Geneva Motor Show 2017: Brabus 550 Adventure 4x4²

THE Brabus 550 Adventure 4x4² has made its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

The bush-tearing Brabus is based on the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4², but has been sprinkled with additional off-road kit and tweaked to be an extreme wanderer.

It utilises Merc G500 4x4²’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine (capable of 310kW/610Nm) as a base, but adds the new Brabus B40-550 PowerXtra performance upgrade kit to lift those numbers to 404kW and 800Nm.

The performance upgrade kit features two high-performance turbochargers with a larger compression unit (and a special core assembly with reinforced axial bearings) to produce higher boost pressure. The kit also comes with a matching plug-and-play PowerXtra auxiliary control unit, which controls boost pressure and optimised mapping for injection and ignition.

Utilising a seven-speed automatic transmission the 3000kg+ Brabus rockets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h.

Helping overcome the rough stuff is custom-developed electronically adjustable Brabus special suspension. The system, controlled by the driver via a touch control panel, features height-adjustable struts made from high-strength aluminium. “The design features an expansion chamber at each strut, resulting in a 15 per cent higher damper fluid volume and thereby tremendous reserves even under maximum loads,” said Brabus in a press statement.

Four damper settings are available: Comfort, Sport, Off-Road and Individual.

Notable exterior features include black-tinted xenon headlights, a front bumper guard, underride guard and winch, while the hood scoop is made from matte naked carbon. Brush guards run from the grille guards to the black roof rack, a pivoting spare tyre carrier is made from carbon, and power retractable steps make getting in and out easy.

The Brabus 550 Adventure 4x4² is available as a complete vehicle, though conversions are available for customers who already own a Mercedes-Benz G500 4x4² – not that it matters to Australian drivers, as no Merc G500 4x4² has arrived in Australia since they were launched.

However, for all other Brabus treatment head to Sharp Performance in Melbourne, or give them a call on (03) 96900377.