Brabus tunes Mercedes S-class for Frankfurt motor show

German tuner Brabus is working its magic on the new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-class for the Frankfurt motor show, the Brabus 850 6.0 Biturbo iBusiness. The clumsily named sedan comes with an iPad mini that can control all COMAND functions from the back seat.

Of course, Brabus wouldn't be here without adding gobs of power to the normally staid S-class. This one gets a re-machined engine block, cylinders and cylinder heads. Bigger bores allow the use of forged pistons with custom billet rods.

Two turbochargers with a larger compressor unit and modified exhaust manifolds force air in and out while a carbon fiber intake pipe scoops atmosphere from the outside.

With the upgraded Brabus engine management system, the hefty sedan makes 850 hp at 5,400 rpm and a limited 848 lb-ft of torque. Brabus says twist could go up to 1,069 lb-ft, but for the sake of longevity, it needed to be reduced.

A modified version of AMG's SpeedShift MCT seven-speed transmission forces power to the rear wheels. A limited-slip differential is optional, but with 850 hp we'd say it's a good idea. The 0-62 mph sprint takes just 3.5 seconds, that's a full half-second faster than the stock S63 AMG. Top speed is pegged at 217 mph. Like the other Brabi(?), the 850 has a dual-mode exhaust, one mode for sport and one for coming home.

The iBusiness moniker denotes the selection of multimedia systems integrated into the S-class. The tuning company is now on its second generation of business apps, the first coming in the last-generation S-cass in 2010.

The iPad mini tablet is integrated into a central console in the back seat, and besides connecting with the vehicle's functions, it also connects with the outside world via an in-car wi-fi hotspot. A Mac mini is stationed on a drawer in the truck to facilitate bigger computing needs. A 15.2-inch color display serves as the main monitor. USB ports provide more connections with other devices, including phones and digital cameras. A 64-gigabyte hard drive is also included.

Visually, the Brabus 850 gets a new front fascia with integrated air scoops, upgraded front fenders and LED lights under the rocker panels.

Bigger wheels and tires, and high-performance brakes are included, as is a special control module for the air suspension, which lowers the car more than half an inch.

Pricing hasn't been revealed yet, but we have a call into Brabus for the lowdown. We'll hear more about this car during the Frankfurt motor show.

About the show

The 2013 Frankfurt motor show will be held Sept. 10-22 in Germany. Premium automakers appear ready to try to outdo each other with eye-catching electric supercars. Green technology and fuel efficiency will take center stage on the stands of most automakers at the show. For news, reveals and photos straight from the floor in Frankfurt, check out our special Frankfurt motor show section here.

By Jake Lingeman