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 – 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.

Two aerial views of a modern beachfront resort complex in Abu Dhabi with high-end villas, swimming pools, private docks, and multiple buildings on BRABUS Island, all beautifully surrounded by water during day and night.

By Khris Bharath – September 16, 2025

Inside BRABUS Island’s Next Chapter: 92 High-End Villas i...

Just over four months ago, we touched upon BRABUS Island, the German tuner’s big announcement about its first branded real estate project at an invite-only event in Abu Dhabi’s Al Seef District, an hour southwest of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Being developed by Reportage Properties, in collaboration with Cosmo Developments under the BRABUS brand, the focus of this project in Phase 1 was on four high-rise towers on the island in the Emirati capital that comprises 350+ luxury apartments in two, three, and four-bedroom layouts that range from 1,152 square feet to 4,908 square feet. Now, BRABUS has revealed the project's second phase: 92 high-end villas. BRABUS, of course, was founded in 1977 and has built its reputation turning and tuning Mercedes-Benz models into faster, sharper, and more bespoke machines. In the U.A.E., the brand enjoys a unique status as custom builds based on the G-Class, a model extremely popular with locals (including with the Royal Family and the Dubai Police, who are renowned for possessing several supercars in their fleet), has further established BRABUS as a niche luxury brand. Given the brand’s target demographic, they’ve naturally transitioned and expanded into other lifestyle markets, including luxury yachts, fashion through Signature Night, and now real estate. The concept with this project is straightforward but ambitious: Attempt to carry over the company’s high-performance DNA into the world of real estate. Essentially, build upon everything that has made Brabus a household name among Mercedes enthusiasts and take it into a very different, but equally lucrative, asset class. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRABUS (@brabus) Now, coming to these villas, they are available across multiple layouts. You have beach villas with direct sand access, lakefront retreats designed for quiet escapes, and more compact twin villas and townhouses. At the top-tier sit penthouses and V.I.P. residences, reserved for those who seek maximum privacy. The overall design language matches the company’s automotive catalog and design philosophy: Sharp angles and a clear focus on performance-inspired architecture. Inside, the main pitch is personalization, and just as you would choose your leather, stitching, or trim in a Brabus G-Wagen / Rocket 1000, here you select layouts, finishes, and color palettes. Modular interiors being offered to residents means you can shape and tailor your house around your lifestyle. Also, the Amenities are extensive, and every villa connects to a private pool, terrace, or green backyard. Shared facilities include a private marina, direct beach access, landscaped seating areas, a retail pavilion, a fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. For a city like Abu Dhabi, where waterfront access often commands premiums well into the millions, this level of integration could position Brabus Island in a unique bracket. It is less about one-off features and more about stacking as many exclusive features as possible into a single package. Now, this isn’t the first time automotive and luxury brands have blurred the lines with real estate developments. Porsche and Bentley both have residential towers in Miami, and duPont Registry Group is working with Pininfarina on a luxury tower in Miami’s design district, aimed at car collectors. But what makes Brabus Island different is its timing and location. The U.A.E. and Dubai, in particular, have emerged over the past decade as a lucrative destination for ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want exclusivity, security, and brand-backed prestige in one place, along with a stable political environment with world-class infrastructure and connectivity. That is also why several established high-end global luxury brands, including the likes of Bugatti, Trump, Jacob & Co., Mansory, and now Brabus, are staking their claims. Abu Dhabi itself adds cultural weight, with landmarks like the Louvre and Yas Island, home to Ferrari World and the final race on the annual F1 calendar. As for the Brabus-branded Villas, with only 92 units, scarcity is already baked in just like in the collector car world, and that in itself may be the strongest appeal of this project. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale " width="680"> Images: BRABUS

Aerial view of a modern waterfront resort complex with three tall buildings, smaller villas, palm trees, a sandy beach, and a marina with yachts.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 28, 2025

New BRABUS Island Luxury Real Estate Unveiled In Abu Dhabi

Welcome to BRABUS Island, the greatest expression of the BRABUS lifestyle yet. BRABUS has undergone an incredible expansion of its brand as of late, going from being an iconic tuner and customization of Mercedes-Benz models, including well-known custom G-Wagons, and AMG models taken to the next level, to creating a wide range of custom vehicles, including motor homes, boat,s and cars. In addition, BRABUS has created fashion and lifestyle products, and combined its custom vehicles and lifestyle products in an unprecedented event called Signature Night, combining its efforts in an incredible runway show concept. However, BRABUS is on the cusp of something even bigger, showcasing its signature style and its most ambitious creation yet: BRABUS Island. The brand’s first foray into the luxury real estate arena, BRABUS Island is a lifestyle destination in one of the world’s greatest luxury capitals: Abu Dhabi. The development, consisting of 450 total luxury homes (350 apartments and 100 villas), was unveiled at an invitation-only event in Abu Dhabi. The destination is complete with architecture, interior design, and furniture inspired by the signature design principles seen in BRABUS Masterpiece vehicles. Highlighting the already established presence that BRABUS has in the Middle East region, the new BRABUS Island development will be located in the prestigious Al Seef district of Abu Dhabi, a prime location within the United Arab Emirates, minutes from the Zayed International Airport and the city center of Abu Dhabi, and an hour’s drive from Dubai. Developed in collaboration with Cosmo, a UAE-based Reportage Properties subsidiary, four high-rise towers will house 350 luxury apartments in two, three, and four-bedroom layouts ranging from roughly 1,152 square feet to 4,908 square feet. The 100 villas on the property include twin villas, townhouses, and beach villas. The homes are offered with modular interior design approaches, with three color schemes: Black and Bold, White Bliss, and Gray Haven, being offered to residents. Each is modern, sleek, and reminiscent of BRABUS’s stunning and iconic custom cars. Prices range from 700,000 Euros to 6.5 million Euros, roughly equating to just under $800,000 to under $7.4 million. With a bold new real estate project, the BRABUS lifestyle and brand are growing bigger than ever. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale Image Source: BRABUS

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