2000s
The beginning of a new millennium marked the beginning of a new era for BRABUS. From the iconic BRABUS E V12's record performance, earning the title of the world's fastest saloon in 2005, to the first-generation BRABUS ROCKET reaching unprecedented speeds at the Nardo high-speed track in 2006, the decade was marked by several industry-defying achievements and milestones. The official founding of the smart BRABUS division in 2002 led to the development of the partnership’s first unique vehicles, further diversifying Bodo Buschmann’s influence on the automotive industry, while limited edition projects such as the BRABUS E V12 "One of Ten" introduced the world of exclusive supercars to confident BRABUS power and maximum individuality like never before.
2001
BRABUS C V8 Sport coupé
The C 203 series Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the first model series Bodo Buschmann and the BRABUS team place their focus on as they find themselves at the dawn of a new century. Designated the BRABUS C V8 Sport Coupe and equipped with a 6.1-liter BRABUS V8 engine producing 313 kW / 426 hp, it is an entirely new dimension for exclusive compact cars at the time, characterized in every detail by BRABUS typical engineering know-how and attention to detail. But its performance figures put the Sport Coupe in pole position: with a 4.5-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 301 km/h, the BRABUS C V8 is at the highest level of sports car power at the time.
2002
Tuning GUARANTEE
The BRABUS Tuning Guarantee is called to life in 2002 as an unimpeachable seal of trust in our products and services. Intended to set a new benchmark for the automotive tuning industry at the time, this guarantee covers all BRABUS conversions in their entirety within the first three years, or 100,000 kilometers, of their lifespans.*
*According to the guarantee conditions as of 09/2023
Plant 2 & The founding of smart BRABUS
smart BRABUS is officially founded in the early summer of 2002 as a 50/50 joint venture between smart and BRABUS, with Bodo Buschmann as its acting CEO. The newly established business unit operating out of Plant 2 on the BRABUS Campus leads the development and manufacture of all smart BRABUS vehicles, including their respective accessories and individual tuning programs.
Today, Plant 2 is home to multiple key facets of our company including the BRABUS Classic production and our primary CNC facility where various engine, chassis and body components are milled with the highest level of detail. Other amenities include sizable office and meeting rooms, a show and event hall and a fully equipped photo studio.
Smart BRABUS First Edition
2002 is one of the most significant years for BRABUS products based on the smart platform, defined by the official founding of smart BRABUS as well as some of its earliest success stories, such as the smart BRABUS First Edition. Producing 52 kW / 70 hp and 199 Nm of torque, this compact city car based on the smart fortwo 450 boasts a top speed of 135 km/h.
2003
BRABUS C V8S
In 2003, the powertrain of the second generation BRABUS C V8 receives its most powerful upgrade with the BRABUS 6.1S increased-displacement engine. Based this time on the W 203 series Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the aptly designated BRABUS C V8S produces 327 kW / 445 hp and 635 Nm of torque. From a standstill, this fully brabusized sports saloon accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, able to reach a top speed of 305 km/h.
BRABUS E V12 - Record Breaker
The BRABUS E V12 designation remains one of the most powerful in our history to this day. In 2003, production of its long-awaited third generation is finally completed. Based on the W 211 series Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the E V12 once again combines understated looks with power that was simply incredible at the time, courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS V12 engine producing 471 kW / 640 hp and 1,026 Nm of torque. From rest, the supercar sprints to 100 km / h in just 4.5 seconds.
In the summer of 2005, the E V12 claims its place in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s fastest saloon after reaching a blistering top speed of over 350 km/h at the Nardo high-speed track in Italy. A title previously held by its 1995 predecessor based on the W 210 series Mercedes-Benz 500 E, which reached a top speed of 330 km/h.
BRABUS K8
The most powerful early 2000s BRABUS sports car based on the C 209 series Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is revealed towards the end of 2003. Heavily inspired by the style and power of the BRABUS C V8, the new BRABUS K8 sprints from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, courtesy of a 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 405 kW / 550 hp and 780 Nm of torque. The charge towards the 200 km/h mark takes only 12.6 seconds. With a top speed of 325 km/h, the coupe delivers figures attained by only a select few street-legal cars.
2004
BRABUS FOR MAYBACH
In 2004, the Maybach defines the pinnacle of automotive engineering at Mercedes-Benz. Which, of course, does not stop Bodo Buschmann from refining its undisputed top product at the time. The BRABUS individualization program for the Mercedes-Maybach 57 and 62 models is a first glimpse into what we call BRABUS Masterpiece luxury today and our first answer to the question, “How do you improve a car that is already considered perfect in every way?”
