Brabus E V12 Cabriolet

Brabus has expanded its E V12 family to include the Cabriolet, and the result is the world’s fastest four-seat convertible.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (Brabus E V12) Front Side

Based on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the heart of the conversion is a biturbo 6.3 litre (384 cu. in.) V12 engine. With a reprogrammed engine control unit, four intercoolers and a stainless steel exhaust system, it produces 788 PS (588 kW / 800 PS) at 5,500 rpm.

Peak torque meanwhile is a staggering 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb/ft), which is more than even the Bugatti Veyron manages. However, Brabus has decided to electronically limit it to ‘just’ 1,100 Nm (811 lb/ft) in the E V12, as that’s probably the limit of what the specially strengthened five-speed automatic transmission could reasonably be expected to handle.

Unsurprisingly, such outputs result in brutal acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time is 3.7 seconds, 0-124 mph (200 km/h) is over in just 9.9 seconds, and 0-186 mph (300 km/h) takes 23.9 seconds.

Depending on the final drive ratio, the claimed top speed can be as high as 231 mph (370 km/h). Presumably attempting that kind of velocity with the roof up doesn’t result in the car’s fabric hood being ripped off by the wind blast…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (Brabus E V12) InteriorMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (Brabus E V12) Rear Side

To cope with the extra performance, Brabus has also upgraded the chassis. Coil-over suspension co-developed with Bilstein is fitted, and it features adjustable dampers and ride height. To improve handling and high speed stability, the 19” wheels sit on widened tracks, and the bodywork front and rear has been suitably widened to accommodate them.

Stopping is taken care of by Brabus’ own braking system, which comprises vented and grooved steel discs with aluminium calipers.

The Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is build-to-order only, with prices starting at €478,000.

That’s around £420,000 or US$669,000 at today’s exchange rates, an amount which in the UK would buy seven examples of the standard Mercedes-Benz E 500 Cabriolet.

Related posts:
Brabus S 350 BlueTEC
Brabus Widestar SLS AMG

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