Warped Merc tuner Brabus has turned the latest S-class into the world’s most powerful and fastest saloon car. The new Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 takes the S600 and transforms it from discrete businessman cruiser to 800hp limousine bruiser.
The 5.5-litre V12 has grown to 6.3 litres, and power increased to a heady 788bhp (800ps – hence the name), with a theoretical peak torque of 1047lb ft. To save the innards of the transmission, pulling power is in fact limited to a paltry 811lb ft.
Ensuring the fastest saloon bragging rights are the SV12’s performance claims: it torpedoes to 62mph in just 3.9sec, and to 124mph in a staggering 10.9sec. It will reach an electronically limited top speed of 217mph.
Fast yes, but is the Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 all show and no go at bends?
Hopefully not. To keep the Biturbo R 800 safe and (relatively) easy to drive quickly, it uses a five-speed reinforced automatic gearbox is used and a limited slip differential is an option for those inclined towards big, smoky slides. The front lip spoiler also helps the aerodynamic properties of the Brabus.
How does it feel inside?
The Brabus majors on luxury: the interior can be altered to the customer’s personal taste, and the option of a leather interior in any colour imaginable begs the question: how long before really awful examples flood the internet?