Bodo Buschmann sees the most potential for optimization in the interior. Created to preserve the Maybach's undeniable exclusivity and elegance, the design impresses with BRABUS typical leatherwork, available in over 3,500 color combinations. In the rear, the entire cabin is converted into a business lounge with all the multimedia options imaginable in 2004. And for those who are after a combination of elegance and power, the performance output is raised to 471 kW / 640 hp and 1,026 Nm of torque courtesy of a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS S V12 engine, making it the perfect choice for true automotive enthusiasts.
BRABUS G V12
The very first BRABUS V12 conversion based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is revealed to the world on the 25th anniversary of this iconic base model in 2004. The BRABUS G V12 is equipped with a heavily modified twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS S V12 engine producing 449 kW / 610 hp. This gives the exclusive Geländewagen almost unimaginable levels of power delivery: in conjunction with a five-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive, the G V12 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h.
BRABUS Viano V8
Since 1977, our team of BRABUS engineers has taken pride in never shying away from a challenge, and in late 2004, they set their sights on the W 639 series Mercedes-Benz Viano as the target of their next V8 conversion. Producing 313 kW / 426 hp and 621 Nm of torque, the BRABUS Viano V8 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, able to reach a top speed of 245 km/h courtesy of its 6.1-liter BRABUS V8 engine. For the right look, the performance van is also equipped with a selection of our signature exterior components, a complete BRABUS fine leather interior, 18-inch BRABUS Monoblock wheels and a BRABUS sports exhaust system.
BRABUS Ultimate 101
At the 2004 Essen Motor Show, visitors get a first glance at BRABUS typical individualization in its most striking form with the premiere of the BRABUS Ultimate 101. Based on the smart fortwo 450, this compact city car boasts a top speed of 160 km/h courtesy of its three-cylinder engine producing 74 kW / 101 hp and 130 Nm of torque. And even with a wheelbase of only 2.5 meters, the Ultimate 101 captures anyone’s attention from miles away with its bright red paintwork, reimagined exterior components, improved suspension as well as 17/16-inch BRABUS Monoblock wheels.
2005
BRABUS Unimog U500 "Black Edition"
In December 2005, one of the most unique BRABUS projects of all time celebrates its world premiere at the Dubai International Motor Show: the BRABUS Unimog U 500 “Black Edition”.
The Unimog has been a cornerstone of the Mercedes-Benz truck inventory since 1951. After realizing the need for a highly customized civilian version of their vehicle, the Unimog factory chiefs approach us. Powered by a 6.4-liter straight-six turbo-diesel engine producing 210 kW / 286 hp and 1,120 Nm of torque, the “Black Edition” conversion undergoes most of its drastic changes in its aesthetics and functionality. Consisting of custom carbon fiber exterior components, a unique flatbed rear fabricated from aluminum, improved weight distribution as well as a BRABUS typical leather interior.
BRABUS ROCKET - Record Breaker
In the summer of 2005, a then never before seen icon among BRABUS supercars is revealed to the world for the very first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show: the first-generation BRABUS ROCKET. Based on the C 219 series Mercedes-Benz CLS, the BRABUS ROCKET is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS S V12S engine producing 537 kW / 730 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. In concert with a purpose-built BRABUS aerodynamic enhancement concept, this hypnotizingly powerful supercar delivers absolutely next-level performance figures at the time: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 10.5 seconds and 0 to 300 km/h in 29.5 seconds.
The BRABUS ROCKET is officially recognized as the world’s fastest saloon in 2006, not once but twice. It initially reaches a top speed of 362.4 km/h at the Nardo high-speed track in Italy in the summer. However, confident they could easily go even faster, team BRABUS returns to the world-renowned Italian track only a few months later, in October of that year, after having made several key adjustments. The result: a top speed of 365.7 km/h. Today, the BRABUS ROCKET legacy continues to expand, heavily inspired by the benchmark set by its first generation.
2006
BRABUS S V12S
Equipped with one of the most powerful BRABUS engines of the decade, the 2006 BRABUS S V12S is a purebred luxury supercar based on the W 221 series Mercedes-Benz S 600. Its twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS S V12S engine configuration, producing 537 kW / 730 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque, is specially designed and tested to catapult the elegant limousine from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 340 km/h. In combination with a BRABUS typical aerodynamic enhancement concept, 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels as well as a complete BRABUS fine leather interior, the BRABUS S V12S leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.
