G 63 AMG Brabus 700, armoured INKAS

The 2025 G 63 is a W465, the G redesigned in 2024: ladder frame, rigid rear axle, permanent 4MATIC with three direct-acting differential locks, 2.93 low range and 48 V network. The G 63 tops the combustion engine range of the model.

The AMG M177 4.0 biturbo V8, hand-assembled, originally delivers 430 kW (585 hp) and 850 Nm, with the AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed gearbox; in unarmoured specification, the car weighs 2,565 kg unladen and does 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 s. The Brabus PowerXtra B40-700 module raises the total to 515 kW (700 hp) and 950 Nm: a processor-controlled unit, plug and play connected to the original ECU, with no removal of turbos or exhaust, installed in Bottrop. Brabus claims 4.3 s on an unarmoured base.

The INKAS armouring meets CEN 1063 BR6 level: three impacts of 7.62 x 51 NATO with lead core, 9.5 g at 830 m/s. 360-degree perimeter protection with large ballistic steel plates, doors, pillars, firewall, roof and floor, the latter withstanding the simultaneous detonation of two DM51 grenades. Also included are overlapping coverage of openings, multi-layer glazing with original curvature, laser-cut steel fuel tank, battery and ECUs in an armoured box, and wheel inserts for 50 km at 50 km/h with a flat tyre. On an armoured body, the extra 100 Nm aids acceleration.

The Brabus PowerXtra B40-700 module increases the V8 from 585 to 700 hp and from 850 to 950 Nm, with associated Brabus trim: the above values are those of the standard G 63.

INKAS armouring, 360-degree ballistic protection to CEN 1063 BR6 level: the weight, 0 to 100 km/h time and top speed shown are those of the standard model and do not take the armouring into account.

Two aspects to address, not one. Power first: it appears in section P.2 of the carte grise (French registration certificate). Article R321-16 of the French Highway Code requires major modifications to undergo a new inspection, in practice an individual approval with the DREAL (French regional environmental authority), and article R322-8 requires a declaration within a month. Brabus states that TÜV approval and registration on the certificate may be required depending on the country, and the insurer must be informed of the recorded power.

Then weight. The category B licence covers up to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight; above that, article R221-4 refers to the C1 licence: section F.2 should be checked before signing. The combination is the real technical issue, 100 Nm more on several hundred added kilos: brake specification and tyre load index must match the actual mass, and the multi-layer glazing makes the window regulators wear parts.