Brabus

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2026

Meet The All-New BRABUS 800, Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S

What began as a simple way to extract every bit of power from Mercedes-Benz AMG cars has grown into a global powerhouse at BRABUS, with its roots remaining in the garage while also expanding into marine life and luxury real estate. While Mercedes-AMG remains its bread and butter, the German performance specialist has also added other brands to its mix in 2022, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and even Porsche. Evolving alongside the manufacturers themselves. BRABUS is pleased to present the new BRABUS 800, based on the all-new 992.2 Porsche 911 Turbo S. GALLERY-EMBED Starting with the exterior, the front end gets a new carbon-fiber splitter with raised side sections, along with redesigned air intake louvers and even more air channeling across the front fascia. Carbon-fiber mirror housings and side skirt attachments continue the changes along the sides, while the rear gets a new wing, diffuser, and cover with BRABUS lettering. Buyers can choose between matte and gloss carbon finishes, depending on preference. The car also sits on BRABUS Monoblock ZL Platinum Edition wheels, 21 inches up front and 22 inches in the rear. They're finished in black with polished accents and paired with Continental SportContact 7 tires. BRABUS also worked with KW on adjustable sport springs that can lower the car up to an inch. GALLERY-EMBED The interior follows a similar signature BRABUS approach, although there's plenty of room for customization. The launch spec features black leather throughout, with gray piping across the seats, dashboard, and door panels. BRABUS' Dynamic Diamond Double quilting pattern is layered on the seats and floor mats, while exposed carbon fiber has been added to the steering wheel, center console, dashboard, and door panels. Other changes include aluminum pedal pads, an illuminated footrest, and carbon-fiber door entry panels with BRABUS lighting. GALLERY-EMBED The biggest changes are found under the hood. BRABUS developed its PowerXtra P36-800 upgrade specifically for the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S and its hybrid powertrain. The package adds 89 horsepower to the 3.6L twin-turbocharged flat-six, taking power from 640 horsepower to 729 horsepower. Torque also increases from 561 lb-ft to 634 lb-ft. Additional power comes from a control module that adjusts fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo boost pressure. The factory electric motor is left untouched, meaning the combined output is now 800 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to get the BRABUS 800 Coupe from 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds, while the convertible takes 2.5 seconds. Both versions have a top speed of 200 mph. Official pricing hasn't been announced, so prospective buyers will need to contact BRABUS for details. Source: BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 14, 2026

BRABUS Rocket GTC For Sale

BRABUS is known for its spectacular custom vehicles, which combine unmistakably striking style with ultra-luxury craftsmanship, ambitious engineering, and unfathomable performance. Particularly ubiquitous for its vehicles based on Mercedes-Benz models, BRABUS has turned the legendary German luxury manufacturer’s lineup into a captivatingly unique lineup of supercars, including the Rocket GTC. The Rocket moniker is given to some of the most high-performance and exclusive BRABUS vehicles, and the BRABUS Rocket GTC is based on the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E PERFORMANCE, an already immensely powerful roadster that pairs a twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a hybrid system. In the case of the Rocket GTC, that power is dialed up even further. The 4.5-liter twin-turbo engine brings the total system output to a staggering 1,000 horsepower, and BRABUS also imparts its signature style to the Rocket GTC with a custom body kit, custom wheels, and a custom interior. One of the most exclusive BRABUS vehicles on the market, the Rocket GTC is not an easy vehicle to find for sale, but one is currently available and listed on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. This 2026 BRABUS Rocket GTC for sale is available now at Galpin Aston Martin in Los Angeles, California, and with only 57 miles on its odometer, it’s a nearly-new example of one of the most ambitious BRABUS supercars yet. <- Gallery -> With a black exterior finish, this BRABUS Rocket GTC for sale features signature BRABUS style, with exposed carbon fiber accents complementing the dark exterior. Meanwhile, the BRABUS Masterpiece interior features red leather upholstery, with custom BRABUS logo embroidery, seashell quilting, and more accents in exposed carbon fiber. With immense performance, unique style, and uncompromising luxury, one of the most thrilling BRABUS custom vehicles can be yours. If you are interested in owning this 2026 BRABUS Rocket GTC for sale, click below to view the price and listing, and explore flexible financing options with duPont REGISTRY Finance. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2026

