2007 Mercedes-Benz Brabus ML 63 AMG Widestar

An Exclusive Wide-Track Version with 23-Inch Wheels and 550 bhp


Sporty and dynamic, exclusive and powerful. These three attributes best describe the Brabus Widestar. The special model based on the Mercedes ML 63 AMG celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. With the Widestar, Brabus presents not only a new and exciting wide-track version of the SUV but also the new Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and Brabus B63 S performance tuning for the ML 63 with 550 bhp.

The Widestar concept, which is of course also available for all current M-Class models, combines dynamic looks with maximum functionality. The elegantly flowing lines of the fender flares front and back increase vehicle width by one and a half inches. The extra width benefit the car's appearance while the wider track improves handling. The multi-piece Brabus Monoblock E wheels in size 11Jx23 were custom-tailored for the wide-track version of the M-Class. Their forged wheel center ensures an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum strength. The new light-alloy wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R23. The Brabus control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height of the vehicle by more than one inch, further contributing to more sporty road-handling characteristics.

The Brabus Widestar body conversion consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels that create a more homogenous transition between the fender flares. But that's not all: Complete front and rear fascias replace their production counterparts front and back. The front spoiler bumper with three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. In combination with the rear spoiler the rear fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the four chrome tailpipes of the Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust system provides the perfect aerodynamic balance.

Its well balanced aerodynamic properties make the Brabus Widestar a perfectly suited to serve as the platform for a tuned version of the ML 63. The latter was developed by the Brabus motor engineers in form of the B63 S performance kit. The production V8 engine delivers 503 bhp. It is fitted with sport air filters and high-performance metal catalysts as well as newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. Together these measures result in an increase in power output by 47 bhp to 550 bhp. Simultaneously peak torque grows 480 lb-ft. Vehicle performance benefits accordingly. The sprint from rest to 62 mph is shortened to 4.9 seconds. The engine tuning and installation of the Brabus V/max unit increase the top speed from 155 mph to 170 mph.

To further optimize active safety the Brabus Widestar can be equipped with a high-performance brake system. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. Together with 355 x 28-mm brake discs and 6-piston fixed calipers in the rear it provides the impressive stopping power usually reserved for purebred sports cars.

Yet another Brabus specialty for the Mercedes M-Class is the creation of exclusive interior options: Stainless-steel door sills with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and leather-covered door trim pieces to upgrade the factory leather are all part of the program as are exclusive Brabus fully leather interiors made from meticulously crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. The production front seats are equipped with special rear consoles that reach all the way to the headrests. They house seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens with integrated DVD player. Also available is a version with an electric folding table made from precious wood.

Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo

The New Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo

The new Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo is the most powerful model in the compact A-Class, and rounds the model range off at the top end. With an output of 193 bhp, its new, up-to-date lightweight power unit with Turbocharging and sodium-cooled exhaust valves is among the most powerful in its displacement class, and generates a maximum torque of 206 lb-ft which remains constant from just 1800 rpm. Accordingly the four-cylinder petrol unit guarantees outstanding performance characteristics. The Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo takes just 7.5 seconds to reach 62 mph from standstill and achieves a maximum speed of 142 mph.

Like all the models in the A-Class, the new Mercedes-Benz A 200 Turbo is available in a versatile five-door or three-door coupe version with a particularly sporty and youthful appearance. Buyers of either variant of the A 200 Turbo have a choice between the design and equipment lines Avantgarde and Elegance at no extra cost. Other standard appointments in the new top model include 16-inch light-alloy wheels, the newly developed, sporty six-speed transmission, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, speed-dependent power steering and ESP. A twin exhaust tailpipe is an unmistakable and eye-catching visual feature.

Safe yet dynamic handling combined with a high level of ride comfort are outstanding characteristics on the road. These are in large measure due to the new spherical parabolic rear axle of the A-Class, which provides precise wheel location and excellent roll resistance on bends, and the likewise new selective damping system which adapts the shock absorber configuration to the current driving situation. Large, ventilated brake discs with a diameter of 288 millimeters ensure that the A 200 Turbo has a braking performance in keeping with its high output.

Thanks to the unique sandwich concept, the A 200 Turbo has the same advantages as the other models in the A-Class. In addition to a high level of safety, which has been confirmed by the award of the maximum five stars in the Euro-NCAP rating, these include exemplary use of space and superb variability. This enables the interior space available for luggage or recreational/sports equipment to be increased to up to 2.75 metres in length and up to 1995 litres in capacity.

The new A 200 Turbo costs 24,582 euro ex factory as a three-door Coupe and 25,462 Euro as a five-door model.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers an attractive sports package for all A-Class models which includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels, a perforated, matt silver radiator grille, sports pedals with rubber studs, a sports shift lever, a sports steering wheel covered with perforated leather and an instrument cluster on a silver background. This costs only 690.20 euro for buyers of an A 200 Turbo or Avantgarde model. In conjunction with the Elegance line the sports package costs 690.20 euro with the standard 16-inch tires and 968.60 euro with 15-inch tires. Classic models can also be equipped with the sports package – the A 200 for 1,142.60 euro and all other engine versions for 1,432.60 euro.

This compact car with the new high-performance engine will be appearing in the showrooms of company-owned Mercedes-Benz outlets and authorised dealerships from July 2005. It will not be available in the North American markets.


Engine
Type: Inline-4, Turbocharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 124 (2034)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 193(142) / 5000
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 206(280) / 1800
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires F-R: 195/55 R16
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 149.7 × 68.8 × 62.2
Weight lb (kg): 2810 (1275)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 7.5
Top Speed mph (km/h): 142 (228)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a. (7.9)