BRABUS

BRABUS

BRABUS GmbH, founded 1977 in Bottrop (Ruhr Area), Germany, is a high-performance aftermarket tuning company which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Tesla and Maybach vehicles. Brabus became the largest Mercedes tuner, other than Mercedes-AMG which became a DaimlerChrysler affiliate in the 1990s.

History[edit]

The company began with Bodo Buschmann wanting to customize his cars, but discovered most existing customizers could not meet his thought or requirement, so he decided to start his own brand. After Buschmann had decided to start his own brand, BRABUS GmbH was originally registered in 1977 at Germany with Buschmann's friend Klaus Brackman because German law required a company must be established with at least two people. The company name was derived from the first three characters of the founders' surnames (Brackman, Buschmann). Following the company's foundation, Brackman did not show interests in modifying vehicles or running a business, so he sold his company shares to Buschmann for 100 euros.^[1]

In 2012, BRABUS GmbH had started building its third factory in Bottrop.

Operations[edit]

Brabus's primary focus is to achieve maximum engine performance through the increase of horsepower and torque. Customers can either buy cars from Brabus, or send in their car to be customized and/or overhauled. Customers ordering a car directly involves Brabus purchasing a particular model from Mercedes and then modifying it according to the customer's requests. Brabus is known for providing expensive tuning and custom solutions.

Brabus also offers cosmetic modifications including low profile spoilers, bodykits, carbon fiber splitters, and multi-piece alloy wheels. Other upgrades include racing LSDs, open racing exhaust systems, twelve-piston disc brakes, and engine remapping. Customers can also have complete engine overhauls, or have new crate engines from AMG modified for them.

Brabus engines range from small 200 horsepower (150 kW) K4 blocks for SLK roadsters and CLK-Class to the 900 horsepower (670 kW) twin-turbo blocks for the S-Class.^[3] The company also provides improvements to the interior from custom upholstery, gauges, shiftknobs, pedals, and trim to various electronics such as wider LCD screens for the Maybach