Brabus XL 800: The Ultimate 800HP G-Class With Portal Axles and Carbon Fiber Power

When it comes to pushing boundaries in automotive design, Brabus never plays it safe. Whether it’s a tuned Smart car or a beastly G-Wagen motorhome, the German tuner proves time and again that no niche is too narrow. Now, their latest creation — the Brabus XL 800 — might just be the most extreme G-Class yet, blending over-the-top off-road engineering with unmistakable luxury bravado.

Built for the Wild, Styled for the Spotlight

At first glance, the XL 800 looks like another Brabus-tweaked G-Class with its aggressive carbon fiber widebody kit, massive wheels, and signature menacing stance. But dig deeper, and it becomes clear this machine is built for far more than just curb appeal.

Brabus set out to deliver “maximum off-road capabilities,” and they weren’t kidding. The XL 800 features a completely reengineered independent front suspension — a rarity on G-Wagens — paired with a solid rear axle that’s been heavily modified with custom links and a reinforced housing. Why? To accommodate portal axles milled from billet aluminum, a setup that boosts ground clearance to a staggering 47 centimeters (18.5 inches). This gives the XL 800 the crawling prowess of a rock buggy, without sacrificing Brabus’s signature refinement.

High-Tech Suspension Meets Hardcore Hardware

The custom height-adjustable coilovers are tuned specifically for the new axle configuration. Damping is recalibrated, and thanks to the factory control dial inside, drivers can tweak their suspension settings on the fly. Whether you're conquering trails or cruising the autobahn, the XL 800 adapts in real time.

Then there’s the wheel setup. Brabus stuck with massive 22-inch forged rims, specially designed to handle the enormous weight and demands of the XL. They’re wrapped in 325/55 R22 off-road tires, a combination that’s as ridiculous as it is capable. From deep mud to desert dunes, this G-Wagen is ready to go absolutely anywhere — and look unapologetically bold while doing it.

Carbon Fiber Everywhere — Because Why Not?

Inside and out, the Brabus Widestar kit and Carbon Package take the aesthetic to another level. You’ll find exposed carbon on the hood, grille, roof-mounted wind deflector, and more. Even the interior — shown here in a striking Slate Grey Brabus Masterpiece finish — is drenched in premium materials and tech touches. Double Cube quilting not only ups the style factor but also contributes to enhanced seat climate control. Yes, even the seats in this trail titan are engineered for peak comfort.

Standard on all XL 800 builds are the Brabus “Easy Entry” 90-degree door hinges and motorized side steps, making the climb into this lifted luxury tank a little less daunting.

800 HP of Twin-Turbo Insanity

Under the hood lies the heart of a monster — Brabus’s tuned version of Mercedes-AMG’s M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, now pushing a brutal 800 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to upgraded Brabus turbochargers boosting up to 1.6 bar, the XL 800 surges from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, despite its massive size and weight.

Top speed? Electronically limited to 130 mph, thanks to those chunky all-terrain tires. But really, this is about the experience — that deep, thunderous exhaust note, the relentless pull of the V8, and the sheer presence of a vehicle that makes no compromises.

Fuel economy? Not exactly its strong suit, with a claimed 11.7 mpg. But let’s be real — if efficiency is your priority, you’re probably not shopping for an 800-horsepower G-Class with portal axles and carbon fiber everything.

The Price of Ultimate Excess

Brabus hasn’t disclosed the exact curb weight of the XL 800, but given the hardware upgrades and performance figures, expect it to be a heavyweight in every sense. Pricing starts at a jaw-dropping €630,767 (excluding VAT) — that’s around £650,000 once you factor in taxes and options.

Still, for those looking to own the ultimate off-road luxury SUV, this isn’t just a vehicle — it’s a statement. And if you crave portal axle capability without quite as much carbon and couture, there are more modest options. But let’s face it: nothing quite matches the sheer madness of the Brabus XL 800.