Brabus Gives the Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-In Hybrid “Xtra” Power

By Derek Shiekhi - May 28, 2015

Brabus is an equal-opportunity tuner when it comes to Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It doesn’t matter if there are six cylinders or six wheels – Brabus will make it more powerful. Even (relatively) green cars, such as the S550 Plug-In Hybrid.

After getting the Brabus treatment, the big-bodied Benz is known as the Brabus PowerXtra B50 Hybrid. That “Xtra” is found in the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, which receives special ignition and injection mapping and more boost pressure. Those changes bring engine output to 385 horsepower (up from 329) and 405 lb-ft (up from 354). Combined output of the gas engine and the electric motor is 500 horsepower and 656 lb-ft.

Not surprisingly, it only takes the B50 4.9 seconds to hit 62 mph. Flat-out, it can reach 155 – just like the car on which it’s based.

Cosmetic tweaks on the B50 include a front fascia that optimizes air flow to the radiator, engine, and front brakes; carbon fiber front fender accents; and a rear fascia with an integrated diffuser and cutouts for a stainless-steel sport exhaust system. “Platinum Edition” 21-inch and 22-inch wheel packages are available.

PRESS RELEASE

BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid with 368 kW / 500 hp (493 bhp) and 890 Nm of torque
The eco-friendly performance upgrade for the new Mercedes S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID

For more than 35 years, BRABUS has been the synonym for powerful high-performance automobiles and exclusive refinement at the highest level of perfection. One philosophy has always been paramount in all these years: combining top performance with exemplary eco-friendliness, immaculate durability and perfect everyday practicality.

With the new BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid performance kit for the new Mercedes S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID, the engine specialists of the world’s largest independent tuner once more demonstrate their unrivalled know-how. The power increase of the V6 engine by 38 kW / 52 hp (51 bhp) and the boost in torque by 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) bumps the system output of the hybrid sedan to 368 kW / 500 hp (493 bhp) and system torque to 890 Nm (656 lb-ft). As a result, the luxury liner sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds, and impresses in daily driving with even further enhanced superiority. Due to the hybrid system, the top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Of course, the refinement program from BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) also includes numerous other options for the S-Class with alternative drive. Among them are an aerodynamic-enhancement program with sporty-elegant styling, tailor-made wheels with diameters of up to 22 inches and exclusive options for the interior.

All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometer/62,000 miles (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013).

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive lineup of engine tuning for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which of course also includes the models of the latest S-Class. Moreover, since the German company has always been a pioneer in the development of especially eco-friendly high-performance engines, it developed a performance kit for the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID model with turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and plug-in electric drive.

With special mapping for injection and ignition as well as a moderate increase in boost pressure, the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid performance kit coaxes an additional 52 horsepower and 70 Newton meters from the six-cylinder engine.

Instead of stock 245 kW / 333 hp (328 bhp), the engine produces an output of 283 kW / 385 hp (379 bhp) at 5,600 rpm and generates a peak torque of 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 4,000 rpm after the conversion. In concert with the electric motor, the tuned S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID has a system output of 368 kW / 500 hp (493 bhp) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft) of system torque.

As a result, the four-door car accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. Due to the hybrid technology, the top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Much more important than the raw performance figures is the even more superior driving sensation the alternative drive with BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid tuning delivers. Superior power is available across the entire rev range and of course, the BRABUS performance kit harmonizes perfectly with the four different operating modes of the S 500’s hybrid system. It goes without saying that the tuned V6 complies with the strict EURO VI emissions standards.

As the ideal complement to the performance upgrade, BRABUS offers a fully stainless-steel sports exhaust system with four tailpipes in hallmark BRABUS design for the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID as well.

Of course, BRABUS also offers a host of other refinement options for the eco-friendly luxury sedan. Tailor-made BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components manufactured in OEM quality from PUR and carbon fiber are available to add a sporty-elegant emphasis to the bodywork.

The BRABUS front fascia replaces the production bumper in its entirety. It captivates with its striking looks that includes large stylishly integrated air intakes that optimize the supply of cooling air for the radiator, engine and front brakes. What’s more: its shape was optimized in the wind tunnel and features an integrated spoiler lip. As a result, it also reduces lift on the front axle, a measure that plays a role in the further improved handling stability at high speeds.

The side of the each front fender is upgraded with a BRABUS design element made from clear-coated carbon fiber. The integrated BRABUS logo is optionally available in a backlit version whose light is activated by operating the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.

At the same time, the LED lights integrated into the underside of the BRABUS rocker panels also light up. The underfloor lighting makes approaching the car at night safer and helps to avoid stepping into a pothole or puddle.

The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept was designed for all current S-Class models with short or long wheelbase. It is rounded out by the BRABUS rear spoiler lip, which is also available in a version made from clear-coated carbon fiber, and the rear fascia with integrated diffuser and tailor-made cutouts for the BRABUS sports exhaust system.

Also contributing to the striking designer looks and the even more dynamic and safer handling of the Mercedes S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID and all other S-Class models are the tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters of 19, 20, 21 or even 22 inches.

Forged BRABUS “PLATINUM EDITION” high-tech wheels of size 9Jx21 on the front axle and size 10.5Jx21 wheels at the rear are available as an especially exclusive tire/wheel combination. Customers can choose from three different designs: mirror-finished Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, Monoblock F cross-spoke wheels or the new Monoblock R wheels with pairs of spokes offset in space. Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA high-performance tires of sizes 255/35 ZR 21 at the front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle were selected as the optimal tires.

As an alternative, there is also a BRABUS 22-inch tire/wheel combination for the S-Class. The BRABUS Monoblock G “Platinum Edition” forged wheels combine size 9Jx22 wheels and size 255/30 ZR 22 tires on the front axle with size 10Jx22 wheels and size 295/25 ZR 22 tires at the rear, and make full use of the available space in the wheel wells.

To enhance the high level of dynamic handling of the hybrid sedan further, BRABUS has developed a special control module that lowers the ride height of vehicles equipped with AIRMATIC by about 15 millimeters (.6 inches).

Sheer luxury and individuality in the interior is yet another BRABUS specialty. The product lineup for the Mercedes S-Class ranges from scuff plates with BRABUS logo to exclusive BRABUS fine leather interiors. The company upholstery shop crafts these interiors with utmost love of detail from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara in any desired color. Just as extensive is the range of available wood and carbon-fiber interior trim.

In addition, the hybrid luxury liner can also be refined with the equally exclusive and technologically innovative BRABUS “iBusiness” multimedia system.