Brabus Just Dropped A 986-HP Monster Mercedes In Monterey

We often see Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but the infamous German-based company modifies other models, too. This year at Monterey, we're treated to a surprisingly clean Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, and a not-at-all surprising Mercedes SL that dares people not to look at it. Let's take a closer look at them both, if you dare.

The Brabus Rocket GTC Deep Red
Sports car fans can check out Brabus' ultra-high-horsepower Rocket GTC with a Deep Red body. The conversion starts with the current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class but upgrades the 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor to make a grand total of 986 horsepower and 1,342 pound-feet of torque. That's no typo – almost 1,000 horsepower in something the size of an SL sounds absolutely mad. That's reflected in the performance stats, reaching 62 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds and 186 mph in just 9.5 seconds. Weirdly, the top speed is only a few mph more, 197 to be exact.

To handle the additional power, Brabus fits a variety of other upgrades to this SL-Class. It now rides on staggered 21- and 22-inch wheels at the front and rear, respectively. The five-spoke design features red aerodynamic rings to help the wheels cut through the air. Additional pieces of carbon-fiber trim refine the aerodynamics at both axles. There's no missing the carbon weave through the vibrant red, especially around the flared wheel arches. It's certainly a bold look.

Brabus Rocket GTC Deep Red Interior Brabus
Inside, Brabus upholsters this Rocket GTC in a manner you'd expect from Brabus. Swaths of red leather matching the exterior are everywhere. The seating surfaces, door panels, and footwell trim have a quilted pattern. Meanwhile, the pedal pads, steering wheel trim, and entry panels have an illuminated Brabus logo.

We don't always have pricing for Brabus builds, but this time around we're told it's the equivalent of $812,270. That's roughly four times the cost of a standard 2025 SL 63 S E Performance. But then again, you won't find any SL that looks quite like this.

The Brabus 700 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
From wild to mild – at least on the outside – is the Brabus Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II. Showing it to the wealthy folks who descend on Monterey during Car Week, the SUV features an exposed-structure carbon-fiber widebody exterior and rides on 24-inch wheels. Given the Cullinan's size, the changes actually look appropriate in this context. And to help push the chunky SUV through the air, Brabus tunes the twin-turbocharged V12 to produce 691 hp and 701 pound-feet of torque. It's enough to reach 62 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.

Brabus 700 Rolls-Royce Cullinan InteriorBrabus
Inside is where things get a bit crazy. Contrasting with the neutral exterior color is a standout shade of green that Brabus calls Verdant Shadow. Like the Mercedes, you'll find abundant quilting on the seats, console, and door panels. The green contrasts with black and exposed carbon fiber trim throughout the cabin.

It's... certainly a look, and you'll need to spend a lot of green to get it. The new Brabus 700 Cullinan starts at the equivalent of $895,274, roughly double the stock Cullinan's base price. Both vehicles are currently on display in California for Monterey Car Week.