Latest news with #Brabus
Auto Blog
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Brabus Rocket GTS Deep Blue Is A Carbon Fiber Clownshoe With A Thousand Horsepower
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Brabus Rocket GTS Deep Blue Debuts Late last year, Brabus revealed the Rocket GTS, a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 turned into a shooting brake that is more than a little reminiscent of BMW's so-called 'Clownshoe,' the Z3 M Coupe. Clad in carbon fiber and delivering close to a thousand horsepower, there wasn't much room for improvement, but the German tuner has found a way to get closer to perfection with a blue-tinted take on the terrific two-door called the Rocket GTS Deep Blue. This package reportedly adds $68,000 to the cost of the already-expensive $1.1 million Rocket GTS. 0:05 / 0:09 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More Lighter, More Aerodynamic, And Much Wider Brabus modifies various Mercedes-AMG models, but the monoblock wheels on its Rocket GTS are exclusive to the model. The P Platinum Edition rims measure 21 inches in the front, with 22s filling the rear arches, and they're designed to funnel air inward to cool the brakes. They also do a fine job of disguising the extra width, where the rear axle is now more than 78 inches wide, while an integrated ducktail-style spoiler aims to improve downforce. The entire body, claims Brabus, has been optimized in the wind tunnel using computer-aided design and computational flow dynamics software, so the body isn't just for show. Brabus says that all the carbon has also shaved some weight from the car, though it doesn't say how much. With such exquisite fitted luggage and the addition of a roof, the difference likely isn't much, but anything is an improvement when you start with a 5,115-pound curb weight. Monstrous Performance From A Bigger V8 Brabus could easily have boosted the original 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid system's output beyond its standard 805 horsepower and called it a day, but on a project this special, the tuner chose to completely overhaul the powertrain by boring it out to 4,407 cc. Along with other modifications, the engine produces 784 hp and 921 lb-ft of torque on its own. Alongside the SL 63 S E Performance's rear-mounted electric motor, overall output is now 1,000 metric horses (985 bhp) and 1,342 lb-ft of torque. Because the 9-speed automatic transmission might not sustain that much twist for extended periods, Brabas has restricted torque to 1,195 lb-ft. We're sure that's enough – 0-62 mph takes just 2.6 seconds, and reaching 124 mph from rest is quoted at 9.5 seconds. 0-186 mph? 23.6 seconds, and if you keep your foot planted, the Rocket GTS will keep going until 197 mph. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Brabus has built several blue carbon fiber cars in the past and even some green ones, so if your pockets are deep enough, we're sure just about any tint can be applied. Practicality, performance, and preening all in one package? Perfect. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Brabus Rocket GTS Deep Blue Is A Carbon Fiber Clownshoe With A Thousand Horsepower
Late last year, Brabus revealed the Rocket GTS, a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 turned into a shooting brake that is more than a little reminiscent of BMW's so-called 'Clownshoe,' the Z3 M Coupe. Clad in carbon fiber and delivering close to a thousand horsepower, there wasn't much room for improvement, but the German tuner has found a way to get closer to perfection with a blue-tinted take on the terrific two-door called the Rocket GTS Deep Blue. This package reportedly adds $68,000 to the cost of the already-expensive $1.1 million Rocket GTS. Brabus modifies various Mercedes-AMG models, but the monoblock wheels on its Rocket GTS are exclusive to the model. The P Platinum Edition rims measure 21 inches in the front, with 22s filling the rear arches, and they're designed to funnel air inward to cool the brakes. They also do a fine job of disguising the extra width, where the rear axle is now more than 78 inches wide, while an integrated ducktail-style spoiler aims to improve downforce. The entire body, claims Brabus, has been optimized in the wind tunnel using computer-aided design and computational flow dynamics software, so the body isn't just for show. Brabus says that all the carbon has also shaved some weight from the car, though it doesn't say how much. With such exquisite fitted luggage and the addition of a roof, the difference likely isn't much, but anything is an improvement when you start with a 5,115-pound curb weight. Brabus could easily have boosted the original 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 hybrid system's output beyond its standard 805 horsepower and called it a day, but on a project this special, the tuner chose to completely overhaul the powertrain by boring it out to 4,407 cc. Along with other modifications, the engine produces 784 hp and 921 lb-ft of torque on its own. Alongside the SL 63 S E Performance's rear-mounted electric motor, overall output is now 1,000 metric horses (985 bhp) and 1,342 lb-ft of torque. Because the 9-speed automatic transmission might not sustain that much twist for extended periods, Brabas has restricted torque to 1,195 lb-ft. We're sure that's enough - 0-62 mph takes just 2.6 seconds, and reaching 124 mph from rest is quoted at 9.5 seconds. 