BRABUS Marine Introduces Its All-New 110FT AB110 Yacht

Just two months after announcing its latest partnership with AB Yachts and unveiling the first ULTIMA 55 luxury catamaran, BRABUS is back on the water with another new addition to its growing marine lineup. This time, the spotlight is on the BRABUS AB110, bringing the brand’s signature DNA to a much larger yacht platform. The AB110 is the first of three yachts being developed through the BRABUS and AB Yachts partnership. Alongside the 110-foot model are the smaller 95-foot BRABUS AB95 and the upcoming 150-foot BRABUS AB150, which is set to debut at Monaco in 2027. At 110.7 feet long with a 22.4-foot beam and 4.3-foot draft, the AB110 has plenty of space for entertainment and relaxation, but its exterior is where the BRABUS performance influence is most obvious. There’s exposed carbon fiber around the bow and along the sides, carbon detailing around the engine air outlets, LED lighting built into the forward section of the superstructure, and an illuminated roof spoiler. The familiar BRABUS red accents also show up throughout the exterior, along with the brand’s Triangle quilting on the outdoor upholstery.The performance numbers are probably the easiest part of the yacht to understand. The AB110 can be fitted with three MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, each producing 2,600 horsepower. With all three working together, the yacht has 7,800 horsepower and a claimed top speed of 48 knots. Waterjets handle propulsion, while stabilization systems are used to make things more comfortable when the yacht is moving between islands or sitting anchored.Most of the living space is spread across the main and lower decks, with another level serving as the sun deck and flybridge. The main deck has a pair of large sofas and an eight-person dining table, while the lower deck includes an owner’s cabin, two guest cabins and a VIP cabin. All four cabins have private bathrooms, and the yacht can accommodate up to 10 guests. There is also dedicated crew space, including a galley, crew mess and two crew cabins.The aft section is where the AB110 gets particularly practical for spending time on the water. Its garage can carry a jet tender, a three-seat jet ski and equipment such as paddleboards, snorkeling gear and towable tubes. A winch and roller system help get the larger toys into the water, and once the garage is cleared out, the aft platform becomes a large sea-level area for lounging. It’s a useful touch on a yacht otherwise packed with the carbon fiber details, leather, and performance you would expect from a BRABUS build. Source: BRABUS Marine

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 22, 2026

BRABUS Reveals New 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO

BRABUS is known for its dramatic customizations of luxury vehicles, especially ones based on Mercedes-Benz models, and the latest one is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic. Dubbed the 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO, the new vehicle is based on a BRABUS staple, the Mercedes-AMG G 63. The new 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO, however, is one of the most dramatic transformations of the luxury performance SUV icon that BRABUS has completed yet, not only imbuing it with a 900-horsepower, 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but also giving it open-top thrill. The new BRABUS creation will make its global debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, and its production is limited to just 50 units. The convertible roof is electrically operated and is engineered to meet OEM-quality standards, giving owners an elegant solution to transform the G-Wagon into an open-air masterpiece. Meanwhile, the engine’s displacement is increased from the standard G 63 to 4.5 liters, and the performance of the vehicle is dramatically increased to 900 horsepower. With that level of performance, the new 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO can get from 0-60 in less than 3.7 seconds, reaching a limited top speed of 149 mph. The signature BRABUS aesthetic is imparted on the new 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO through modifications like a dramatic widebody kit, a two-tone paint finish that combines matte and gloss black, custom 24-inch wheels, and more. <- Gallery -> The vehicle also features a beautifully crafted BRABUS Masterpiece interior, and is showcased in stunning black leather and Alcantara with red accents and intricate quilting details from the in-house upholstery shop at BRABUS. Sold at roughly $1.02 million, the new BRABUS 900 ROCKET EDITION CABRIO is one of its most ambitious G-Wagon transformations yet, adding an open top and thrilling performance to the luxurious SUV icon. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale Image Source: BRABUS

