The turbocharged eight-cylinder engine of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is the perfect basis for the BRABUS hi-tech engine shop to build the currently most powerful engine in the range of the company – the BRABUS ROCKET 900 V8 twin-turbo, increased-displacement engine. The powerplant engineers of the world’s largest independent automotive refinement specialist have always followed the successful philosophy that suggests that nothing can replace displacement other than more displacement.

To increase the swept volume from stock 3,982 cc to 4,407 cc (243 to 269 cu. in.), the BRABUS team in Bottrop increases the cylinder bore to 84 millimeters (3.3 in) and installs forged pistons precisely tailored to the new geometry. The stroke is lengthened to 100 millimeters (3.9 in) by means of a precision-balanced special billet crankshaft and accordingly designed piston rods.

Underneath the BRABUS engine cover made of red carbon is a host of further modifications in order to achieve the desired performance enhancement without any compromises in terms of durability and daily practicality. Two high-pressure pumps with increased flow rate and an additional booster pump optimize the fuel supply to the engine. In addition, the intake system is extensively modified to improve the supply of air.

The two custom-designed high-performance turbochargers play an elementary role in realizing the performance delivered by the current BRABUS top-of-the-range engine. They feature a larger compressor unit and a special core assembly with reinforced axial bearing. In this configuration, they produce a higher boost pressure of 1.4 bar, an increase over the production components.

Further upgrades on the exhaust side are free-flow metal catalysts and the BRABUS stainless high-performance exhaust system with actively controlled exhaust valves. The system was designed specifically for the GLS body and enables the driver to manage the exhaust note from the cockpit. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose between a whisper-quiet "Coming Home" mode and a throaty, full-blooded V8 sound when the “Sport” option is activated. Thanks to its two design tailpipes on the left and right with cast BRABUS logo, this exhaust system is also a visual treat.

To ensure that all high-performance components intermesh perfectly and thus provide optimal power delivery, the BRABUS electronics engineers leveraged their immense expertise and employed state-of-the-art test benches to recalibrate the engine electronics. This results not only in the enormous performance, but also in emissions that comply with the stringent EURO 6D ISC-FCM emissions standard. Technology partner MOTUL supplies the hi-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain.

The performance figures of the BRABUS ROCKET 900 V8 twin-turbo, increased displacement engine speak volumes: 662 kW / 900 hp (888 bhp) at a low 6,200 rpm are just as unique for a street-legal SUV as is the peak torque of 1,250 Nm (922 lb-ft), which is already on tap at 2,900 rpm. This value is limited in the vehicle to 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) to protect the entire drivetrain. Of course, this high-performance engine too is backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS three-year or 100,000-kilometer/62,000-mile tuning warranty (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013).

In perfect interaction with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the BRABUS 900 delivers performance on the road that even would do credit to a full-blooded sports car, but is absolutely unique for a vehicle weighing about 2.8 metric tons plus crew. The enhanced luxury SUV from the Manufaktur in Bottrop shoots from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. Due to the high vehicle weight, the top speed is electronically limited to 320 km/h (200 mph). In everyday traffic, this five-door fascinates not only with these exceptional figures, but above all with its outstanding acceleration prowess at any engine speed.

Of course, the aerodynamics also play a hugely important role at the tremendously high speeds this high-performance is effortlessly capable of reaching. To this end, the BRABUS designers developed bodywork components that give the SUV a decidedly sporty character thanks to being produced from lightweight yet robust carbon. What is more: owing to their sophisticated shape, they also reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds. The noble lineage is presented with BRABUS MASTERPIECE logos on both D-pillars and on the running boards that extend electrically from the rocker panels.

The combination of BRABUS front spoiler and carbon detachable parts is complemented visually to great effect with another measure. The radiator grille and all trim parts that are normally chromed on the production bodywork of the GLS-Class sport ‘Shadow Grey’ glazing, contributing to the SUV’s more dynamic face.

A BRABUS carbon component with integrated diffuser replaces the center part of the rear bumper. It adds a decidedly sporty touch to the looks of the SUV and perfectly frames the rectangular tailpipes of the BRABUS sport exhaust on both sides.

The sporty-elegant BRABUS-style appearance is rounded off by huge 24-inch wheels. The Monoblock M “PLATINUM EDITION” forged rims perfectly fill out the space under the fenders enhanced with BRABUS exposed-carbon flares. The attractive disc wheels with sophisticated ventilation openings for the brakes are created in a complex production process that achieves extremely high strength. BRABUS technology partner Continental supplies the perfectly matching rubber for them, SportContact 6 high-performance tires. The size 10Jx24 rims on the front axle are mounted with tires of size 295/35 R 24. The rear axle runs on 12Jx24 wheels carrying tires of size 335/30 R 24.

The BRABUS chassis engineers modified the standard air suspension with a special control module to match these sporty street tires. Special mapping lowers the ride height of the supercar by about 25 millimeters (1 in) compared with the production car.

Another strong suit of BRABUS is making individual customer wishes in the vehicle interior come true. The experienced master upholsterers of the automotive refinement specialist created a particularly exclusive BRABUS MASTERPIECE two-tone interior for the BRABUS 900 featured here. They worked with especially soft and breathable black and cream-colored leather to provide contrast to the outer skin. The seat upholstery layout is characterized by shell-shaped quilting and perforations on the seat center sections applied with meticulous precision. The identical features are also found on the door panels. This design idiom continues in the vehicle flooring, the floor mats and the pillows in the rear. To increase the level of comfort in the rear even further, there are two particularly cozy pillows with Alcantara pillowcase and BRABUS logo attached to the head restraints of the rear seats.

To add some decidedly sporty contrasts, the interior designers fitted this high-end SUV with aluminum pedals and BRABUS Signature carbon elements finished with high-gloss sealant on the steering wheel, dashboard, center console and door inlays. Stainless scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo welcome driver and passengers. Like the plastic components in the interior, the scuff plates sport ‘Shadow Grey’ glazing.

The BRABUS 900 based on the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is built to order. Alternatively, customers can have their already existing vehicle refined to this level.