At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the BRABUS E V12 “one of ten” launched the fourth generation of the unique high-performance sedan based on the latest Mercedes E-Class. The limited and sold-out edition of just ten cars set itself apart with its BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 800 twelve-cylinder displacement engine with 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW, a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) and with its spectacular racing looks that included cowlings for the rear wheel houses, and a rear wing.
Now BRABUS offers a markedly understated version of the BRABUS E V12. It features almost identical technology, wrapped in an only slightly modified E-Class sedan body, and offers the same one-of-a-kind driving experience: 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) accelerate the four-door car from rest to 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 23.9 seconds and propel it to a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph).
At the heart of the car lies the SV12 R Biturbo 800 evolution of the tried and proven BRABUS SV12 Biturbo displacement engine that fills the space in the modified E-Class engine bay. Before installation displacement of the twelve-cylinder engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) The increase is facilitated with a special crankshaft with longer stroke, larger cylinder bore and precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons. In addition, the cylinder heads are re-machined and fitted with special camshafts.
The air intake system and the BRABUS twin turbo system both were developed from the ground up. The BRABUS turbo system includes two special headers with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers, and four water-to-air intercoolers. The combustion air is supplied by a carbon-fiber RAM airbox. The RAM system is integrated into the hood that features two air inlets. A stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was also developed specifically for the E-Class platform.
Newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection coordinate all high-performance components and ensure not only the enormous performance potential but also clean emissions that meet strict EURO IV limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire drivetrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.
The BRABUS E V12 Biturbo engine has a rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. In the car peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).
Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and the BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent. The BRABUS E V12 comes standard with state-of-the-art driving stability programs that can be deactivated at the push of a button.
The BRABUS E V12 delivers performance on a level that only a very few select super sports cars can hope to match: The sedan, which weighs in at 1,980 kilograms (4,365 lbs), sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. After just 9.9 seconds the four-door car reaches a speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). The 300-km/h (186-mph) mark is reached after just 23.9 seconds. The top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph) is limited electronically for use on public roads to 350 km/h (217 mph).
Favorable aerodynamics is of enormous importance to perfect directional stability. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop extremely lightweight yet high-strength carbon-fiber aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as understated fender flares that perfectly blend with the lines of the car. These flares add 36 millimeters (1.4 inches) to the width of the E-Class body.