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 08, 2026

The All-New BRABUS Shadow 1000 XC Brings 1,000 HP to the Water

To say BRABUS has had a milestone year would be an absolute understatement, as the brand continues to expand its fleet of modified masterpieces while debuting its first-ever bespoke superyacht before taking over Monterey Car Week with the all-new BODO coupe and convertible. And even as these new ventures take shape on both land and sea, BRABUS is still hard at work on its performance marine series with the team at Axopar Boats. Alongside the reveal of the Axopar’s all-new 38 Cross Top, BRABUS is pleased to put its stealthy signature touch on the latest release, debuting the 850 horsepower Shadow 850 XC Cross Cabin and the 1,000 horsepower Shadow 1000 XC Cross Cabin.Built on Axopar’s new 38 platform, the new 38-foot build takes the already popular Cross Cabin design and combines it with the open Sun Top configuration. At the heart of it all are twin Mercury Racing 500R V8 outboards, sending a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower to the water and pushing the boat to 60 knots. That’s plenty of power for quick sprints on the open water or casually cruising between sand bars, while the twin-stepped 20-degree V “Sharp Entry Hull” keeps everything stable and under control instead of simply chasing a big number on the speedometer.Of course, horsepower is only a small part of the BRABUS treatment. The Shadow 1000 XC gets the full Black Ops recipe, with extensive exposed carbon fiber, dark finishes, signature red accents, and enough BRABUS detailing to make it instantly recognizable from across any marina. The carbon fiber continues onto areas like the roof lighting and exterior trim, while the black-and-red theme carries into the cabin with glossy carbon surfaces and contrasting Moonstone and Graphite upholstery. It’s very much the same visual DNA found across the brand’s supercars. And honestly, that’s what makes the Shadow 1000 so impressive; it looks every bit like a BRABUS even while it's docked.Behind the wheel, the Shadow 1000 XC gets plenty of technology to help make sense of all that performance. Two 16-inch Simrad displays handle navigation and key vessel information, while radar, FLIR night vision, an echo sounder, and a rear-view camera are all available to keep an eye on what is happening around the boat. When it comes time to slow things down and pull into the marina, joystick-controlled trim tabs, a bow thruster, and JPO integration make maneuvering a little less intimidating.Inside, things remain calm, cool, and collected. The BRABUS Masterpiece cabin brings in top-tier upholstery, carbon fiber accents, and configurable seating, with materials that give the interior a look that feels more like a high-end BRABUS than an everyday day boat. There is also plenty of flexibility depending on how the owner plans to use it, with options including an aft cabin, wet bar, refrigerator, air conditioning, and fold-down activity platforms. Add in the BRABUS Premium Audio system, RGB lighting, and underwater lights, and the Shadow 1000 XC can easily transform from a seriously quick run across the water to an afternoon spent anchored somewhere with friends.

