Brabus Unleashes 986-HP Beast Mercedes at Monterey
“The German tuner has also brought along a Rolls-Royce Cullinan that’s sure to turn heads and spark envy.”
Monterey Car Week features a range of automotive events, with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as its crown jewel. Beyond the prestigious car shows, the week brings together automakers and tuners to showcase their latest creations. Among them, Brabus is presenting a pair of its expertly tuned vehicles.
While Brabus is best known for tuning Mercedes-Benz models, the legendary German firm doesn’t stop there. At this year’s Monterey Car Week, they’re showcasing a strikingly pristine Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II alongside a bold Mercedes SL that demands attention. Let’s take a closer look at both—if you’re brave enough.
The Brabus Rocket GTC in Deep Red
Sports car enthusiasts can feast their eyes on Brabus mind-boggling Rocket GTC, finished in a striking Deep Red. Built on the current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, this beast upgrades the 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with a rear-axle-mounted electric motor, producing a jaw-dropping 986 horsepower and 1,342 lb-ft of torque. That’s right—nearly 1,000 horses packed into an SL-sized package. Performance figures are equally insane: 0–62 mph in just 2.6 seconds and 0–186 mph in 9.5 seconds. Interestingly, the top speed nudges only slightly higher, maxing out at 197 mph.
To manage all that extra power, Brabus has outfitted this SL-Class with a suite of performance upgrades. Staggered 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels sport a five-spoke design accented with red aerodynamic rings, helping slice through the air. Carbon-fiber trim enhances aerodynamics at both axles, and the weave is especially striking against the vibrant Deep Red paint around the flared wheel arches. The result is a look that’s as bold as the car’s performance.
Inside, the Rocket GTC gets the full Brabus treatment. Rich red leather, echoing the exterior, covers the seats, door panels, and footwell trim in a sophisticated quilted pattern. Subtle touches elevate the interior further: the pedal pads, steering wheel accents, and entry panels all feature an illuminated Brabus logo, blending luxury with unmistakable performance flair.
Brabus pricing isn’t always disclosed, but this Rocket GTC reportedly comes in at around $812,270—about four times the cost of a standard 2025 SL 63 S E Performance. Then again, you won’t find any other SL quite like this one.
The Brabus 700 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II
From extreme to refined—at least visually—the Brabus Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II makes a striking statement at Monterey Car Week. This SUV features an exposed-structure carbon-fiber widebody and sits on 24-inch wheels, which suit the Cullinan’s imposing size perfectly. Under the hood, Brabus tunes the twin-turbo V12 to deliver 691 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque, propelling the hefty SUV from 0–62 mph in 5.0 seconds and topping out at 155 mph.
Inside, the Cullinan goes bold. Brabus dresses the cabin in a striking green called Verdant Shadow, which pops against the otherwise neutral exterior. Much like the Brabus Mercedes, the seats, center console, and door panels feature generous quilting, while black accents and exposed carbon-fiber trim provide a sleek contrast throughout the interior.
It’s definitely a statement, and it comes at a premium. The Brabus 700 Cullinan starts at around $895,274—nearly double the price of a standard Cullinan. Both the Rolls-Royce and the Brabus Rocket GTC are currently on display in California for Monterey Car Week.
