Days after introducing the new Brabus Rocket 900 for the AMG S 65 Cabriolet, Brabus is getting into the tuning spirit with yet another aftermarket program, this time for the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. This new kit doesn’t exactly approach the insane levels of the Rocket 900, but make no mistake, with 691 horsepower on tap, don’t think that this AMG E 63 S can’t leave other cars in the dust.

Even better, the German tuner’s program is available for all variants of the AMG E 63. That means that owners of sedan and wagon variants of the AMG E 63 can avail of the Brabus 700 kit, and should they do so, they stand to receive more than just a plug-and-play auxiliary control unit. The whole program also features an aerodynamic kit, a new set of wheels, and enough personalization options for the interior that helps bring out a unique identity to each and every customer who gets the kit. It is fitting that Brabus is presenting the 700 program for the AMG E 63 S at the Frankfurt Motor Show, considered as one of the biggest auto shows in the world. A lot of eyes will be on the tuner to showcase its latest wares. Hardly a surprise then that Brabus is bringing its A-game to the event.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Brabus 700.

Exterior

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is one of those cars that don’t really need exterior upgrades. It already looks like a million bucks on its own, seamlessly blending sportiness and luxury into one visually pleasing car. But just because it doesn’t need one, that doesn’t mean tuners should stop making one.

Brabus has never been one to limit itself, so as you might expect, the 700 program for the AMG E 63 S comes with an aerodynamic kit made up of carbon fiber components that include a front spoiler lip, a front bumper with larger air intakes, a rear spoiler, and a diffuser. It’s not much in terms of quantity, but you have to appreciate for Brabus for resisting the urge to turn the kit into a gimmick as all the elements included in the aero kit have their visual and aerodynamic purpose. The other notable piece – or pieces, in this case – is the set of 21-inch forged wheels that the tuner is offering in a variety of designs, the most exclusive of which is the Monoblock “PLATINUM EDITION” forged wheels. No matter the wheel design, customers also stand to receive tires from a variety of manufacturers, including Continental, Pirelli, and Yokohama.

Other tuners have worked on the AMG E 63

Note: photos of the Mercedes-AMG E 63 by Posaidon and the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S RZE-640 by Revozport

It goes to show how tuner-friendly the AMG E 63 is when it has aftermarket companies lining up and creating kits of their own. Just last month, fellow German tuner Posaidon presented a program for the previous version of the AMG E 63. Included in the program is an aero kit that’s made up of a front bumper, mirror caps, rear spoiler, diffuser, tailpipe trims, and a new hood with inlets that help get more air into the engine.

Revozport is another tuner that has a program for the AMG E 63 in its inventory. Like Brabus and Posaidon, the tuner’s aero kit offering is made up of carbon fiber parts that offer benefits to the car’s looks and handling. A front splitter, side skirts, trunk spoiler, and a rear diffuser are featured in the tuner’s kit.

Interior

In line with its reputation as one of the best Mercedes tuners in the business, Brabus’ interior upgrades for the AMG E 63 S covers a lot of ground. In fact, customers literally have a menu of options at their disposal, be it fine leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, and just about an endless range of color options. Even better, Brabus designers are also capable of accepting customer requests, particularly from those who prefer to inject their own personalities into their cars.

As far as the Frankfurt-bound showpiece is concerned, Brabus chose a two-tone all-leather interior dressed in red and black to complement the all-black look of the sedan’s exterior. The quilting on the black seat surfaces, in particular, are eye-catching in a way that even the smallest of details play significant roles in establishing the look and feel of the cabin. Special attention goes to the layer of red leather incorporated under the back leather that customers can only see through the perforation of the seat surfaces. This kind of treatment may not be for everyone, but as an example, it shows how extensive the upgrades can be provided that customers are willing to get creative, and pay for what they want to get.

Beyond the premium materials, Brabus’ interior upgrades for the AMG E 63 S also includes carbon inlays with a high-gloss protective coating, stainless scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo, and ergonomically designed aluminum paddle shifters, door-lock pins, and aluminum pedals.

Mercedes’ Performance Studio is a good alternative

Note: interior photo of the Mercedes-AMG E63 with AMG Performance Studio.

Suppose you’re not feeling Brabus’ interior upgrade offerings for the AMG E 63 S, there is a way to get the customization needs you seek without taking the aftermarket route. This is where the AMG Performance Studio shines. Quite literally, it has every premium option you can think of, be it exclusive colors, fine leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, or even the occasional wood trim. All a customer needs to maximize the AMG Performance Studio is a vivid imagination.

Drivetrain

No matter what anyone says about the aftermarket tuning scene, there’s no denying that a big reason why this industry is thriving is the need among customers to get more out of their cars beyond what automakers are offering. At the heart of that need are engine modifications, something that Brabus is no stranger in.

This sits at the heart of the 700 program for the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S and Brabus PowerXtra B40-700 tuning module doesn’t disappoint. Its main feature is a plug-and-play tuning kit that provides meaningful upgrades to the electronic engine control unit. Improvements were also made on the injection and ignition of the sedan’s 4.0-liter bi-turbo V-8 engine, and as a result of all of that, Brabus was able to increase the V-8’s output from the standard output of 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque to an impressive 691 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque. All that power is sent to all four wheels courtesy of a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ own 4Matic system. All together, the final figures are made more impressive by the fact that the AMG E 63 S is going to be capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph.

What do other tuners have to offer?

It’s great for customers that there are a number of tuning options on the table for the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. If Brabus’ program doesn’t cut the mustard, tuners like Revozport, Performmaster, and Posaidon all have alternatives to choose from. Revozport, in particular, has a program for the AMG E 63 S that involves software upgrades that help bring out 640 horsepower and around 600 pound-feet of torque out of the sedan’s V-8 engine. Posaidon, on the other hand, can go different ways with its programs for the AMG E 63 S. The most prominent of these offerings is the RS850+ kit that sees the output of the V-8 reach ungodly levels, specifically 1,090 horsepower and 966 pound-feet of torque.

If customers prefer power upgrades that are similar to that of what Brabus is offering, the easiest way to get them is to look into what Performmaster is offering. It’s also n upgrade that centers on software tuning, but the result – 705 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque – speaks for itself.

Check out the table below to see how Brabus’ 700 program for the AMG E 63 S compares against other tuners.

Pricing

Just like the Rocket 900 program, Brabus is offering its 700 kit for the AMG E 63 S in two configurations. The first is ordering it from the tuner as a completed car and the second is doing it after-the-fact of purchasing the AMG E 63 S. In order to do the latter, customers will have to ship their AMG E 63 S units to the tuner’s shop in Germany.

Competition

Mercedes-AMG E 63 “Seven-11” by Wheelsandmore

This particular program from Wheelsandmore for the Mercedes-AMG E 63 was released in 2015 and in the two years since, it still holds up as one of the fiercest kits produced for the performance sedan. The highlight of that kit is a similar software upgrade for the E 63’s V-8 engine that approaches the output generated by Brabus. With the software tune in place, Wheelsandmore can squeeze out 700 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque, enough to accelerate the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds to go with a top speed of 190 mph.

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG E 63 “Seven-11” by Wheelsandmore

Conclusion

Once more, this kit isn’t so much about what it offers as it is about the name that’s offering it. The numbers themselves don’t scream for attention because other tuners can do the same. Some can even more potent power increases. But this is a Brabus kit and the reputation attached to the name is peerless. If a customer is getting this program, he’s going to to do so comfortably, knowing that the German tuner is one of the best and more importantly, most trusted tuners in the business.

References

Mercedes-AMG E63 S

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S.