Meet the Brabus Rocket GTS: A Reinvented Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance

Mercedes-Benz and its AMG sub-brand are renowned for producing high-performance luxury cars, but Brabus – the iconic German tuning house – has once again elevated this performance game. This time, Brabus has reimagined the already ferocious Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance, transforming it into the Brabus Rocket GTS: a hybrid-powered shooting brake (wagon) with explosive power and an audacious design. With a hefty price tag of €945,762.50 (A$1,553,604.06) plus taxes, this limited-edition model pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive engineering and aesthetics.

From Roadster to Shooting Brake: A Bold Transformation

The Brabus Rocket GTS retains some of the familiar design cues of the AMG SL Roadster but stands apart with its dramatic new shooting brake body style. Unlike the AMG SL's folding roof, the Rocket GTS sports a fixed roof with a bold, sloping design that plunges sharply toward the rear, giving it a unique silhouette that combines elegance with aggression. Brabus has constructed the entire exterior shell from exposed carbon fiber, making it lighter and more aerodynamic, while aggressive details like sharp creases over the rear wheels, a small lip spoiler, and a large rear diffuser enhance its sinister appeal.

Upgraded Powertrain: A Beastly Hybrid Setup

The standard Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance boasts a hybrid powertrain with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 450kW and 850Nm, paired with a 150kW rear-mounted electric motor for a total output of 600kW and 1420Nm. Brabus, however, replaced the AMG engine with their Rocket 1000 – a monstrous 4.5-liter bi-turbo V8 that delivers an impressive 585kW and 1250Nm of torque. Combined with the electric motor, the hybrid powertrain now puts out a staggering 735kW and 1820Nm. Brabus electronically limits torque to 1620Nm to preserve the car’s powertrain, which includes a nine-speed transmission with automatic and paddle-shifted manual modes.

This unprecedented setup enables jaw-dropping performance, with a 0-100km/h time of just 2.7 seconds, a 0-200km/h time of 9.5 seconds, and a 0-300km/h sprint in 23.6 seconds. The Rocket GTS achieves a top speed of 317km/h, solidifying its place among the world’s most powerful and fastest hybrids.

Aerodynamic Mastery and Striking Exterior Features

The Brabus Rocket GTS is packed with aerodynamic features that are both functional and eye-catching. The front bumper is fitted with squared-off vents and a new splitter designed to reduce lift at high speeds, while large cut-outs in the fenders enhance brake cooling. The new design extends the vehicle’s width to 1985mm – 70mm wider than the original AMG SL, adding stability at high speeds. Further distinguishing the Rocket GTS are the five-spoke alloy wheels, which sport a center-lock design and measure 21 inches in the front and 22 inches at the rear, reinforcing its powerful stance.

An Interior of Luxury and Technology

Brabus hasn’t overlooked the interior, refining it with a mix of premium materials and technology. Carbon fiber decorates the cabin, complemented by ambient blue lighting and plush quilted leather on the seats and armrests. Every inch of the interior reflects Brabus’ meticulous attention to detail, providing a luxurious experience to match the car’s outrageous performance.

Brabus’ Legacy of Pushing Limits

Brabus has built its reputation on taking performance cars to the next level, especially with Mercedes-Benz models. From the powerful Brabus G-Class SUVs to the high-end Maybach models and even Smart EVs, Brabus has consistently pushed the envelope. The Brabus Rocket GTS, with its eye-popping design and extreme powertrain, continues this legacy and offers a glimpse into the future of ultra-high-performance hybrids.