Aftermarket Tuning News

Brabus Mercedes-Benz CLS Exposed

By Ryan Konko

Posted on February 28, 2011

The Black Beauty from Brabus.

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Brabus will have its newest Mercedes-Benz model proudly on display. The new Brabus CLS will showcase sporty bodywork that emphasizes the coupe-like features, power kits for the diesel engines, and a sumptuous interior.

Even though the new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS debuted less than half a year ago, Brabus engineers have been able to develop a high-quality, wind-tunnel tested PUR-RIM bodykit. At the front, Brabus was able to decrease downforce by adding a front spoiler that attaches to the stock bumper. Additionally, customers can also opt for the more striking fascia with the new front apron caps that feature air inlets and LED daytime running lights surrounded by chrome or dark accents. The front axle gets even sportier with the addition of larger sport fenders with illuminated “Brabus” lettering. New side sills also boast illuminated Brabus logos and create the impression of a lowered stance. At the rear, Brabus has installed a new rear apron with LED trunk lighting for convenience and a subtle rear spoiler that improves downforce.

Completing the overall appearance package of the Brabus CLS is a wide variety of new suspension, wheel, and tire upgrades. Brabus offers a number of different forged, cast, one-, and three-piece wheels in different designs for a truly custom look. Their monoblock wheel range in size from 8.5J x 17 to 10.5J x 20, with the exclusive Monoblock VI, E, or S wheels being available in 9J x 20 front and 10.5J x 20 rear sizes. At Geneva, Brabus will be showing off their new Monoblock F wheels on the CLS that measure 8.5J x 20 up front and 9.5J x 20 at the rear. The Monoblock F wheels are available either as cast or forged wheels, and can be painted in a “Liquid Titanium” grey. As for tires, the largest customers can order for the Monoblock F wheels are either Pirelli or Yokohama 255/30 ZR 20 front and 305/25 ZR 20 rears. Customers can also equip their CLS with new Bilstein sport springs that lower ride height by 30 mm, or a complete Brabus suspension for even better handling. The optional CLS air suspension can also be tuned by Brabus to lower ride height by 35 mm.

The two turbodiesel engines for the CLS also get some Brabus boost for more horsepower, torque, and efficiency. The CLS 250 CDI model can be modified with the Brabus ECO PowerXtra D4 performance module for an extra 31 horsepower (31 bhp) for a total output of 235 horsepower and 413 lb-ft. of torque. The CLS 350 CDI can also be tuned by the ECO PowerXtra D6S tuning kit by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership in less than 45 minutes. The kit works with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission modes to provide optimum power and efficiency. In “Eco” mode, the program will increase torque to 509 lb-ft., while horsepower is kept at 265 ponies. Switching over to “Sport” mode torque increases torque to the same 509 lb-ft., while horsepower jumps up to 313 (309 bhp) at just 3,600 RPM. In “Sport” mode the Brabus CLS can accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both diesel engines can be fitted with a Brabus stainless-steel sport exhaust with quad tips for even more power and an aggressive exhaust note.

Inside, customers can expect to find Brabus’ high-standards of interior appointments. Interiors can be finished in fine Mastik leather and alcantara along with fine wood or carbon fiber trims. Brabus can also install an ergonomically-designed wood or leather sport steering wheel along with scuff plates that feature illuminated Brabus logos and a 213-mph speedometer. A number of aluminum components such as pedal pads, shifter, and door-lock pins can be ordered as well.

Pricing for the Brabus CLS have not been released. The new model will make its public appearance at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Customers can also order individual accessories instead of the full package.

BRABUS MERCEDES-BENZ CLS SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:
Displacement: 3.0-liters
Number of Cylinders: V-6
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Fuel Type: Diesel
Maximum Horsepower: 313 at 3,600 RPM
Maximum Torque: 509 lb-ft. from 1,600 to 2,400 RPM
-Brabus PowerXtra D6S auxiliary tuning kit
-Brabus stainless-steel quad exhaust

Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 5.9 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)

Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Featured Wheels: Brabus Monoblock F (cast or forged) in Liquid Titanium grey paint
Front Wheels: 8.5J x 20
Rear Wheels: 9.5J x 20
Tires: Pirelli or Yokohama
Front Tires: 255/30 ZR 20
Rear Tires: 305/25 ZR 20
Suspension: Bilstein sport springs, 30 mm lower ride height
Optional Suspension: Brabus full suspension with comfortable damper settings
Air Suspension: Brabus lowering module, 35 mm lower ride height

Exterior:
-Front spoiler
-Front apron caps with LED DRLs and chrome or dark surrounds
-Brabus sport fenders with gills and illuminated Brabus lettering
-Brabus side sills with illuminated Brabus logo and entry lighting
-Brabus rear apron with integrated LED lighting
-Rear spoiler

Interior:
-Full alcantara or Mastik leather
-Brabus sport steering wheel in wood or leather
-Custom wood trim
-Carbon fiber trim
-Aluminum door pins
-Aluminum shifter
-Aluminum pedal covers
-Brabus 213-mph speedometer
-Sill plates with illuminated Brabus logo