German Car Zone

To kick things off, I thought it best if we start with a story sure to fill the hunger of GL owners' with insatiable tuning appetites. For the afore-mentioned crowd, Brabus has debuted today a series of upgrades for the Mercedes GL-Class, ranging from power and performance modifications all the way up to purely cosmetic enhancements.

Want the full details? Keep reading for the full scoop.

As with all models in the Brabus fleet, the first area Brabus addressed on the GL-Class was its powerplant. For the GL 320 CDI, Brabus has introduced the D6 (III) PowerXtra performance kit, a simple "plug-and-play" tuning program that that produces a maximum power output of 272 hp / 200 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm at 1,600 rpm. As a result, the Brabus GL 320 CDI is capable of achieving a 0-62 mph time of 8.9 seconds, compared to the standard model's 9.5 seconds.

Own a GL 500? Don't worry, Brabus has you covered as well. Thanks to a series of performance enhancements ranging from the 419 hp / 308 kW B8 kit to the 462 hp / 340 kW 6.1 Liter displacement kit, the preeminent Brabus GL 500 is capable of achieving a 0-62 mph time of 6.0 seconds, while top speed increases to 158 mph.

Of course, Brabus engineers didn't stop there ladies and gentlemen, more power is simply the beginning. Next is the GL's styling, courtesy of a number of new and improved body enhancements. On the front, Brabus has introduced a new front fascia designed to replace the lower section of the stock bumper. Large air inlets give Mercedes' SUV an even more dynamic appearance (and at the same time reduce lift on the front axle at high speed), while optional headlamp inserts with two fog lamps and two high beams each provide additional illumination in low visibility situations. In the rear, new fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the Brabus sport exhaust help provide an even more sporty-yet-elegant appearance. And finally, to complete the styling trifecta, Brabus has added new rocker panels, to provide an even more favorable aerodynamic transition between front and rear wheel houses.

Still not satisfied? There's more GL owners; much more.

A number of wheels, ranging from 18" to 22" in diameter; a new high performance braking system; a suspension control module resulting in a reduction of ride height by some 30 mm; exclusive interior appointments - all are available for those looking to further enhance their already-impressive GL-Class.

To learn more, keep scrolling to view of number of photos showcasing various Brabus options, followed by the full press release outlining the complete Brabus GL tuning package.

Enjoy.



















OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


The BRABUS Tuning Program for the new GL-Class: Sporty yet Elegant Design and up to 462 hp / 340 kW
Sporty yet elegant design and engine tuning up to 462 hp / 340 kW, BRABUS now offers an extensive individual program for the new Mercedes GL-Class. All components are covered by the unique BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years up to 100,000 kilometers (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of June 2003).
BRABUS offers the world's largest engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which also benefits owners of the new GL-Class. For the GL 320 CDI the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS D6 (III) PowerXtra performance kit that is fully compatible with the standard diesel particulate filter and meets Euro IV emission limits.

After the simple plug-and-play installation of the tuning module, an operation that can be performed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, the engine produces a maximum power output of 272 hp / 200 kW and a bullish peak torque of 590 Nm at just 1,600 rpm. Performance
improves accordingly: Compared to the production car (9.5 seconds) the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to 8.9 seconds, top speed increases from 210 to 218 km/h.
For the GL 500 the BRABUS engine tuning program ranges from the B8 performance kit for a maximum power output of 419 hp / 308 kW to the 462-hp / 340-kW BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine for the same model. Equipped with this V8 engine whose displacement has been enlarged from 5.5 to 6.1 liters the SUV accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255 km/h. The engine also delivers an impressive peak torque of 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm.
All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. For all GL-Class engine variants BRABUS offers custom-calibrated BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with four chromed tailpipes.
To give the new top-of-the-line SUV an even more customized and exclusive appearance BRABUS offers a sporty yet elegantly styled design package. The package components are made from Pur-R-Rim thus making them easy to paint and ensuring OEM quality as well as
perfect fit.
The BRABUS on-road front fascia was designed to replace the lower part of the stock bumper. The front fascia with its large air inlets gives the SUV an even more dynamic appearance and reduces lift on the front axle at high speed. The GL front can be further upgraded with BRABUS
headlamp inserts with two fog lamps and two high beams each.
The BRABUS rocker panels for the GL-Class provide a more favorable aerodynamic transition between front and rear wheel houses. But that's not all: Integrated entrance lights and chrome trim strips combine elegant design and added safety. The entrance lights are activated with the
keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.
The BRABUS designer suit for the largest Mercedes SUV is rounded out by a rear fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the BRABUS sport exhaust system with four tailpipes. The program also features an understated rear spoiler that is attached to the liftgate.
The exclusive BRABUS look is further characterized by custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels in three different designs and sizes from 18 to 22 inches in diameter. The classic polished Monoblock VI design with six double spokes is available for the GL-Class either as
multi-piece light-alloy rims in size 9.5Jx20 with size 295/45 ZR 20 tires or as one-piece 10Jx22 wheels with 295/35 ZR 22 tires.
The range of fully polished BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels with five curved double spokes includes sizes 8Jx18, 8.5Jx19 and 9.5Jx19 for use with the production tires and culminates in the especially exclusive 10Jx22 option.
BRABUS also offers the new Monoblock E wheel family with nine silver painted spokes and polished flange for the GL models. Customers can choose between 9.5Jx20 and 10Jx22 wheels with custom-tailored tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama.
Custom-calibrated to these sporty tire/wheel combinations is the BRABUS control module for GL-Class models equipped with AIRMATIC air suspension. It lowers the ride height by some 30 millimeters.
For further improved active safety of the new SUV BRABUS offers various versions of its high-performance brake systems. The top-of-the-line version features 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and perforated 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. In combination
with six-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm brake discs on the rear axle they provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.
Another BRABUS specialty for the new Mercedes GL-Class lies in exclusive interior options: Stainless-steel door sills with illuminated BRABUS logo or an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel are part of the product lineup as are exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors precision-crafted from a combination of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara.
The BRABUS interior designers have further developed special seat consoles for the backs of the front seats. These consoles feature a seven-inch LCD screen and an integrated DVD player. An even more exclusive version of these consoles also includes an electrically deployed
table.

Copyright © 2006, Brabus

Nice, clean looking kit for the truck, gives it the look it needs!

Not a fan of the truck nor the kit.

When I first saw the picture on Germancarfans I thought oh no, they've done a GL63 AMG. Thank goodness this is a Brabus product.

M

The GL is my favorite of the new crop of German SUV's, and I think the kit looks quite decent, even if it is nothing spectacular (and quite pointless on a vehicle of this type).

Yeah, the front apron looks boy-racer.

I'm not a big fan of the GL, but Brabus puts out some impressive tuning packages. Too bad they are so expensive.

But I'm really liking those 5 Twin-spoke Monoblock rims, they would look better on a CL or E-Class.