By Michael Van Runkle – August 14, 2026

Brabus Debuts New Bodo Cabriolet, A Heartfelt Homage To Founder Bodo Buschmann

On the banks of Lake Como at FuoriConcorso in May, German tuner Brabus unveiled an ambitious new project that comes just about as close as possible to creating an all-new car in the company’s five-decade history. Named the Bodo, after founder Bodo Buschmann, who always dreamed of such an extensive undertaking, the new model shares underpinnings of an Aston Martin Vanquish with the presence and power worthy of a founder’s name. Brabus plans to build just 77 Bodos, with a starting price of €1,000,000. Bodo Buschmann’s son, Constantin, stepped into the CEO role for Brabus in 2018 after his father’s stroke and quickly put his mark on the company with numerous expansions, including into the world of yachts, motorcycles, and even motorhomes. Now, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday of Monterey Car Week, Constantin Buschmann took the stage to unveil another step in that process: the Bodo in Cabriolet form. Ahead of the global debut, Buschmann invited duPont Registry to visit Brabus headquarters in Bottrop, Germany, to witness two Cabriolet show cars in various stages of production. In the starkly modern facilities, Constantin recalled a childhood memory seared into his mind which sums up the entire Brabus lifestyle. “There's one picture that I'm having set up in a frame, ” Buschmann revealed, “Because it encompasses everything that is Brabus in one single image. That is my father, driving an R129 [Mercedes] without a bonnet over the V12, either a suit and tie or a leather jacket, sunglasses on, on the Autobahn with no speed limit here in Germany.” The Bodo coupe marked a natural starting point for this project, worthy of duPont Registry’s August 2026 cover, with serious style and presence reminiscent of boattail-era Bugattis or maybe even Bruce Wayne. That’s not to mention the rarity factor, nor the almost infinite level of personalization available on each Bodo that highlights Brabus’ Masterpiece series of most extensive builds. But the Bodo comes a long way from lifted G-Wagens or blacked-out Benzes. Instead, each begins life as an Aston Martin Vanquish—even if Buschmann claims the design and development process began with a concept and then narrowed down on the singular Vanquish eventually to satisfy every need. Brabus then strips the Vanquish down to the chassis, swaps on the bespoke carbon-fiber body, and rebuilds Aston’s stupendous twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 to unleash a bump from 823 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque to 1,000 ponies and 885 lb-ft. The first Bodo coupe finished in black over black, with plenty of exposed carbon fiber, fits perfectly into the quintessential Brabus aesthetic. But if anything, the Cabriolet winds up as more of a stone-cold stunner—again, the more complete Cabriolet during our visit to Bottrop featured a black exterior. The two share the same bold front end, with a vertical grille giving way to a long hood with recessed heat extractors. Comparing the rear ends, however, the Cab’s design actually departs from the earlier coupe by a significant margin because the tail needed to also fit the folding convertible top, critically without eliminating trunk space. The entire rear clamshell therefore sits higher and slopes less, while with the roof laid back, the 2+2 interior now offers a bit more space for the rear seats without the low roofline. From any perspective, the Cabriolet inhabits an entirely different persona with a seemingly more square waterline around the open cockpit that emphasizes the broad haunches and eternally long hood. The Saddle Brown interior of the Piano Black car hews nearer to Aston’s own catalog, but the second Cabriolet in pieces nearby featured a much more eye-catching sensibility. <- Gallery -> Brabus calls the white car’s almost matte, yet transitionally opalescent paint job “Silk Stone” over a creamy interior upholstery. The radical departure from all-black everything comes courtesy of Brabus creative director Mili Umicevic, also Constantin Buschmann’s fiancée and a co-star on the docu-series Brabus: One Second Wow! The Bodo Cabriolet on stage at The Quail pushes the limit of what Brabus can do, from a stylistic standpoint but also in the engineering department. Back in Bottrop, a quick spin in the Bodo coupe revealed deep wellsprings of torque available at any point in the rev range, a smooth yet supple ride thanks to revised suspension components including electronically adjustable KW dampers that work in concert with Aston’s onboard drive modes, plus dual-axle lift to make those long overhangs less of a concern over bumps, dips, and driveway entrances. Naturally, the impeccable interior upholstery and trim further enhanced the sense of luxury befitting a seven-figure super-GT. “We've been doing what we do for almost five decades,” Constantin Buschmann explained. “That has built up a tremendous amount of know-how. Now, the new team that's taken over from Bodo, who the car is named after, it’s like we're picking up speed every year. Speed and momentum.” If anything, the quick succession from FuoriConcorso to Monterey Car Week reveals the capability for Brabus to debut essentially two new models in just one summer. The Bodo Cabriolet starts at €1,077,000 and adds another 77 units to the overall Bodo production run, allowing those unlucky few who failed to secure an initial allocation another chance to join the new era now well underway at Brabus. View All Brabus Cars for Sale Images: Michael Van Runkle, Brabus, Charles Bradley

