Brabus turns G-Class into a 662kW convertible

If a Mercedes-AMG G 63 doesn’t attract quite enough attention, Brabus has another option. The German tuning firm has unveiled the 900 Rocket Edition Cabrio, combining a folding fabric roof with 662kW and the sort of styling that makes discretion impossible.

Just 10 will be built worldwide. Based on the current W465-generation G 63, the four-door convertible takes the familiar upright Mercedes shape in a rather extravagant direction. Brabus claims 0–100km/h in 3.7 seconds, while top speed is electronically restricted to 240km/h to protect the tyres. 

The price is equally substantial. Brabus currently lists an example at €857,373.60 before tax, or €1,020,274.58 including German VAT, ex its Bottrop factory. 

For that money, the engine receives considerably more than a software tweak. The AMG twin-turbo V8 grows from 3982cc to 4407cc, with forged pistons, special connecting rods and a billet crankshaft. Larger turbochargers and revised engine management complete the mechanical makeover. Brabus markets the enlarged engine as a 4.5-litre.

Peak power arrives at 6200rpm, while the engine can generate 1250Nm at just 2900rpm. There is a qualification to that headline torque figure, however: output is electronically capped at 1050Nm in the vehicle.

Even with that restriction, there should be little need to work it particularly hard. A valve-controlled exhaust provides a choice of sound levels, including a quieter Coming Home setting for those moments when announcing your arrival seems unnecessary.

Removing the roof has involved plenty of engineering too. The two-piece soft top opens or closes in 20 seconds, incorporates a heated glass rear window and forms part of a conversion involving more than 500 newly developed components.

A steel roll bar sits behind the rear doors, while the folded roof stows behind the rear seats beneath a protective cover. Brabus says every completed vehicle undergoes more than 10 hours of continuous water testing in a climate chamber. 

The bodywork is predictably muscular. Carbon-fibre extensions broaden the wheel arches, while the grille, bonnet detailing and bumpers receive the full Brabus treatment. Illuminated badges ensure the conversion remains obvious after sunset.

The wheels are enormous 24-inch items, using a three-spoke design with carbon aerodynamic blades. It’s quite a departure from the G-Class’s utilitarian image, although the squared-off body remains instantly recognisable. Buyers seeking an understated conversion probably stopped reading several paragraphs ago.

Brabus has also worked with suspension specialist KW on adjustable coilovers tailored to the wheel package. Ride height can be lowered by up to 45mm, with damping adjustments accessed through the vehicle’s drive-mode controls. 

Inside, black leather and Alcantara are paired with red stitching, piping and brightly coloured trim. Quilting extends beyond the seats to the door panels, footwells and luggage area. Carbon trim supplies another reminder that this particular G has sporting ambitions.

Each car also receives a blockchain-based digital passport recording its identity, specifications and ownership. With such a small production run, documenting exactly what buyers have purchased is presumably part of the appeal.

Brabus quotes combined fuel consumption of 14.8L/100km and CO₂ emissions of 338g/km. Economy clearly sits some way down the priority list here.