The new Brabus 850 is a modified V12 Maybach with 838bhp

“This rolling symphony of avant-garde is its very own class of excellence, where unbound sophistication and confident strength come together in a breathtaking statement of individuality,” says, erm, Brabus.

Is this really the Brabus we know? Sure, we can see the new Brabus 850 is its take on the uber-posh Mercedes-Maybach, but where’s all the chat about angry styling and gearbox-shredding torque?

“In the front, the limousine’s distinct face is made even more striking courtesy of a multi-piece carbon fibre concept.” Ah, here we go.

Oh, and because this thing is based on the Maybach S680, it also means that Brabus has finally been able to play with a V12 Merc again. We still miss the days of the Bottrop-based tuner sticking 12-cylinder engines in every Mercedes product, but this will do for now.

There’s been some proper engine tuning too. The standard 6.0-litre V12 has been embiggened to 6.3-litres, and there are forged pistons plus two new turbochargers to create 838bhp and 1,033lb ft of torque. That’s more like it. 

Despite all that power, the 850 does still take 4.1 seconds to hit 62mph and top speed is limited to 155mph. Whereas the standard car is all about waftiness and refinement though, the Brabus gets a stainless steel exhaust that’s probably as shouty as the stick-on carbon fibre bits. 

There are massive new 22-inch forged wheels too, while inside we’re told that this is a ‘Brabus Masterpiece’ interior, complete with much leather and carbon fibre. Did the standard Maybach really need a retrim?

Oh, and then there’s the price. The standard V12-engined Maybach S680 starts at just north of £200,000. The Brabus 850 is £406,000. Ouch. Still, worth it for over 1,000lb ft of torque.