There was absolutely no doubt in the mind of Professor Bodo Buschmann, President of Mercedes customization specialist BRABUS, “Even in the face of the extreme rework that characterizes the vehicles at SEMA, we were going to stick firmly to our principles and go for a more practicable solution. Our GLKWidestar grabs attention with its stunning appearance, while at the same time, offering a high degree of everyday usability in all conditions.” And thus, it is fair to say that, among the four tuning competitors, the GLKWidestar represents the “European” solution. The SUV was conceived by development engineers on the basis of automotive pragmatism that stands by classic Mercedes-Benz characteristics. The Widestar is an interpretation of the GLKas an on-road machine with corner-hugging agility that also pays tribute to the high levels of refinement associated with Mercedes vehicles.

That doesn’t mean that the BRABUS GLK is merely a “good boy” among the SEMA stars. Far from it - one look is all it takes to capture the muscular stance of the Widestar bodyshell, which has been broadened by 50mm, incorporating beautifully integrated flared wheel arches that carry through to the front of the vehicle with distinctive air intake fins. Customised front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, side skirts, a roof spoiler with LED lights (position lights) and all-new LED lighting units above the front windshield complete the reworked bodyshell. A custom paint process adds an unparalleled depth of lustre to the black paint finish. “It was an interesting challenge,” comments Ulrich Gauffrés, Head of Research and Development at BRABUS, “to bring even more fascination to the already distinctive GLK. Our Widestar underscores the characteristic edge of the original GLK-Class design.”

The flared wheel arches are home to 21 inch wheels clad in 295/30 ZR 21 rubber. Together with the BRABUS chassis kit that lowers ride height by 30 mm, and a high-performance brake system, the Widestar demonstrates the true on-road potential of the GLK-Class. The necessary propulsion is provided courtesy of a reworked V6 diesel engine based on the 320 BlueTEC unit with ground-breaking AdBlue technology from other models currently available in the USA. Thanks to the ECOPowerXtra tuning kit, the Widestar engine generates 190 kW/258 hp and delivers 610 Nm of torque. All of this comes together to provide outstanding performance figures. The dash from 0-100 km/h is over in 6.9 seconds and the Widestar powers on to reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Despite the increase in performance, the Widestar remains well within the most stringent emissions standards set in Europe (EU5) and the U.S.(BIN 5 / ULEV). At an average of 8.4 litres per 100 km (NEDC), fuel consumption is also extremely modest*.

The completely reworked interior of the BRABUS GLK Widestar celebrates the very highest levels of automotive interior design. Artisans at the BRABUS workshop have clad the cabin with a total of 50 square metres of soft, semi-aniline leather. The luxurious all-leather trim also includes diagonal stitching on the seating, door panels and the entire vehicle floor - all in cognac. To avoid glare in the windshield and side windows, the upper surfaces of the dashboard and door panels are finished in black leather. The alcantara upholstery of the roof lining is also finished in black, with piano black wood trim, a sports steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals completing the overall impact of the interior. Should rear seat passengers require additional entertainment, the multimedia system mounted in the front seat backs provides relief with a DVD player and 7-inch monitors.

Interior, bodyshell and technology come together in the BRABUS GLKWidestar to create a refined overall image that is as impressive on the show stand in Las Vegasas it is in everyday operation. Bodo Buschmann is certain of this, “Our BRABUS GLKWidestar may be a show car created specifically for SEMAin Las Vegas, but our technical solution meets legislative requirements in both Europeand the U.S.With sufficient interest from the public, the Widestar can become a reality.”

*preliminary values

At 211 mph, the Brabus GLK V12 can't outrun ugly

It ain't pretty, but it's fast. Actually, with a claimed 211 mph top speed, the Brabus Bi-Turbo V12 GLK is the fastest SUV in the world. Which is kinda like being the winner in a Twinkie-eating competition: It's an epic feat of embarrassing proportions.

To pull it off, the Brabus crew stuck with its tried and true formula of shoving entirely too much engine into a small package. Underneath the vented hood lies a Mercedes-sourced V12 that's been stroked from 5.5- to 6.3-liters. From there, the Bottrop boys fit a duo of turbos, two intercoolers, a couple high-flow cats and a stainless steel exhaust. The effect is typical Brabus: A staggering 740 horsepower and 995 pound-feet of torque, which is actually limited to 811 lb-ft (at 2,100 rpm) to avoid the gearbox, diff and rear tires from vaporizing in an oily, metallic haze. And naturally, the absurdity doesn't stop with the engine.

Twelve-piston front calipers clamp onto 15-inch discs, with six-piston calipers and 14.2-inch rotors in the rear, while a height adjustable coilover suspension with ten settings for bound and rebound join 22-inch wheels wrapped in a choice of Pirelli or Yokohama rubber. The exterior and interior have been restyled to match, and while Merc's diminutive 'ute isn't exactly a beauty queen to begin with, Brabus' blocky aftermarket brutalization lends itself well to the GLK's squat proportions.

But aesthetics aside, there's a bigger problem. Actually, there are 397,000 of 'em. That's how many euros you'll need for the GLK V12. For that kind of scratch ($580,000 using a straight conversion), there's a host of high-power exotica available. And when you consider the GLK's sprinting stats -- 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and 124 mph in 12.8 ticks -- the far less expensive BMW X5 M is easily on par and was actually designed from the onset to be an offensively quick grocery-getter. Then again, the M can't break the double-century mark at Nardo... something to consider during your trip to Costco. Press release below the fold.