2007
BRABUS BULLIT
Some cars don’t require a detailed, technical designation to convey their potential. In the case of this wolf in sheep’s clothing, one word suffices to tell a story of speed, uncompromising power and precision engineering at the highest level: BULLIT. Revealed in 2007 following the success of previous V12-powered BRABUS projects such as the E V12 and the first-generation BRABUS ROCKET, the BRABUS BULLIT combines confident high performance with a then completely new and unique identity of its own.
Just as it did the world’s fastest saloon, the twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS S V12S engine producing 537 kW / 730 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque catapults the supercar based on the W 204 series Mercedes-Benz C-Class from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The 200 km/h mark is reached after 10.5 seconds. After 24.5 seconds, the BULLIT is already well beyond the 300 km/h mark, able to reach a top speed of 360 km/h. Rounded off by a complete BRABUS exterior concept, improved suspension, 19-inch BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels and a signature BRABUS interior upgrade, the BULLIT is as stunning as it is fast.
BRABUS K8S Roadster
Designed as a highly exclusive one-off project based on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, the BRABUS K8S is the result of pure elegance merging with breathtaking performance. Under the hood, Ulrich Gauffrés and his team increase the power of its supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine to a final output of 529 kW / 720 hp and 820 Nm of torque. The roadster charges from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 342 km/h. This "Liquid White" beauty is topped off with a selection of BRABUS typical exterior components, 20-inch BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels and a bespoke leather interior in "Lipstick Red," which makes it one of the most unique BRABUS supercars to hit the streets in the mid-2000s.
BRABUS ULTIMATE 112
Several years after its predecessor model burst onto the scene at the 2004 Essen Motor Show, the BRABUS Ultimate 112 is eager to take the smart fortwo 451 platform to the next level. Beyond unmistakable highlight features, including a complete BRABUS Widestar exterior concept, special pearl-metallic orange paintwork and BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels, the compact features a new BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. From rest, the Ultimate 112 accelerates to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, able to reach a top speed of 170 km/h courtesy of an increased power output of 82 kW / 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Production is limited to 112 units worldwide.
2009
BRABUS GLK V12 - Record Breaker
In the summer of 2009, car enthusiasts around the world once again ask themselves the question, “What is the fastest SUV in the world?” in search for an answer, the BRABUS GLK V12 with its unassuming exterior, unsurprisingly, does not immediately come to mind. However, that is precisely the point.
Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS V12 engine producing 552 kW / 750 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque, this supercar based on the X 204 series Mercedes-Benz GLK bolts from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Inevitably, the BRABUS GLK V12 finds itself at the start line of the Nardo high-speed track in Italy, where it reaches a top speed of 322.3 km/h. An achievement that successfully earns it the official title of fastest street legal SUV in the world in the Guinness Book of Records.
BRABUS ML 63 BiTurbo
One of the final V8-powered BRABUS supercars of the decade is revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: the BRABUS ML 63 Biturbo, based on the W 164 series Mercedes-AMG ML 63. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter BRABUS V8 engine producing 478 kW / 650 hp and 850 Nm of torque in combination with a lightning-fast seven-gear transmission, this fully brabusized SUV charges from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, able to reach a top speed of 310 km/h. Additional highlight features include a complete BRABUS WIDESTAR exterior concept, BRABUS Monoblock forged wheels, improved suspension and brake systems as well as a BRABUS typical leather interior.
BRABUS E V12 "ONE OF TEN"
Production of the fourth generation BRABUS E V12 is completed in September 2009 after an extensive development period guided by a single goal: to build a BRABUS supercar that was faster, more aerodynamic and more exclusive than any other before it. This is the BRABUS E V12 “One of Ten”.
At its official world premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the first unmistakable feature visitors to the BRABUS booth are introduced to is its far-from-subtle exterior concept. Defined by a significant aerodynamic enhancement design complete with very distinctive enclosed wheel arches, this one-of-a-kind supercar based on the W 212 series Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Its beating heart is the newly developed BRABUS 6.3 R V12 engine producing 588 kW / 800 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. With significantly increased power, lower drag and reduced weight, the fourth iteration of the E V12 becomes the fastest in BRABUS history: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds, 0 to 300 km/h in 23.9 seconds and a calculated top speed of 370 km/h.
next decade
For BRABUS, the 2010s was a decade of change. One of new horizons and expansion. With an ever-growing team situated in new, established locations around all corners of the globe, BRABUS had succeeded in becoming an international brand.