Brabus G700 Widestar is a boosted Mercedes-AMG G63

THE NEW G-Class from Mercedes-Benz hasn’t even hit Australian showrooms, but already the Euro tuning houses are having fun with it.

With its bigger body, new chassis and independent front suspension, the new G represents the biggest change to the iconic off-roader in almost 40 years. However, it retains the traditional boxy styling and underneath there’s still a live axle at the back and all three differentials can be manually locked for supreme off-road ability.

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When it does get here later this year the AMG-tweaked G63 will be the first model on the block with others to arrive later in 2019. Brabus has waved its tuning wand over the G63 taking the already stonking power from the twin-turbo V8 petrol engine from 430kW to a blistering 515kW at 6100rpm. Torque pounds up from 850Nm to 950Nm, which is all available between 2500 to 3500rpm.

Brabus does this with its own plug-and-play engine controller, which works in-line with the factory ECU and adjusts fuel injection timing and boost levels to attain maximum performance. It is helped along with a free-flowing active exhaust that gives the system a variable exhaust note ranging from a subtle “Coming Home” mode to a ballsy V8 bellow.

Brabus calls its G-banger the 700 Widestar, which indicates the wider stance of the vehicle. The monstrous 11.0 x 23.0-inch forged alloy wheels clad in 305/35 R 23 sticky tyres widen the track and they are covered under oversized wheel arch flares. New front and rear bumpers stretch out to the wider flares and give the Widestar a flatter stance. Bespoke LED lights and a custom interior complete the package.

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Like any Brabus-tweaked special, if you need to ask the price then you probably can’t afford it. We doubt the Widestar could maintain the G-Wagen’s legendary off-road ability on those massive low-profile tyres anyway, so we’ll just have to wait for the regular Gs from Mercedes-Benz next year.