GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Brabus Business Lounge debut

Brabus is trying hard to convince prospective buyers its new Business Lounge for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class is just the ticket for high-flying executives.

But coming equipped as the luxurious people mover does, with a fully integrated Apple TV module or a Sony PlayStation 4 Pro it's just as likely to receive the seal of approval from teenage boys everywhere.

Even more appealing to teenagers are the power seats that recline flat for sleeping, plus the partition between the driving compartment and the Business Lounge passengers. This partition can be raised and lowered when the teenager wants the driver to fix him a snack, and features a built-in TV, which likely drowns out the demands from parents to get ready for school or clean up the room. There's also an intercom for the passengers in the rear to communicate with the driver – on the odd occasion they should want to do so.

Other features of the Business Lounge include the Brabus Media Centre, which controls all media being displayed on the 40-inch TV or HiFi audio system, and the Brabus Cloud, which facilitates connectivity for smartphones, tablets and notebooks in "a perfect digital and mobile work experience", as the Brabus press material explains. And just so the teenagers don't starve, they can help themselves to whatever resides in the integrated refrigerator. The Business Lounge also comes with a coffee-maker, a bar and hot/cold cupholders.

Occupants will be allowed to 'work' undisturbed by the plebs on the outside, thanks to privacy glass. This is not just any privacy glass, however, the windows turn completely opaque from outside looking in by merely pressing a button. And any valuable objects can be kept safe in the Brabus Safe Box, which is password-controlled.

For the V 250d, the Business Lounge pack includes upgraded performance courtesy of the engine management module – and extra 33kW and 70Nm to take the total to 173kW and 510Nm.

The Business Lounge V-Class rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and 255/40 ZR 19 Pirelli, Continental or Yokohama tyres. This wheel and tyre combination is enhanced by bespoke springs and dampers for a ride height lowered by between 15 and 25mm, depending on specification.

At the rear the Business Lounge V-Class features quad exhaust tips and a spoiler that actually provides some downforce at speed. And inside, the Business Lounge can be upholstered in the customer's choice of trim and colours.

Brabus warrants the components supplied for three years or 100,000km. The Business Lounge pack will be available from this month, priced at €298,000.