0-186 mph? 23.6 seconds, and if you keep your foot planted, the Rocket GTS will keep going until 197 mph. Brabus has built several blue carbon fiber cars in the past and even some green ones, so if your pockets are deep enough, we're sure just about any tint can be applied. Practicality, performance, and preening all in one package? Perfect. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Car review: The Smart #3 – when playful meets polish
Refined: The Smart #3 is a more matured sibling of the #1 launched in 2024. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Meet the Smart #3, the coupe-shaped electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is the sleeker and more grown-up sibling to the quirky-looking #1, which was launched here in 2024. Although Smart is a relatively new brand in Singapore, its city cars have been zipping around European city streets for nearly three decades. The brand has undergone significant transformation in the age of electrification, with its German owner, Mercedes-Benz, partnering China's Geely in 2019 to create a new range of stylish, upscale electric vehicles (EVs). This upmarket move is not unlike BMW's revival of the Mini brand 30 years ago. In Singapore, the #3 comes in two versions, the Pro+ – yes, it sounds like a gadget – and the Brabus, which is the sportier version and named after the famed German tuner known for souping up Mercedes-Benz cars. As the more grown-up sibling of the #1, where the quirky design was a big part of its charm, the #3 adopts a more refined and less attention-grabbing look. It has a sleek, sloping roofline and an elegant profile. The wheelbase is stretched by 35mm to 2,785mm, and the car is bigger overall, measuring 4,400mm, which is 130mm more than the #1. Call it growing up if you will, but in doing so, the coupe SUV misses the playful standout factor that made the #1 so memorable. This is significant because the size and form of the #3 put the car up against a long list of electric SUVs on sale today. The cabin is mostly similar to the #1 Brabus'. The seats seem to be set slightly lower and the driving position is more reclined. The Brabus touches include red seatbelts, a suede-like steering wheel rim and microfibre on the sports seats. The touchscreen infotainment system is easy enough to use, and it needs to be because there are very few physical switches. Screen-dependent: The touchscreen infotainment system handles the majority of functions. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The presentation on the screen is funky. The home screen looks like a piece of graffiti with an animated fox (or leopard) waiting for instructions, just like Mini has its animated dog. If that is too chaotic, swiping right will display a more traditional tile layout. There is a row of touch-sensitive buttons below the screen that offers quick access to functions such as drive modes, but no volume control knob. The volume can be adjusted only with the buttons on the steering wheel or the screen. At 370 litres, the boot space of the #3 is similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz A-class. So, it is probably sufficient for most drivers, even if it is not particularly generous. Sufficient capacity: The #3's boot has a capacity of 370 litres. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR The #3 Brabus is as quick as a road car needs to be. The claimed 0-100kmh timing of 3.7 seconds beats the 530hp BMW M2 CS by 0.1 of a second. The acceleration is explosive with sharp, confidence-inspiring handling to match. It also seems more stable than the #1 Brabus, which may be down to the lower ride height and longer wheelbase. As with many EVs, the #3 Brabus will slow down markedly when the accelerator is lifted to recapture energy and charge its batteries. There is also a one-pedal driving mode, which will bring the car to a complete halt without needing the brake pedal. After covering nearly 200km, the test car posts an average energy consumption of 16.2kWh/100km, which is better than claimed. This suggests that a full charge should give an operating range