Since 1977: more than 40 years of automotive masterpieces
26.02.2019
- High-end supercars, custom automotive refinement, exclusive lifestyle and 6-star restorations for Mercedes-Benz classics are the domain of BRABUS. In 2017, BRABUS celebrated its 40th anniversary and thus four decades filled with automotive masterworks and luxurious treasures.
The world-renowned tuner and car manufacturer offers custom options to satisfy every wish. The BRABUS product lineup ranges from powerful tuned engines and elegantly styled aerodynamic-enhancement kits to high-quality alloy wheels, dynamic yet comfortable sport suspensions and exquisitely luxurious interiors handcrafted to perfection.
BRABUS uses the most exacting standards for the development and testing of its tuning parts – and stands behind them 100 percent: All BRABUS components – including all performance kits and increased-displacement engines – are covered by the unique three-year or 100,000-kilometer/62,000-mile BRABUS Tuning Warranty for (see BRABUS Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated July 2013).
BRABUS is also one of the world’s most exclusive automakers. With approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg, the company builds such thrilling high-performance vehicles as, for example, the BRABUS 900 supercars based on the Mercedes-Benz models of the G- and S-Class. They have a power output of 662 kW / 900 hp (888 bhp) and in part reach speeds in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph).
BRABUS was founded by Bodo Buschmann in 1977 and over the past four decades has grown into the world’s largest independent automotive tuner with a workforce of about 450 employees in Germany and 2,500 employees around the world. After the death of the company founder in April 2018, his son Constantin Buschmann took over the management of BRABUS GROUP as CEO.
BRABUS Headquarters are located in Bottrop in the heart of the Ruhr Valley, directly adjacent to the A2 autobahn. In addition to spacious showrooms, the facility also houses the marketing and sales division, administration, the R&D department as well as the production plants of the globally operating company.
An expansion of the BRABUS production and administration building on the 150,000-square meter (1.6 million square feet) grounds on BRABUS-Allee was completed in the summer of 1999. The new BRABUS Plant 3 went into operation in early 2013. The new plant in Bottrop covers 5,000 m² (54,000 square feet) of floor space. In August 2014, the BRABUS Plant 4 followed. It offers a usable area of 2,000 m² (21,500 square feet) and houses the BRABUS Classic division. The new BRABUS Plant 5 with 2,625 m² (28,200 square feet) of floor space opened in late 2014.
BRABUS high-performance engines are developed with the help of state-of-the-art test benches in the company development center. The engine shop features the latest machines to create a level of vertical manufacturing integration that is unique in this industry. Today, there are far more than 500 modern workstations for vehicle conversions and service work in the BRABUS plant. The warehouse with a volume of 300,000 cubic meters (10.6 million cubic feet) is managed with state-of-the-art computer technology and guarantees speedy delivery of BRABUS parts to all corners of the globe.
Most testing takes place on the BRABUS test track, which features acceleration and braking tracks, sine curves, a skid pad, a certified noise-measuring track and a shake track with Belgian block cobblestone.
New products are continuously scrutinized in extensive testing programs. BRABUS places great emphasis on continuous, strict quality inspections of all its products. BRABUS is quality-certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000 standards.
BRABUS also has high standards in the selection of suppliers: Only renowned OEMs such as Motul, BILSTEIN, Continental and YOKOHAMA cooperate with BRABUS as technology partners. German chemical group Henkel is also a supplier of BRABUS with its brands LOCTITE and TEROSON known for their sealants and adhesives.
The high quality demands that BRABUS places on its own developments, products and services are also recognized by its peers in the automotive industry. In a joint venture with smart GmbH, BRABUS founded smart-BRABUS GmbH in 2002. In the fall of 2003, the company moved into the new 11,000 square meter (118,000 square foot) plant in Bottrop, where an exclusive accessories program for all smart models as well the top-of-the-line models for all smart model series are developed and manufactured. The brabus | automotive business unit produces small series of high-end automobiles for various vehicle manufacturers in a modern plant.
Maximum environmental compatibility is paramount for all developments. As a result, the BRABUS-tuned engines not only deliver enormous performance, but also shine with attractive consumption figures and low emissions. The BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business unit has been working on eco-friendly technologies since 2008.
BRABUS is also committed to being the “engine” of the InnovationCity Bottrop, the home of the company. The city in the heart of the Ruhr Valley won a 2011 contest held in the entire Ruhr region. The contest’s objective is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to further improve energy efficiency and implement measures of climate protection. BRABUS supports this initiative with the development of eco-friendly vehicle concepts with combustion engines, hybrid and electric powertrains.
By participating in the "ruhrvalley" initiative, which advocates new mobility concepts and innovative technologies, BRABUS demonstrates not only its competence in the automotive field, but also the tremendous expertise of the BRABUS team, which largely comes from Bottrop and the Ruhr Valley.
The BRABUS Classic division is among the top addresses worldwide for the restoration of vintage Mercedes-Benz automobiles. A unique selling point is the two-year BRABUS Classic Warranty with unlimited miles for classic vehicles rebuilt from the ground up. The leading vintage car experts organization Classic Data awarded these vehicles a grade of “A” for their condition and amended the expertise with the statement that these vintage cars represent classics with “new car character.” BRABUS Classic always has a broad range of newly rebuilt Mercedes vintage cars for immediate sale.
The BRABUS Marine division is active in an entirely different but no less fascinating field. The BRABUS 500 "Shadow OPS" Limited Edition "1 of 28" met with outstanding response at the BOOT 2019, the most important trade fair in this industry. The powerful recreational craft was fitted by BRABUS with exclusive equipment and is already the second joint production with Finnish manufacturer Axopar Boats Oy, Europe's fastest-growing manufacturer in this field. The predecessor, the BRABUS SHADOW 800 by Axopar, was built in a limited edition of just 20 boats and sold out in no time at all
