A couple of teaser images had surfaced for the Brabus 2011 Mercedes CLS and everybody suggested this is the new Rocket. Well, it is not! Turns out they’ve only tweaked the diesel engines so far.
But it’s just the beginning, maybe later in the year we also get a new CLS Rocket. As for this package, it includes a nice and classy body kit and performance upgrades for the CLS 250 CDI and CLS 350 CDI diesel models.
Brabus has prepd a discrete aero kit for the new CLS and yet managed to add its own signature in a way that is quite noticeable. You look at the new front spoiler, LED daytime running lights, those magnificent side vents, new side skirts that have logos on them, and a boot lid wing, and you immediately recognize the car as a Brabus. That’s even before you get to the BRABUS Monoblock wheels in sizes ranging from 8.5Jx17 to 10.5Jx20 and six different designs.
Brabus has also developed new suspension system for this car in cooperation with Bilstein. It drops the car by 30mm, but you can also go for the AIRMATIC air suspension system. They’ve tinkered with that too and lowered it by 35mm.
As for the engines, the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model equipped with BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D4 performance kit delivers an additional 31 hp (31 bhp) / 22.8 kW and produces a peak torque of 560 Nm (413 lb-ft). Then there’s the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY which in ‘Eco’ mode only peak torque is increased from 620 Nm to 690 Nm.
Same engine in the Sport mode will delivers 313 hp (309 bhp) / 230 kW at a low 3,600 rpm. That means it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport exhaust systems are available for all CLS engine variants. The precision-calibrated exhaust systems optimize power yield and produce a throaty exhaust note.
Inside the cabin you get ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel, BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara, scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo or the speedometer with 340-km/h dial (213 mph), plus aluminum components such as pedal pads, door-lock pins and shifter, and high-quality clear-coated carbon-fiber inlays for dashboard and center console. If you are old school you can go for wood trims. A Brabus multimedia package finishes off the tuning program.
You can see the car in person at the Geneva Motor Show.