of 400km or so. Rationally, the #3 Brabus is more practical and it is a polished upgrade of the #1 Brabus. Want to be even more sensible? Go for the #3 Pro+ and save yourself $35,000. But if fun is the top priority and you want to wear a silly grin on every drive, the #1 Brabus still has the edge. Smart #3 Brabus Price: $325,888 with COE after rebates and before applicable discounts Motors: Two permanent magnet synchronous with 66kWh NCM battery Transmission: Single-speed, all-wheel drive Power: 315kW Torque: 543Nm 0-100kmh: 3.7 seconds Top speed: 180kmh Power consumption: 17.6kWh/100km Charging capacity: 22kW AC; 150kW DC Agent: Cycle & Carriage Rating: ★★★☆☆ Comparable considerations Mini JCW Countryman All4 ($311,888 with COE) As Mini's hottest petrol SUV, the JCW Countryman is bigger and more practical than the Smart. Its 292hp, 2-litre turbocharged engine does 0-100kmh in 5.4 seconds, which is no match for the Smart. The electric non-JCW version of the car goes for $266,888 with COE. Cupra Tavascan VZ ($316,900 with COE before discount) Larger and more practical than the #3 Brabus but no less stylish, the hot Tavascan is an entertaining drive even though its 250kW output pales in comparison to the #3 Brabus, with a 0-100kmh timing of 5.6 seconds. Zeekr X Flagship ($224,999 before discount) Slightly smaller than the #3 Brabus but just as powerful is the Zeekr X Flagship. With Zeekr being also Geely-owned, the X's underpinnings are closely related to those of the Smarts. Against the stopwatch, the 315kW X gets from 0-100kmh in 3.8 seconds, 0.1 of a second shy of the Smart #3. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
AsiaOne
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
Smart #3 Brabus review: Fun EV performance with a bit more sensibility, Lifestyle News
The Smart #1 Brabus was one of the most fun cars I've driven last year, with its lively nature that proved that electric vehicles (EVs) can be exciting as well. And now comes along the Smart #3 Brabus, which features the same drivetrain but with a slightly bigger and sleeker body. But is it still the same enjoyable ball of laughs as the lovely Smart #1 Brabus? What is the Smart #3 Brabus? Let's rewind a little bit. As explained in our previous review of the Smart #1 Brabus, the brand has adopted an odd-numbered naming strategy, ranking cars according to size. So the #1 would be their smallest electric SUV, followed by the #3 which is a slightly larger SUV, and then the upcoming #5 which is an even bigger family-sized SUV. [[nid:701108]] Unlike the #1 and #5, which have more conventional designs, the #3 takes the form of a sleek coupe-crossover. The idea is that the #3 is meant to be somewhat of a sportier choice, and appeal to those who prefer head-turning looks over outright practicality. Fundamentally though, both the #1 and #3 actually share a lot in common, such as their platform and drivetrains, and the #3 comes with the same two variants as the #1. There's the standard #3 Pro+ with a single electric motor producing 268hp and 343Nm of torque, and this high-powered dual-motor Brabus version with an insane 422hp and 543Nm of torque. Think of the #3 then as the #1's slightly bigger sibling that prefers to dress up in more stylish clothes, but still holds on tight to its family roots. How does the Smart #3 Brabus drive? You probably don't need me to tell you that this car is ridiculously fast. 0 to 100km/h comes up in 3.7 seconds, and it's the kind of timing that can shame even the most powerful of Porsches, which is pure absurdity for an SUV like this. Where the #3 differs from its smaller sibling is its sense of composure. The #3 is obviously bigger in size, being 170mm longer and 22mm wider than the equivalent #1 sibling, and this shows itself up in the way it behaves when you're not in a rush to go anywhere. While the #1 Brabus was just a constantly hyperexcited maniac ball, the Smart #3 Brabus manages to inject a little bit more maturity in its driving demeanour. The ride feels a tad more comfortable, thanks to the longer wheelbase that makes the car feel more planted at speed, and the suspension seems a little bit more compliant over rough surfaces. Likewise, the same qualities give off a similar effect in the way the car handles. In a certain way, the Smart #3 Brabus doesn't feel quite as lively as the #1 Brabus, as its bigger footprint means that it offers a bit more grip and stability through the corners, and you get the sense that there is a touch more seriousness in the #3's approach. That doesn't make it not fun to drive, because the Smart #3 Brabus still feels remarkably balanced, thanks to the 50:50 weight distribution and well-sorted all-wheel-drive system. But let's just say that the #3 Brabus knows how to pull back and