1990s

Throughout the transformative 1990s, BRABUS expanded far beyond the reaches of Bodo Buschmann’s humble hometown, and with his sights set higher than ever, some of our history’s most iconic supercars were beginning to make headlines around the world. The first-generation BRABUS E V12, boasting a 6.9-liter V12 engine, explored new heights of precision-engineered high performance with 509 hp. The BRABUS C V8 and the 7.3S Roadster continued this legacy with their unmistakably sleek designs and the best in BRABUS engine technology available at the time. Our first official flagship store opened in California in 1998, making an entirely new concept of individuality, confident performance and handcrafted exclusivity available to an entirely new market, while the introduction of the BRABUS SB 1 for the smart fortwo 450 laid the groundwork for one of our most successful partnerships to date. Amidst a decade of innovation and achievement, Bodo Buschmann solidified his company’s reputation as a leader in luxury and performance.

1992
BRABUS 6.9 V12

For Bodo Buschmann, the beginning of a new decade means new horizons, new possibilities and new ways to challenge the standards of the industry. His primary focus is simple yet characteristically ambitious: to get as much power out of every individual BRABUS project as physically possible. Enter the BRABUS 6.9.

Based on the R 129 series Mercedes-Benz 600 SL, this pioneer among extensively modified sports cars boasts a massive 6.9-liter BRABUS V12 engine producing 509 hp and 705 Nm of torque. The two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, able to reach top speeds of over 304 km/h. An impressive achievement at the time and a benchmark for a wide range of BRABUS products to follow in the years to come.

1996
BRABUS E V12 - Record Breaker

In early 1996, the successor model of the first-generation BRABUS E V12 is gearing up to hit the road, with the focus set on raising the bar to new heights. Based on the W 210 series Mercedes-Benz 500 E, the car features a massive BRABUS 7.3S V12 engine producing 582 hp and 772 Nm of torque. From rest, the E V12 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The top speed is electronically limited to 330 km/h, solely due to the fact that no tires available at the time can support such a heavy car at such speeds. But for those willing to explore the farthest reaches of the speedometer, flying past the 200 km/h mark is a matter of just 16 seconds. Later that same year, the E V12 breaks the Guinness World Record for fastest street legal saloon, forever cementing its place in the BRABUS history books. 

BRABUS SLK V8

Following the original R 170 series Mercedes-Benz SLK’s debut in 1996, the most powerful model available on the market is the SLK 230 Kompressor, powered by a supercharged four-cylinder engine. Its base output of 193 hp and 280 Nm of torque is certainly more than adequate for relaxing drives along curved country roads, but as usual, Bodo Buschmann has greater plans for this agile little roadster.

After several months of development, an extensively modified BRABUS V8 takes center stage in the engine bay. Boasting an increased displacement of 6.5 liters and producing 450 hp and 662 Nm of torque, the BRABUS SLK V8 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 285 km/h. A testament to the undeniable engineering expertise and the dedication to bespoke high-performance that has since become synonymous with our name.

1999
BRABUS SB 1

As smart reveals their new two-seater city-coupe to the world, Bodo Buschmann once again trusts his sense of potential and sets his sights immediately. Not long thereafter, the very first BRABUS individualization program for the smart fortwo 450 is made available to owners, featuring a range of visual enhancements as well as a BRABUS typical performance upgrade that raises the power output of the turbocharged three-cylinder engine to 70 hp and 100 Nm of torque. The unique and vibrant flair of the BRABUS SB 1 does not go unnoticed around the industry, eventually catching the attention of Daimler and establishing the foundation of one of our most longstanding and successful partnerships to date.

NEw BRABUS HEADQUARTERs

With the beginning of the 21st century right around the corner, the first official expansion of the BRABUS headquarters is commissioned in 1999, which would increase Bodo Buschmann’s rapidly growing company's floor space to an impressive 112,000 square meters. Today known as Plant 1 on Brabus-Allee, the two-part complex becomes home to the management, reception and showroom as well as the development, sales, PR and marketing departments. Beyond a sophisticated roller test bench installation, it also initially houses the in-house BRABUS saddlery and a large parts warehouse, which have since moved to their own independent plants on campus. Most importantly, this expansion includes the primary vehicle workshop in Plant 1, where thousands of BRABUS supercars continue to be built each year.