Brabus gets in tune with the C-Class

The German tuning and bespoke customization firm has been busy overhauling the latest Mercedes-Benz compact executive sedan and the results are impressive.

Brabus has developed a package of improvements for the standard car that it is calling 'a refinement program that leaves nothing to be desired.' It means that customers who want something a little more exclusive, potent and personal can either select specific elements or take every option to create something special.

Tick every box and the car gets an enhanced yet not overly aggressive aerodynamics package which includes specially designed front and rear spoilers to stop the car from lifting and getting 'loose' at higher speeds, plus bigger, more aggressive air intakes for keeping the turbo spinning and the brakes cool.

The look is finished with bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels and of course the replacement of the Mercedes Benz three-pointed star with the Brabus 'B' badge on the front grille.

There are hundreds of aftermarket tuning and customization companies around the world that can potentially deliver anything a customer desires if he or she can afford it. And while it's relatively easy to make an engine more powerful or boost its acceleration, what separates companies like Brabus, Alpina and Overfinch from many of the rest is that they can make all of these enhancements without impacting on usability, reliability or safety.

Brabus has been tuning Mercedes (with Mercedes-Benz's complete blessing) for over 35 years and this unparalleled expertise shows. For the latest C-Class Brabus has managed to get an extra 41bhp and 30Nm of torque out of the standard two-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.

This means a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 242km/h. But this extra performance only comes online when the car can handle it -- when oil, engine and water temperature are in the green. This means that the tweaked engine will have the same reliability and longevity as that of the standard model and that it meets all current EU emissions legislation.

The company has managed similar gains with the entry-level diesel engine too finding an extra 48bhp and cutting acceleration from 0-100km/h to just 7.1 seconds.

Inside, the cabin is awash with handcrafted leather and alcantara, and other options include aluminum drilled pedals and Brabus door sill covers.

The refinement program for the petrol-powered C-Class is available to order now and will extend to diesel variants before the end of the year.