2023 BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack: An Extraordinary Beast
Staring into the face of exclusivity, the 2023 BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack emanates the pure intensity of a true high-performance pickup. Anchored in the robust Mercedes-AMG G 63 model, this latest masterpiece from BRABUS is a daring feat of automotive innovation. The German tuning brand seems to have outdone themselves this time, pushing the envelope of what a supercar can be, and presenting a spectacle that, until now, the world could only imagine.
Formidable Size and Power
The sheer dimensions of the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack can't be understated. Standing at a staggering 6.18 meters in length and 2.09 meters in width, this vehicle makes an unmistakable statement. The addition of an extra rear axle, as suggested by the 6x6 model designation, allows the Superblack to run on six wheels, giving it an unusually dominant stance. The underpinning of this beast is the mighty BRABUS Rocket 900 V8 twin-turbo engine, capable of pumping out an impressive 900 horsepower and delivering an electronically limited peak torque of 774 lb-ft.
Combine this with the nine-speed transmission and six-wheel drive, and this heavyweight can surprisingly sprint from rest to 62 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds. While its top speed is electronically capped at 130 mph, the true allure of the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack isn't purely in its straight-line performance but in its unparalleled off-road capability.
Master of the Unpaved
The Superblack, sporting its longer ladder frame, provides an improved foundation for the pickup bed and a home for the second rear axle. Notably, BRABUS developed exclusive portal axles for the XLP, treating the two rear axles to independent suspensions. The result is a ground clearance ballooning to a massive 18.6 inches, dwarfing the clearance of the original vehicle. This design choice allows for increased wheel suspension articulation, effectively heightening the vehicle's off-road prowess.
A Black Diamond on Wheels
The "SUPERBLACK" moniker is not just a name; it is a testament to the vehicle's dominating color scheme. Painted in high-gloss black, punctuated with sporty exposed-carbon elements, the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack truly lives up to its title. The interior is equally impressive, featuring the finest "Mondial Black" leather complemented by gray piping and additional carbon elements. With a selling price of 1,186,000 euros (excluding statutory VAT), it’s clear that this vehicle is designed for an exclusive set of automotive connoisseurs.
Uncompromising Chassis and Design
The BRABUS engineers turned to state-of-the-art design and simulation software to craft the robust steel module for the chassis, allowing the vehicle to maintain high torsional rigidity. The front view is utterly captivating with a BRABUS fascia derived from the WIDESTAR widebody version for the G-Class. Equally remarkable are the six custom-made wheels, designed specifically for the eight-lug bolt pattern of the portal axles and mounted under the broad flares with exposed-carbon extensions.
However, the allure of the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack doesn't stop at its outward appearance. The transparent pane of the BRABUS "Powerview" hood cowl allows a tantalizing glimpse into the vehicle's powerful heart, while the carbon components including the wind deflector, flares, rub strips, and exterior mirror caps echo the dominance of this automotive titan.
Extraordinary Accessibility
Accommodating the considerable step-in height of the vehicle, BRABUS has adapted the running boards to the longer wheelbase and included power-retractable steps. Practical features like LED lights integrated into the fender flares illuminate the running boards, enhancing safety. Additionally, the vehicle also includes underbody lights that illuminate the ground next to the vehicle and special door hinges, which increase the opening angle to 90 degrees, easing the passengers' access to the rear bench seat.
A Symphony of Power
Under the hood of the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack lies a power plant that's a marvel of precision engineering. With decades of tradition, BRABUS has honed their craft: more displacement equates to more power. The original V8 engine of the G 63 is completely disassembled and profoundly modified: the cylinder bore is enlarged to 84 millimeters (3.3 in), the cylinders are fitted with custom forged pistons for optimized combustion, and high-performance connecting rods link them to a precision-balanced crankshaft, with a stroke lengthened to 100 millimeters (3.9 in). This increases the displacement from stock 3,982 cc to 4,407 cc (243 to 269 cu in).
BRABUS doesn’t stop there. The newly designed forced induction system is crucial in achieving the output increase of 231 kW / 315 hp (310 bhp) over the production engine. Two BRABUS special turbochargers with larger compressor units and reinforced axial bearing produce a maximum boost pressure of 1.4 bar, which is also accompanied acoustically by two BRABUS BoostXtra adapters. When the driver lifts off the gas, these adapters produce a thrilling blow-off noise.
To help this mighty beast breathe, a ram-air intake system is integrated into the exposed-carbon radiator grille, and special high-pressure pumps ramp up the fuel supply. The BRABUS ROCKET 900 increased-displacement engine is further enhanced by larger downpipes with a diameter of 76 millimeters (3 in) and special particulate filters and metal catalysts. Completing this intricate system is the BRABUS stainless high-performance exhaust system, specifically adapted to the longer wheelbase of the 6x6. This features actively controlled butterfly valves for varying the exhaust note. It can produce a potent V8 roar in “Sport” mode or a subtle whisper in “Coming Home” mode.
Engineering Mastery and Exquisite Interior
Exquisite details continue to enhance the XLP 900 6x6 Superblack. The rear end boasts a thrilling BRABUS design, with the WIDESTAR fascia, an exposed-carbon panel with an embossed BRABUS logo on the tailpipe, door and tailgate handles with recessed BRABUS logos. The engine cover made from red carbon carries a BRABUS 900 logo, signaling to the world the exceptional engine that lies within.
The high-class BRABUS MASTERPIECE interior is dressed in black leather with carbon applications. “Mondial Black” leather meticulously crafted seats, door panels, roof pillars, dashboard, and center console give passengers a taste of luxury, while the triangular quilting, gray piping, and the ‘Shadow Gray” glaze finish on 206 cockpit elements provide an intriguing contrast. Carbon elements with a high-gloss sealed surface finish, BRABUS RACE paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and grab handles in the interior add decidedly sporty touches. The inclusion of carbon scuff plates with a backlit BRABUS logo, aluminum pedal pads, and door lock pins completes the luxurious experience.
A Benchmark in Performance and Luxury
With its BRABUS ROCKET 900 V8 Biturbo engine, the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack accelerates from rest to 62 mph in just 5.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 130 mph, electronically limited due to its significant weight. This pickup, with its impressive six-wheel power and luxury, is a perfect illustration of BRABUS's attention to detail and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
The BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack is indeed a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the drive to defy convention. This exquisite vehicle, with its awe-inspiring design and incredible performance capabilities, is more than just a car; it's a symbol of uncompromising excellence. And as it races down the road, it leaves an indelible mark on the world of automotive innovation. In the end, one thing is certain: for those who experience the BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack, the world of high-performance pickups will never be the same.
-Ed
2023 BRABUS XLP 900 6x6 Superblack
