Six things you need to know: Brabus’s 838bhp Mercedes-Benz GLS

As expected, the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 from the ‘regular’ GLS 63 has had a light tinkering for this new, Brabus ‘850 XL’. It was bored out to 6.0-litres, fitted with bigger forged pistons and rods, a new crank, and optimised cylinder heads.

There’s also a new carbon intake, two new air filter boxes with a larger cross section, and carbon air ducts.

Oh, and the small matter of special Brabus turbos with larger compressors, new intake and charge tubing and gold heat reflection sheathing.

If the only currency you deal in is 'outright terror', then welcome, friend. This Brabus GLS gets a whopping 261bhp more than the standard GLS 63. You’re looking at the thick, scary end of 838bhp, in a monster seven-seat SUV that weighs over two and a half tonnes.

Not scared enough? Fine. How does 1,069lb ft of torque available between 2,500rpm and 4,500rpm sound?

Brabus quotes 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds. Allow that to swirl around your senses for a moment. The top speed has had to be capped electronically to just 186mph, in the interests of tyre limitations. And for that, we are quite thankful.

Though if you don’t quite like the flavour of this window, Brabus offers up a more respectable 622bhp and 690bhp conversion.

There is a new front lip spoiler, optimised in the wind tunnel and said to offer less lift on the front axle at high speeds. Less lift on the front axle at high speeds, if you are unaware, is a very good thing.

Further, there are new air deflectors, a new rear carbon diffuser, twin exhausts, and monster alloys ranging from 21in to 23in. They are forged, lightweight and, as we mentioned, monster.

Brabus has employed a special control module for the Airmatic system on the Benz, “to optimise the driving dynamics further”, while lowering the ride height by 1.2in.

As with anything of this ilk, you can tailor the insides of the MonsterBrabus to your heart’s content. This particular car comes with leather, braided leather highlights, and chequered flag carbon elements. You can select wood or carbon inlays, aluminium if you so wish.

Each of these Brabus GLS models is built to order. Though any GLS 63 can be embiggened in the Brabus rebigulator. No word on a price, but if you have to ask etc etc...

Feeling a little dizzy? Click here for our review of the regular, humdrum, run-of-the-mill Mercedes-Benz GLS 63 AMG. With a paltry 585bhp.