So you thought the E60 AMG was the ultimate version of the Mercedes W124. Well, then you underestimate the guys at Brabus from Bottrop in the Ruhr area. They, of course, went a step further. For example, with this Brabus E65! And it even had a V8…the Brabus E V12 7.3 S even did it with a souped-up V12.
At Mercedes-Benz, they did everything they could at the time to make the W124 even faster. The 400E, the 500E, the E60 AMG: as a sleek, wide and super-powerful V8 version, the performance level of the W124 was raised to a higher level each time in the last part of its career. The aforementioned versions had a power of 279, 326 and 381 hp respectively, the cylinder capacity was between 4.2 and 6.0 liters. The manufacturer from Stuttgart could not get more luxury and sportiness out of the E-Class. And that’s where Brabus came into the picture. Based on the E500, the tuner built the E65 V8. In the summer of 1993, Mercedes-Benz gave the W124 model series a second facelift (‘Mopf 2’ in Mercedes language). A rounded grille and white indicators were introduced. At the same time, the ‘E’ in the model designation was moved forward and the W124 was renamed the first E-Class.
It is funny to see how even a tuned variant with a bored-out V8 still has the modest design of the basic version. This car is not equipped with outlandish spoilers or other craziness. Instead, a set of 18-inch wheels with extra-wide spokes provides a personal touch. This version also has good manners in other respects. For example, the sports suspension still offers a very acceptable level of comfort. If you take a look through the holes in the wheels, you will see a red Brabus logo on the brake calipers. We already said it: this Brabus is not one to show off. At least, not with his appearance.
The cylinder capacity is a completely different story, with a bizarre 6,409 cc. The atmospheric eight-cylinder engine from the M119 engine series did not change in character. You still have to rev it up considerably to release the maximum power of 450 hp. First, the engine is still shaking slightly nervously at idle speed, but then it fires the Brabus humming and without much drama on the horizon, if desired up to a speed of 285 kilometers per hour. More engine power is almost impossible.
Almost, because Brabus did the incredible with the same model! They made three or four (there is some uncertainty about that) W124s with V12! That delivered no less than 530 hp.
