Brabus Convertible G-Wagen Brings 800-HP Top-Down Experience
Meet the XL 800: the Brabus Convertible G-Wagen with 800 horsepower, a crazy complex soft top, and a limited run of only 50.
The thought of a convertible G-Wagen is not new. In fact, we’ve discussed one before, back when automotive journalist extraordinaire Doug DeMuro purchased the elusive G500 Cabriolet. However, a drop-top G hasn’t been on the menu for quite some time. In all honesty, it’s a bit impractical given the G-class’s intended uses. That said, if we acknowledge who is driving a G-wagen and what they use it for, a cabriolet variant makes a lot of sense. After all, most of them only go off-road when their owners accidentally drive over a curb.
Enter the Brabus XL 800 Cabrio. It’s based on the current G-Class (W465) AMG G 63. You’re probably racking your brain trying to envision what the cabriolet version outside of the Brabus monster in the pictures looks like, and that’s because there isn’t one. Instead, Brabus developed this convertible soft-top system in-house. Brabus says that it consists of over 500 custom-made components and that the company developed and tested it to full OEM standards. In addition, it claims that the use of state-of-the-art CAD and sim tech maintains the chassis rigidity of the standard enclosed version.
Plenty of Power, Unique Parts, and Crazy Styling
This isn’t the first venture into a custom convertible by Brabus, and such a drastic change to a chassis without disrupting the factory style is not an easy thing to accomplish. To call Brabus’ styling choices “divisive” might be a bit of an understatement in the world of Mercedes-Benz fans. However, in the case of the XL 800 Cabrio, we think it looks pretty solid. Aside from the obvious soft-top addition, it features a Brabus Widestar front fascia overhaul and a unique-to-this-model full-carbon-fiber rear fascia. Some elements, like the massive hood scoop and LED-illuminated fender flares, might be a bit over-the-top to some. Then again, what about this car isn’t over-the-top in general?
If you’re concerned about the additional weight from reinforcing the chassis to support the missing roof, don’t be. As one would expect, stock horsepower doesn’t get the pass on a Brabus vehicle. Instead, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is pumping out a monstrous 800 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque. Brabus says that it’ll still sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 4.6 seconds. If that’s not fast enough for a convertible off-road vehicle in your mind, well, you need help.
Don’t Get too Attached.
From the crazy styling cues like its illuminated exhaust tips and bright red interior to the KW-developed off-road-ready suspension, this thing is a unique monster. If you fancy one, you’d best cross your fingers. Brabus only plans to make 50 of these worldwide. The website has a form to express your interest in owning one, so you’d better dip your toe early. As for the price? If you have to ask, you can’t afford it. There’s no mention of it on the site. Autoblog claims the starting price is around $880,000 USD, though. Start saving those pennies!
Photos: Brabus
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