Brabus’s New G-Wagen Convertible Has 800 HP Under the Hood
Winter may be just around the corner, but Brabus is here to remind you just how fun spending time in the sun can be.
The German tuner has just unveiled the XL 800 Cabrio, its open-air take on the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The retractable roof may be this off-roader’s headline feature, but there’s a lot more to like, including a ridiculously powerful twin-turbocharged V-8.
The reveal comes mere months after Mercedes announced it was putting the convertible G-Wagen back into production. That open-top 4×4, which hasn’t been offered in over four decades, isn’t expected to arrive until next year—at the earliest. But thanks to Brabus, impatient G-Class lovers with cash to burn don’t have to wait until then.
Brabus plans to build just 50 examples of the XL 800 Cabrio
Brabus
The tuner’s latest is based on the W 465-series G 63, which debuted last year. It is equipped with a highly complex, folding soft-top system that was developed specifically for the model. The top consists of over 500 custom-made components and can fold up and store itself in just 20 seconds in the integrated “C-Bow” steel roll bar located directly behind the rear seats. It will also provide plenty of protection from the elements on those days when the weather isn’t cooperating, thanks to its heated, safety glass rear window.
Other exterior changes include a body kit that includes carbon-fiber bumpers, fenders, and side stills, along with a bold new lighting package. The SUV also comes finished in a model-specific hue called Pale Brown, which is more striking than its name would suggest. Inside the vehicle, nearly everything is covered in leather upholstery, with the tuner’s trademark “Shell” pattern quilted into the perforated seat inserts.
Inside the XL 800 Cabrio
Brabus
Just as dazzling is the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 located under the XL 800 Cabrio’s hood. The mill makes 789 hp—or 800 bhp, hence the vehicle’s name—and 738 ft lbs of torque. The standard G 63, meanwhile, makes 577 hp and 627 ft lbs of torque. Brabus quotes a zero-to-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.
Intrigued? You’ll want to reach out to Brabus quickly to reserve your XL 800 Cabrio. The shop plans to build just 50 examples of the convertible. Pricing has yet to be announced, but Road & Track suggests something above $500,000 is likely.
Click here for more photos of the Brabus XL 800 Cabrio.
