Photo: Brabus
When we tested the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid, we thoroughly enjoyed the get-up-and-go of the eco-friendly luxobarge. But the total system output of 442 PS and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque isn’t enough for the peeps from Brabus, a mad tuning house from Germany.
Cheekily baptized Brabus PowerXtra B50 Hybrid, the car received a number drivetrain enhancements and Brabus detailing inside and out. Let’s not beat around the bush: the newest creation from the German tuning house makes do with 500 PS (493 horsepower) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft) of torque sent to the rear wheels.
While the electric motor and governing software haven’t been touched, Brabus engineers tinkered with the twin-turbo V6 engine’s mapping, modifying ignition timing and fuel delivery. A mild increase in turbo boost helped churn out more muscle from the already potent 3-liter V6 motor.
Brabus promises the PowerXtra B50 Hybrid to be an “even more superior driving sensation” than a box standard S500 Plug-In Hybrid. In terms of straight line performance, the added oomph grants a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 4.9 seconds, three-tenths quicker. On the twisties, Brabus claims that the 1.5-cm lowered suspension aids with the driving dynamics of this 2,215 kg (4,883 lbs) machine.
A stainless steel sports exhaust system with four tailpipes, carbon fiber Brabus aerodynamic components, a modded front bumper, bigger wheels, and Brabus badging round off the exterior makeover. On the inside, the B50 Hybrid receives LED illuminated door sills, Brabus leather and Alcantara, fine wood and carbon.
The Brabus iBusiness multimedia package is also available, combining two iPad tablets with Bluetooth keyboards and mouse, a Mac mini computer and an Apple iPod Touch.
While the electric motor and governing software haven’t been touched, Brabus engineers tinkered with the twin-turbo V6 engine’s mapping, modifying ignition timing and fuel delivery. A mild increase in turbo boost helped churn out more muscle from the already potent 3-liter V6 motor.
Brabus promises the PowerXtra B50 Hybrid to be an “even more superior driving sensation” than a box standard S500 Plug-In Hybrid. In terms of straight line performance, the added oomph grants a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint of 4.9 seconds, three-tenths quicker. On the twisties, Brabus claims that the 1.5-cm lowered suspension aids with the driving dynamics of this 2,215 kg (4,883 lbs) machine.
A stainless steel sports exhaust system with four tailpipes, carbon fiber Brabus aerodynamic components, a modded front bumper, bigger wheels, and Brabus badging round off the exterior makeover. On the inside, the B50 Hybrid receives LED illuminated door sills, Brabus leather and Alcantara, fine wood and carbon.
The Brabus iBusiness multimedia package is also available, combining two iPad tablets with Bluetooth keyboards and mouse, a Mac mini computer and an Apple iPod Touch.
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