Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 (2010): world's fastest 4dr

Warped Merc tuner Brabus has turned the latest S-class into the world’s most powerful and fastest saloon car. The new Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 takes the S600 and transforms it from discrete businessman cruiser to 800hp limousine bruiser.

The 5.5-litre V12 has grown to 6.3 litres, and power increased to a heady 788bhp (800ps – hence the name), with a theoretical peak torque of 1047lb ft. To save the innards of the transmission, pulling power is in fact limited to a paltry 811lb ft.

Ensuring the fastest saloon bragging rights are the SV12’s performance claims: it torpedoes to 62mph in just 3.9sec, and to 124mph in a staggering 10.9sec. It will reach an electronically limited top speed of 217mph.

Hopefully not. To keep the Biturbo R 800 safe and (relatively) easy to drive quickly, it uses a five-speed reinforced automatic gearbox is used and a limited slip differential is an option for those inclined towards big, smoky slides. The front lip spoiler also helps the aerodynamic properties of the Brabus.

The Brabus majors on luxury: the interior can be altered to the customer’s personal taste, and the option of a leather interior in any colour imaginable begs the question: how long before really awful examples flood the internet?

By Ben List