The highest technical standards were also paramount for Brabus Automotive when it came to developing the new armoured vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Right from the very start, the overall ballistic concept was designed for a maximum protective effect corresponding to the level of OEM factory armour plating. Unlike with other retroactively armour plated vehicles, the components of the protection system were not individually welded into the vehicle’s bodywork structure; rather, the engineers at Brabus Automotive developed a self-contained, self-supporting, bolted structural cell, the so-called INVICTO Shelter Cell. It is inserted into the body shell in a disassembled state and then constructed. One of the structural features of the shelter cell is the zero-joints design which means that there is absolutely no entry narrowing – similar to a vehicle armour plated in an OEM factory. The armour components are mounted to the shelter cell without any gaps. Unavoidable weld seams, on the doors for example, are achieved with material overlapping and so-called labyrinths. The design of the upper windscreen frame is also innovative.

It was only once the individual elements of the shelter cell proved their protective effect that the entire cell was tested in the vehicle. Every single material pairing and screw connection was tested by being shot at from several angles and at projectile speeds which are well beyond the standard speed of the calibre being protected against.

The maximum performance kit for the G500 is the BRABUS PowerXtra B40S-550. Each kit consists of two BRABUS special turbochargers with larger compressor unit and modified core assemblies with reinforced axial bearings. The performance increase is completed with the BRABUS PowerXtra control module for the engine control unit. In addition to a bump in peak torque from 610 Nm to 800 Nm, the rated output jumps by 115 kW/156 hp from 310 kW/422 hp to 404 kW/550 hp. The plug-and-play control unit is adapted to the production electronics.

The INVICTO top-speed is limited to 210 km/h in general.

The added weight of the overall vehicle due to the armour plating is comparatively low at around 1,000 kilograms, but the load-bearing capacity of the chassis must be modified to meet the high requirements of Brabus Automotive when it comes to driving dynamics and life span. The necessary adjustments cover the entire front and rear axle construction of the vehicle. The entire wheel suspension, for example, has been replaced by own new development, while frame reinforcements around the longitudinal beams and the spring dome increase the strength of the original vehicle structure. The obligatory verification of the new construction included simulations using the finite element method (FEM), component analyses, stationary endurance runs and road tests. Thanks to this process established by Brabus Automotive, the extreme lifespan requirement can be ensured in accordance with OEM requirements, even with materials under the greatest of loads.

To ensure a high degree of driving dynamics, Brabus Automotive equips the chassis with reinforced springs, stabilisers and shock absorbers. The shock absorbers of the active chassis now have a pipe diameter of 60 instead of the previous 50 mm. A modified braking system with 402-mm brake discs and six-piston brake callipers at the front and 380-mm brake discs and four-piston callipers at the back ensure adequate deceleration, even with the maximum additional load. Wheels with increased load-bearing capacity and a special run-flat system developed by Brabus Automotive round off the chassis adjustments of the vehicle.

The INVICTO PURE remains standard, luxurious and therefore inconspicuous.

For an individual configuration of their INVICTO customers can select various options from the accessory program, for example a lightning and signal systems, auxiliary roof lights, a fire extinguishing system, an IR package including a night vision device or a fresh air system with ABC filter , just to mention a few.