By Khris Bharath – July 28, 2026

BRABUS Unveils ULTIMA 55, The Brand's First Luxury Catamaran

BRABUS has built its name turning Mercedes-Benz models into high-horsepower machines for decades, but the brand's ambitions have long since expanded beyond cars. Today, the German company’s portfolio spans everything from classic car restorations, coach-built cars like the recently unveiled 1,000-horsepower Bodo grand tourer, motorcycles, motorhomes, fashion, and luxury real estate to performance boats. Now it is adding another chapter to its marine portfolio with the BRABUS ULTIMA 55, the company's first luxury catamaran, developed in collaboration with Sunreef Yachts, one of the world's leading builders of luxury multihull yachts. Seen here against the backdrop of Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island, the ULTIMA 55 combines the spacious layout of a multihull with performance that's uncommon in this segment. Unlike a traditional monohull yacht, a catamaran uses two hulls, creating a wider beam, greater stability, and significantly more interior space. Power comes from twin 10.8-liter six-cylinder engines producing 725 horsepower each, enough to push the yacht beyond 40 knots (~46 mph). An integrated hydrofoil system lifts the hulls higher above the water to reduce drag, improve efficiency, and minimize heel, giving passengers a smoother ride at speed. The exterior carries the unmistakable BRABUS DNA. Graphite Black bodywork is complemented by exposed carbon fiber on the roof, ventilation trims, and signature design elements, while illuminated BRABUS logos and LED roof lights complete the look. <- Gallery -> The automotive influence continues below deck. You can choose between a two-cabin layout accommodating four guests or a three-cabin configuration for up to six guests. The helm features a BRABUS-specific widescreen digital interface that consolidates navigation and onboard controls into a single display. Moonstone leather, Alcantara, exposed carbon fiber, aluminum accents, and ambient lighting closely resemble the cabins of the company's supercars. A fully equipped galley, retractable 43-inch television, and Bowers & Wilkins Marine Series sound system reinforce the yacht's luxury credentials. Practicality also played a significant role in the ULTIMA 55's design. Folding side platforms expand the beam from 18.4 feet to 24.9 feet at anchor, creating additional entertaining space. Transformer sunpads convert into seating, while the aft deck incorporates a carbon fiber dining table, electric barbecue, and wet bar. The ULTIMA 55 marks the latest evolution of BRABUS' marine ambitions. We've previously covered everything from the Shadow 900, Shadow 38, and Shadow 1200 Sun-Top Phantom Gray to the company's showcase at FLIBS 2025 and its recent partnership with AB Yachts on its first branded superyachts. More recently, BRABUS expanded its presence in the Middle East with BRABUS Island, a 92-villa waterfront development in Abu Dhabi. Whether viewed as a high-performance cruiser or a floating extension of the BRABUS brand, the ULTIMA 55 represents the company's most ambitious marine project yet, bringing its unmistakable automotive design language into the growing luxury catamaran segment. Images: Brabus Marine

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2026

BRABUS and AB Yachts Partner to Create the World's First BRABUS Yachts

For years, BRABUS has been at the forefront of the automotive world, evolving beyond its roots in modifying and tuning Mercedes-Benz models to include builds from Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley. In 2017, the momentum shifted to offer a luxurious, performance-driven nautical experience with the launch of BRABUS Marine, defined by an elite fleet of superboats with BRABUS’ signature touch. Now, that marine vision is expanding even further as part of a recent partnership announcement with the Italian yacht builders at AB Yachts, a brand of Next Yacht Group, bringing the world’s first BRABUS Yachts to open waters. The collaboration aims to combine BRABUS' unmistakable design DNA with AB Yachts' expertise in fast, performance-focused vessels, creating a new option for buyers looking for the same level of build quality and exclusivity they expect from a supercar or luxury SUV. The partnership takes things in a different direction than its already-established collaborations with Axopar and Sunreef Yachts. Teaming up with AB Yachts opens the door to a completely new category of larger, ultra-luxury yachts. Known for building sleek Italian yachts capable of impressive speeds without sacrificing comfort, AB Yachts brings decades of experience that pairs naturally with BRABUS' approach to customization and bold styling. The first BRABUS yacht will officially premiere during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 23rd to 26th, 2026, with another new model already planned for the 2027 event. For those who already own and or appreciate BRABUS supercars, luxury SUVs, or even marine models, this new venture offers an opportunity to bring that same performance-driven lifestyle to the water. As the worlds of luxury cars and yachting continue to overlap, BRABUS is making it clear that its vision extends well beyond four wheels. Source: BRABUS Marine

