Mercedes-AMG G 63 gets apocalyptic upgrade

The latest 6x6 monster-ute from German mod-shop Brabus conveys an “I’ll crush you” vibe like few others.

If the Ford Ranger Raptor or even the RAM 1500 TRX don’t meet your requirements for a post-apocalyptic future, the Brabus XLP 800 Adventure 6x6 dual-cab could be your next stop.

That’s assuming petrol isn’t scarce… because the claimed fuel consumption is pretty heavy at 18.1L/100km, ensuring the fuel gauge will quiver almost every time you drop the hammer.

Measuring in at a whopping 6.23m from bumper to bumper and offering ludicrous ground clearance of 473mm, this ultimate overlander is powered by a heavily modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that packs a mammoth 588kW/1000Nm and drives all six wheels.

Brabus says that’s enough to reach 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, which should be more than quick enough to leave the zombie hordes or lizard invaders in your wake.

Top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h, but this can be increased if the all-terrain tyres are replaced with something sportier.

Based on the sold-out Mercedes-AMG G 63, Brabus has completely rebuild the vehicle starting with portal axles all round, bespoke suspension including titanium-coated aluminium componentry from KW, red-painted lower control arms, driver-adjustable adaptive dampers and a centralised remote tyre inflation/deflation system operable from the cabin.

In 2013 we road-tested Mercedes-AMG’s factory-built 6x6 G 63, but this creation is significantly beefier. And there’s every chance a factory warranty won’t be worth diddly-squat in a desolate future.

Priced at €1.1 million, not including Germany’s equivalent of Australia’s GST, the latest Brabus creation will cost you about $A2 million Down Under, which seems a bit steep for a 6x6 pick-up without a gatling gun turret on the roof.

However, its quad LED spotlights mounted to aero roof racks will conveniently light up the bleakness of a ravaged planet.

Despite its 22-inch alloy wheels shod with 325/55 R22 A/T tyres that fill out the pumped-out carbon-fibre wheel-arches, Brabus says the vehicle’s generous wheel articulation delivers “unrivalled off-road capabilities”, which should please doomsday preppers.

The front of the vehicle features a heavy-duty bull bar (read: battering ram) including a 4.5-tonne front winch and a heavy-duty front bash plate. An aggressive twin-nostril bonnet scoop is part of the heavily modified Mercedes-AMG G-Class 6x6 colossus and out the back the tray features a soft-teak bedliner, making it easier to hose out zombie entrails.

Ingress and egress is improved by full-length running boards complete with retractable steps and, once inside the hulking ute and protected from the dangers of a lawless world, the cabin will soothe occupants with the ‘finest black leather’ upholstery with a diamond quilted finish.

There are loads of carbon-fibre highlights and a spattering of ‘rocket red’ across the steering wheel, air-vents, centre console and doors.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that its $2m price tag would make this off-road behemoth pretty rare on the road, but Brabus reckons demand for its modified G-wagon utes is strong.

Indeed in the US, 6x6 vehicles based on the Jeep Gladiator, Ford F-150 and RAM 1500 TRX have long been in vogue.

And Brabus says its heavily-modified 800 Adventure XLP 4x4 pick-up “became an instant global best-seller” following its reveal at the 2020 Geneva motor show, so the 6x6 version should appeal to well-heeled preppers with underground bunkers a bit further away from civilisation.