Owned by Bodo Buschmann, Brabus has since become the largest Mercedes tuner, other than Mercedes-AMG which became a DaimlerChrysler affiliate in the 1990s. Its competitors include Lorinser, Carlsson, Kleemann, and Renntech.
Brabus's primary focus is to achieve maximum engine performance through the increase of both horsepower and torque. Customers can either buy cars straight from Brabus or send in their Mercedes to be customized and/or overhauled. If a customer orders a car from Brabus, Brabus buys the particular car from Mercedes and then modifies it in-house according to the customer's requests. Brabus is known for providing very expensive tuning and custom solutions, making an "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it" scenario.
Brabus offers cosmetic changes such as low profile spoilers, bodykits, carbon fiber splitters, and multi-piece alloy wheels. More serious upgrades include racing LSDs, open racing exhaust systems, twelve-piston disc brakes, and engine remapping. However, most customers pay for complete engine overhauls for which Brabus has become famous. The company typically orders crate engines from AMG and completely redesigns them.
Brabus engines range from small 200 horsepower (150 kW) K4 blocks for SLK roadsters and CLK-Class to 730 horsepower (540 kW) twin-turbo blocks for the CL-Class, CLS-Class, G-Class and S-Class. The company also provides improvements to the interior from custom upholstery, gauges, shiftknobs, pedals, and trim to various electronics such as wider LCD screens for the Maybach.
