes in it to feed the engine.

Inside, the Brabus has a more luxurious interior that’s said to show off its master craftsmanship.

Brabus says despite the huge increase in performance its 850 Coupe averages the same 10.1L/100km fuel consumption as the S63 AMG it’s based on, emitting an identical 237g/km of CO2.

Brabus tuning kits are currently offered via Brabus' sole Australian partner, Sharp Performance in Victoria. The company says new Mercedes-Benz models fitted with Brabus parts in Australia are covered by Brabus' three-year/100,000km warranty.

Pricing for the Brabus 850 Coupe is expected to be announced at the Geneva show.