If there’s one thing we’ve come to expect from Brabus over the years, it’s that subtlety isn’t exactly in their corporate vocabulary. The German tuning house has built a reputation for transforming already-impressive Mercedes models into vehicles that make onlookers question both physics and good taste in equal measure. But their latest creation, the Brabus XL 800, might just be their most gloriously excessive G-Class yet. It’s a vehicle that somehow manages to combine the go-anywhere capability of a monster truck with the interior appointments of a luxury spa.
Higher Than Your Average G-Wagen
The standard Mercedes-AMG G63 is already a commanding presence on the road, but the Brabus XL 800 literally takes things to new heights. While the factory G63 offers around 9.5 inches of ground clearance and the 4×4² variant pushes that to a respectable 13.8 inches, Brabus has gone full scorched-earth policy with a staggering 18.5 inches (470mm) of daylight beneath the XL 800’s undercarriage.
This leviathan stance comes courtesy of a bespoke portal axle system that relocates the axle centerline well above the wheel hubs using a series of gears. Up front, Brabus has ditched the Mercedes setup entirely in favor of a completely new independent suspension with custom billet aluminum components, while the rear retains its rigid axle design but receives substantial reinforcement to handle the additional stresses of serious off-roading.
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Under the carbon fiber power dome hood lurks an extensively modified version of AMG’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Brabus has fitted larger turbochargers with reinforced axial bearings and increased the compressor size to 52mm, resulting in an output of 800 metric horsepower (788 bhp) at 6,600 rpm and an earth-moving 737 lb-ft of torque available at 3,600 rpm.
All this firepower is channeled through the G63’s nine-speed automatic transmission, which can be manually controlled via carbon fiber paddle shifters. Despite its towering ride height and massive 325/55 R22 Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tires, the XL 800 will still accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph – although we wouldn’t recommend pushing the limits here considering this G-Wagon’s aerodynamic profile.
Carbon Fiber Everything
No Brabus creation would be complete without a liberal application of carbon fiber, and the XL 800 is no exception. The company’s Widestar body kit has been executed entirely in exposed-weave carbon, including the front fascia, fender flares, hood, radiator grille surround, side mirror caps, roof spoiler, and even the tailgate cover panel that replaces the spare tire carrier found on standard G-Class models.
A particularly interesting detail is the side-exit exhaust system, which features carbon fiber surrounds with integrated red ambient lighting that activates with the interior illumination — because why be subtle when you can make your exhaust glow? The system also offers active sound management, letting drivers choose between a relatively discreet “Coming Home” mode and a full-throated “Sport” setting that likely violates noise ordinances in most civilized countries.
An Interior Fit for a Bond Villain
Step inside (using the power-retractable side steps, naturally), and you’re greeted by what Brabus calls their “Masterpiece” interior treatment. Every surface is swathed in slate gray leather with elaborate “Double Cube” quilting that’s both perforated for climate control and stitched with precision that would make Swiss watchmakers envious.
Exposed carbon fiber elements adorn the dashboard, door panels, and center console, while the Dinamica headliner features a central leather strip with the same intricate quilting pattern. Even the sun visors are fashioned from carbon fiber, and the roof-mounted instrument panel keeps rear passengers informed of vehicle speed, time, and date.
A Six-Figure Statement
For the deep-pocketed individualist who finds a standard G63 too commonplace or a Land Rover Defender too plebeian, the Brabus XL 800 represents the ultimate expression of off-road excess. It’s capable of conquering virtually any terrain (though we expect to see them cruising down Sunset during rush hour), while providing the kind of luxury that makes a Bentley Bentayga seem almost austere by comparison.
Spec Sheet
Model: Brabus XL 800 (based on Mercedes-AMG G63 W465)
Engine: Modified 4.0L twin-turbo V8
Power: 788 bhp (800 PS) at 6,600 rpm
Torque: 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) at 3,600 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic with carbon fiber paddle shifters
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Ground Clearance: 18.5 inches (470mm)
Wheels: 22-inch Brabus Monoblock Z/HD forged
0-62 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Pricing & Availability
The Brabus XL 800 is available to order now with a starting price of €630,767 (approximately $716,000) before taxes, with virtually unlimited customization options available for those who find even this level of exclusivity insufficient.
Recap
Brabus XL 800
Based on the Mercedes-AMG G63, the Brabus XL 800 combines an extreme 18.5-inch ground clearance via custom portal axles with 788 horsepower from a modified twin-turbo V8, wrapped in a carbon fiber Widestar body and finished with a meticulously crafted leather interior.
