Mercedes-Benz G 500 Brabus Costs The Same As A Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Mercedes has done an excellent job with the second-generation G-Wagen. The model retains its iconic shape, thus making it instantly recognizable while bringing new front and rear ends. Mind you, that’s not where the novelties end, as it was built new from the ground up.
 

It has also been sprinkled with the brand’s latest technology gear, comes with a plethora of safety systems, and doesn’t cut back on the premium amenities. It is still a ladder-frame truck, meaning that it can venture farther into the unknown than other similarly sized machines, yet it would need a few aftermarket amenities for that – or none, should you opt for the Mercedes-AMG G 63 4×4².
 
This model comes with an off-road-focused nature and makes the regular G 63 look like a toy. It comes with increased ground clearance, improved wading depth, a 45-degree approach angle, and portal axles. It also features a few other upgrades inside and out and retains the bi-turbo 4.0L V8 of the standard AMG, making an identical 577 hp (585 ps/430 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.
 
Since it is significantly heavier and comes with massive wheels, the G 63 4×4² is also slower, yet Mercedes-AMG couldn’t be bothered with releasing the performance. The G 63 takes 4.5 seconds to 60 mph (97 kph) and has a 137 mph (220 kph) maximum speed.
 

Mind you, the normal G-Class, marketed as the Mercedes-Benz G 550 in North America and the G 500 overseas, won’t make a fool of itself either. It can sprint to sixty miles per hour in a very respectable 5.6 seconds, and it, too, packs a bi-turbo V8, albeit one that’s rated at 416 hp (422 ps/310 kW) and 450 pound-feet (610 Nm) of torque.
 
You probably think the one pictured above is far more punchy and, therefore, exciting, right? After all, it has Brabus’ signature all over it, and we all know that the renowned tuner tends to bring out the beast within multiple Mercedes models and not only. But you’d be wrong to believe that, as the aftermarket specialist chose to ignore the engine, which is said to return the equivalent of 12.9 US mpg (18.3 l/100 km) combined and emit 428 g/km of CO2 on average.
 
Instead, they gave it a new grille insert, different exterior logos, and 20-inch heavy-duty wheels that were wrapped in run-flat tires. The chassis was retuned, and it packs high-performance brakes, as well. These mods were necessary to help it cope with the extra weight, as it’s been armored. This G 550 comes with steel plates all around, bulletproof windows, and a few other bits and bobs.
 
It is a VR6 proposal, which means it can withstand rounds fired from automatic rifles, including the famous AK-47, as well as armor-piercing rounds. On top of that, the VR6 protection also allows it to drive away from 72 pounds (33 kg) of TNT detonated at a distance of 39 feet (12 meters). As a result, it can save the lives of its occupants, and that makes it insanely expensive.
 

You already know that anything that bears Brabus’ signature tends to cost a small fortune, and the same goes for this 4×4. The model is known as the Invicto Pure, and it is going to set its future owner back €500,633 (equal to $545,315), including tax. It’s not a brand-new vehicle, as it was first registered in November of 2018 and has 11,680 miles (18,800 km) on the odometer.
 
One could buy over three brand-new Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUVs for the single cost of this Brabus Invicto Pure, yet none of those will be able to take a bullet for them. The 2023 model year, which is still listed on the brand’s official USA website, has an MSRP of $139,900, and realistically speaking, you could land one for over $150,000. The AMG G 63 starts at $179,000 before destination and dealer fees, and you will need some $200k to park it in your garage.
 
Just for kicks, we are going to remind you that you could aim for the Rolls-Royce Cullinan should you be in the market for an SUV that costs over half a million dollars, with the 2024 model year kicking off at just under $400,000. Albeit sportier and faster, especially around corners, the Ferrari Purosangue is about the same, and the rivaling Lamborghini Urus tends to fetch well over $250,000.
 
Again, none of these vehicles feature ballistic protection, which is the selling point of the Brabus Invicto Pure that builds on the overseas Mercedes-Benz G 500 (G 550 in our market), and since it could mean the difference between living to tell the tale and leaving this world, it is worth every penny. Still, you may want to consider changing your job if you are indeed shopping for such a ride.