settle down a little when you want it to, compared to the #1 Brabus which feels like a never-ending high energy amusement ride. What is the Smart #3 Brabus like inside? The obvious place to start is with interior space, and being a bigger car means that the Smart #3 Brabus offers more room inside than the #1, although truth be told, the difference isn't really a whole lot. Surprisingly, given the sloping roofline of the coupe-SUV style, rear headroom is actually pretty reasonable. The large panoramic sunroof does help with reducing the sense of claustrophobia by letting in plenty of light, although strangely it doesn't come with a retractable shade, unlike the #1. The other noticeable difference you can spot are the #3's circular centre air con vents, instead of the slim rectangular ones on the #1. You also get unique bucket seats that incorporates ambient lighting, but aside from that, most of the interior remains broadly the same. That means that the large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen that dominates the dashboard is still present here, complete with its cheeky graphics and user interface that doesn't take itself too seriously. There's also the expected Brabus performance touches, like the thin sports steering wheel, bright red seat belts, and the numerous Brabus logos and liberal usage of Alcantara material everywhere. It all adds up to an ambience that accentuates the car's sense of sportiness. Is the Smart #3 Brabus worth buying? Well, like its smaller sibling, the Smart #3 Brabus doesn't exactly come with a small price tag. $259,000 with COE (as of June 2025) is quite a bit to pay for a compact SUV, considering you can get much larger cars from more mainstream brands for less. Then there's the road tax, which, like the #1 Brabus, is a hefty $4,415 a year, due to the immense power output. That can be a bit hard to swallow for some, but such is the reality of the unique way our government taxes electric cars here. But all things considered, the Smart #3 Brabus does offer plenty going for it. It retains most of the essence of what made the #1 Brabus fun, and yet adds a dose of sensibility for those who want something that feels a little bit grown up as well. It's like that mature adult who still has that wild partying streak within him, and if that sounds like you, then the Smart #3 Brabus should probably match your vibe. [[nid:710390]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Stuff.tv
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The Smart #5 Brabus was hilariously quick, but this electric SUV has way more power than I need
Stuff Verdict The Brabus edition has beefiness to spare, but is arguably overkill. More sensible buyers should head for the Smart #5 with less oomph and extended range. Pros Looks the part if you like quirkiness Well put together and super comfy Lots of room inside and quite practical Cons Feels big and heavy – because it is If there's such a thing as too much power, this Brabus edition found it Not particularly efficient to drive Introduction I rather liked the Smart #1 and #3 EV's with their quirky styling and decent performance. Both were quite roomy too, but anyone in need of more space should head in the direction of the new Smart #5. This is a sizeable electric SUV that offers up lots more space, although that also means more bulk thanks to a chunky design. I've just driven it on a lot of country lanes though and, boy, it was a bit of a tight fit in places. The Smart #5 will be available for the UK market in six different model variants. While pricing is yet to be firmed up, top of the pile will definitely be the Brabus edition. It packs in more performance – a lot more – along with lots of cosmetic embellishments. A 94kW battery pack makes it good for up to 338 miles or 366 miles in the Pro+ and Premium editions. The Smart #5 marks a slight departure from the styling of the Smart #1 and #3 but, thanks to a very distinctive front and rear end, it oozes lots of personality. When it comes to kit, this car arrives full loaded. Sumptuous leather seats plus a 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system and an imposing duo of 13in OLED centre and passenger screens are highlights, but all trim levels are impressive. