Brutal Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo

Whenever things threaten to get a little dull, there's always good old Brabus, rolling out another completely OTT take on a three-pointed star offering.

The latest Benz to receive the German tuner's treatment is the E63 AMG – hardly a shrinking violet to start with – and the end result is the bonkers Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo.

Conceived as a spiritual successor to the Brabus E V12 series that culminated in a 588kW V12-powered bullet (revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt show), the latest rocketship features a 6.0-litre (up from the 5461cc unit in the standard car) twin-turbo V8 that kicks out a ridiculous 625kW (850hp, hence the moniker) and 1450Nm.

The increase in capacity was achieved by stretching the bore as well as the stroke (via a precision-balanced billet crankshaft), and the internals of the V8 also feature special forged billet pistons and billet piston rods.

In addition, the cylinder heads are optimised for mixture flow and the twin-turbo set-up and inlet manifold are also uprated to provide a more potent fuel/air mix.

Meanwhile, spent gases are pumped out via free-flow metal catalysts and a high-performance exhaust system with a butterfly valve that remains closed in 'Coming Home' mode, but opens up to unleash hell in Sport mode.

The Speedshift MCT seven-speed auto has been beefed up to handle the additional oomph (although the actual torque figure is limited to a paltry 1150Nm), and drive is sent to rear wheels in the base model and all four hoops in the 4MATIC version. The former sprints to 100km/h in 3.7sec, but the latter achieves the feat in a Lamborghini Huracan-matching 3.1sec.

Depending on the tyres, the final drive ratio and the programming of the Brabus Vmax unit, the top speed ranges between 300km/h and more than 350km/h.

To keep the 850 6.0 Biturbo firmly planted at speeds north of the triple-ton, Brabus has developed a bespoke front spoiler lip and rear diffuser that's claimed to minimise lift.

The whole lot rides on 20-inch Brabus Monoblock wheels, with 255/30 ZR 20 rubber at the front 295/25 ZR 20 gumballs at the rear.

As you'd expect, the cabin has also been given a makeover, with handcrafted Brabus leather trim that can be ordered in any colour you like. Other interior tweaks include aluminium shift paddles and Brabus 'Race' pedals.

The 850 6.0 Biturbo is available in both sedan and wagon formats, and can be ordered as a complete car or Brabus can convert any existing current Mercedes E63 to the same specs.

Brabus offerings occasionally err on the ludicrous and tasteless end of the scale, but we have to admit we like the stealthy looks of their latest handiwork. Just the thing with which to go Lambo/Ferrari hunting….