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2026

BRABUS Reveals Its New Ultra-Luxury Island Development in Baku

While it's historically known for reimagining Mercedes-AMG vehicles with performance upgrades and unmistakable bodykits, BRABUS has evolved into a luxury powerhouse since its start in a garage behind a family car dealership in 1977. Today, its portfolio expands beyond the automotive space, dipping its toes into the luxury marine industry, taking to two wheels with exclusive motorcycles, and even developing expansive real estate projects, all with its signature BRABUS touch. The team at BRABUS recently added to that growing portfolio with the announcement of BRABUS ISLAND Baku, an ultra-luxury resort and residence set on the picturesque shores of the Caspian Sea. GALLERY-EMBED The development will be set within the Sea Breeze resort city of Azerbaijan, best known for attracting visitors from around the world with its relaxing atmosphere, scenic waterfront views, and recreational lifestyle. Just 25 mins from the city center, Baku is the country’s capital and largest city, offering a blend of history, modern architecture, culture, and seaside attractions, featuring historic sites, waterfront promenades, museums, shopping, and local cuisine. GALLERY-EMBED BRABUS ISLAND Baku will span more than 28 acres of waterfront property and feature 592 luxury residences, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments as well as duplex residences. For those in search of a more private oceanfront living experience, BRABUS will also develop 16 exclusive twin villas, offering close proximity to the shoreline with sea breezes and the sound of waves just steps away. As for interior design, buyers will be offered the opportunity to work closely with the team at BRABUS to completely customize their living space down to the smallest details, just like a BRABUS Masterpiece. GALLERY-EMBED Within BRABUS ISLAND Baku, the community will feature amenities such as a swimming pool with a waterfall, full fitness areas with state-of-the-art equipment, relaxing spas, and private lounge areas for guests and residents to enjoy. While an official completion date hasn’t been set, one thing is clear: BRABUS ISLAND Baku is set to become a premier destination for those who love luxury waterfront living in a region with so much to offer.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 15, 2026

The BRABUS BODO Is a 1,000HP Tribute to Bodo Buschmann

Nearly five decades ago, Bodo Buschmann founded BRABUS as a means to push the performance and styling boundaries of Mercedes-Benz, originally operating out of a small workshop behind his parents’ car dealership. Today, Bodo’s legacy lives on through the countless classic Mercedes-Benz builds that are now recognized and considered as collector’s gems, as well as the brand’s evolution into luxury and supercar stardom. And while it's most notably worked with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach, Bentley, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, BRABUS knew that if any model would bear the name of its founder, it would have to be something completely original. Making its world premiere on the shores of Lake Como at FuoriConcorso, BRABUS is pleased to debut the all-new BRABUS BODO, a strictly limited, coachbuilt 2+2 seater Grand Turismo coupe created as a tribute to Bodo Buschmann. GALLERY-EMBED Limited to just 77 examples worldwide, the BRABUS BODO, which signifies BRABUS’ birth in 1977, is part of the Masterpiece supercar series and elevates its philosophy as a future coachbuilder with more than two decades of planning this build led by Constantin Buschmann. The exterior looks like nothing else on the road right now, crafted entirely from carbon fiber and measuring an impressive 16.6 feet in length and 6.6 feet in width, commanding attention whether on the road or purely parked, sitting still. Its aggressive appearance starts at the front, where a massive grill, fit with slim LED headlights and oversized intakes, gives BODO its distinct BRABUS look. At the back, where its sculpted rear end pulls together its boat-tail-inspired shape, stacked titanium exhaust tips, a massive diffuser, and an active rear wing make it clear it’s built with speed in mind. Custom 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock Z-GT “Shadow Edition” forged wheels and specially developed Continental SportContact 7 Force tires finish off the look while helping keep the car stable at high speeds. GALLERY-EMBED Inside, BRABUS kept things surprisingly traditional for a modern supercar, courtesy of its in-house master upholstery craftsman. The entire interior is wrapped in black leather to match its Piano Black exterior finish, with carbon-fiber trim layered throughout the dashboard, steering wheel, center console, and door trim. Details like the BRABUS “Shell” stitching pattern, embroidered seat graphics, and custom metal entry plates give the cabin a more coachbuilt feel. The seats were engineered to balance comfort with strong lateral support, making the BODO a proper grand tourer rather than something stripped out purely for the sake of performance. BRABUS also included a few over-the-top touches that fit the brand’s personality, including matching leather-wrapped keys, a custom Weekender travel bag, and even a blockchain-based digital ownership passport integrated into the car itself.Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 5.2L V12 producing 1,000 horsepower and 885 ft-lbs of torque, making the BODO one of the most powerful road cars BRABUS has ever built. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with an electronically controlled locking differential. Performance numbers are just as impressive than its looks, with a 0-62 mph sprint time of just 3.0 seconds, 124 mph in 8.5 seconds, and the car keeps pulling all the way to an electronically limited top speed of 223 mph. BRABUS also developed multiple drive modes ranging from a softer GT setup for everyday driving to much sharper Sport and Sport+ modes. Suspension tuning was handled alongside KW Automotive, with adaptive dampers and a front-and-rear lift system helping make the car more usable despite its low ride height. Between the handcrafted design, massive V12 power, and limited production run, it’s easily one of the boldest and most significant projects BRABUS has ever put its name on.

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