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I quite liked the slightly quirky styling lines of the earlier Smart hashtag models, but the Smart #5 takes things in a slightly different direction. This D-segment whopper is loosely a mid-to-large size SUV, with more of a leaning towards the large end. As a result, I realised I was going to have a bit of a task on my hands persuading this minor monster to get through countryside lanes that were barely any wider than the 1.9-metre width of the #5. Some of the Brabus edition's styling tweaks are a bit too lairy for my taste; I actually prefer the trim levels below this car, which start out (curiously) with the Pro edition. That's also got a smaller 75kWh battery delivering 288 miles. Those without the need for attention might be better off going in that direction. In the middle are the rear-wheel drive Pro+ and Premium trims, which offer better range from a bigger battery. It's a slightly confusing trim line-up, I think. What all the variants do have though is dramatic looks, which rely on smoothed-off boxy edges, especially around the rear pillar and back end. That quite enclosed rear section, plus a length of 4.7-metres can make the Smart #5 feel a little intimidating to drive, but anyone who's driven a Mercedes EQB or Kia EV6 shouldn't feel too put off as it's got that kind of stature. The high roof delivers lots of space inside and all cars have a premium finish, both inside and out. However, the Brabus trim is much more ostentatious and, well, most of it works if you like that sort of thing. The drive Anyone wanting to show off will be more than happy with the Brabus edition. It's got all the get up and go anyone could ever wish for, with silly acceleration and an impressive top end. Better still, it's built on 800 volt architecture, which means it's quick to charge when the time comes around. Right up to a mental 426kWh is possible, but you'll more likely be enjoying up to 150kW around the UK. Of course, being a Brabus derivative, that performance is a little over the top when the car is pushed. Sure, it drives nicely enough if things are taken easily, but if the red mist descends this car turns into a rocket ship. This is boosted further by the dual motor, four-wheel drive powertrain, which is much more gnarly than the lower trim models. There are 21in wheels though, and a sporty suspension setup that can feel quite brutal on, for example, cobbled surfaces or when heading over speed bumps. It's like lighting on the motorway, mind. I tried the Smart #5 in all its various drive modes, with Comfort being the obvious choice for everyday motoring. However, it was hard not to select the Brabus drive mode for a good chunk of my experience. The downside of having fun in this edition is the way the efficiency isn't much to write home about. Nevertheless, I spent a long time behind the wheel of my car, doing a lot of miles into the bargain, and still returned home with 30-odd percent. That'll make it a hit with show-off day trippers. The technology Smart always packs in plenty of tech with any new model and the #5 comes with everything we've seen in the Smart #1 and #3, only dialled up another notched or two. Even more so in the Brabus trim. The dashboard layout might not be for everybody though. Aside from the driver's dials, it's dominated by a pair of landscape screens next to each other. The one closest to the driver has all the core controls, while the other is aimed at entertaining passengers. This seems like a great idea, but I found the colourful graphics displaying movie posters glowing there on the other side of the dash a bit of a distraction. The other issue I encountered was dealing with control settings in the screen menus that didn't feel very intuitive or easy to tackle on the move. Smart has made quick routes into these with more condensed menus along the bottom but, even then, it didn't feel that easy. I also struggled with the sat-nav when I missed some waypoints, which turned a seemingly straightforward journey into something way more complicated. Smart #5 verdict Overall, the Smart #5 feels like a strong proposition and, in the Brabus guise, feels like overkill in the power department. The novelty value of the rapid acceleration is fun for about five minutes, but if you've got kids on board, it could be a recipe for triggering motion sickness. However, anyone with a family will love the copious amounts of space on offer within the Smart #5. This is a surprisingly practical car underneath the loutish trim. I'd look at the lower tier models as they're just as good and pack in extra range too. Stuff Says… Category A: 4/5 The Brabus edition has beefiness to spare, but is arguably overkill. More sensible buyers should head for the Smart #5 with less oomph and extended range. Pros Looks the part if you like quirkiness Well put together and super comfy Lots of room inside and quite practical Cons Feels big and heavy – because it is If there's such a thing as too much power, this Brabus edition found it Not particularly efficient to drive Smart #5 Brabus technical specifications Powertrain Permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 94kWh Power 637bhp Torque 524lb-ft 0-62mph 3.8sec Top speed 130mph Range 335 miles Charge rate 426kW Cargo volume 630 litres
