The BRABUS Invicto
When you are a high-net-worth individual, life is different compared to other people, you’ll probably live inside a large mansion with security guards and camera surveillance, and when you leave this compound, you’ll be driven around inside an armored vehicle, most likely even with one or more additional cars around you.
You can opt for one of the Mercedes-Benz Guard versions, the world’s widest ex-factory range of special protection vehicles … or you can turn to Brabus for one of their Invicto models, a series made up of three different versions to cater to the customer’s wishes, discreet, rugged, or luxuries …
All three versions come with the ‘Invicto Shelter Cell’, a self-contained, self-supporting and bolted-down protective cell. In addition, there are further protective elements that are in part produced using a special 3D printing process and, of course, all-around extremely tough bulletproof glass.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Invicto can resist 7.62×39 caliber bullets, used in the AK-47 for instance, but also being hit with hand grenades, and even 12.5-kilogram PETN explosive charges, this certifies the Invicto per the VPAM BRV 2009 and VPAM ERV 2010 standards, all while remaining discreet, and nearly invisible from the outside.
Sometimes this kind of car requires making a fast getaway when faced with intrusion, therefore the BRABUS Invicto comes with a special suspension and high-performance braking system to cope with the additional weight of the armoring, but the 20-inch Invicto wheels come with special run-flat tires.
Because of the required performance, BRABUS advises using either a Mercedes G500 or the G63 as a base for their €345,600 Invicto protection package, but it can be ordered with other gasoline engines from the G-Class model range.
The armor meets the VR6 Plus ERV standard, the same standard that protects many limousines of heads of state, to meet the requirements the doors and hatch are now fitted with new protective elements, all the glass is replaced with extra tough bulletproof material, which required an innovative structure for the frames to be developed by BRABUS.
The Invicto Shelter Cell is unlike other vehicles where the armor is retrofitted, this BRABUS system is a self-contained, self-supporting, and bolted-down unit. This design makes it possible to put it into the body shell of the G-Class part by part and then assemble and fasten it. To this end, the company manufactures precise-fit, hot-rolled steel armor plates and additional protective elements made from materials such as carefully selected fabric and fiber structures as well as from ceramic and metal composite materials.
Among the many special constructive features of the “INVICTO Shelter Cell” is the fact that there is no narrowing of the door openings whatsoever. Getting in and out of the vehicle comfortably is crucial for many owners of a G-Class. In addition, the protective cell has a zero-gap design. This means that the individual components of the armor are installed without any gaps between them, which is of elementary importance for providing maximum security under small arms fire or an explosive attack. This is achieved by means of material overlaps and the so-called labyrinths.
Surprisingly enough, the entire BRABUS Invicto protective armor only adds about 1,000 kg on top of the base Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, but it still required both the front and rear suspension to be completely modified by the BRABUS engineers, even the frame of the G-Wagon needed to be reinforced at key points to support the additional weight, but still be agile enough for maximum security and durability.
A high-performance braking system with vented 402-millimeter discs and six-piston brake calipers at the front as well as 380-millimeter rotors and four-piston brake calipers on the rear axle is another major factor in the outstanding active safety of the INVICTO.
BRABUS fits Invicto 9.5×20 inch wheels specifically developed for the higher wheel load rating, large 275/50 R 20 W113 high load rating tires are fitted, BRABUS even developed a new run-flat system for their Invicto, even with completely destroyed tires, this car can continue for another 50km at a speed of 50 km/h.
The BRABUS INVICTO PURE
This model has been created by BRABUS for those customers that need protection, but don’t want to stand out in traffic, the Invicto Pure looks exactly like a factory original Mercedes-Benz G-class … this is protection in her purest form, both the exterior and the interior of the Invicto Pure are visually unchanged.
The only visible changes are the new Invicto wheels in 20-inch, required to fit the BRABUS run-flat system, but other than that, this version is “undercover” as much as possible.
The BRABUS INVICTO MISSION
The Invicto Mission edition is not intended to have the high-net-worth individual in the rear seats, this version is made for the security guard companies that accompany that person, possibly even armed forces, or police and emergency services. Based on the Mercedes G500 or G63, the Invicto Mission includes not only the 20-inch off-road tires with the run-flat capability and a winch at the front this edition also comes with a powerful LED headlamp assembly at the front of the roof rack, flashing beacons behind the windshield, remote-controlled rotating searchlights at the rear, and even an armored escape hatch on the roof.
The original seats have been replaced by four custom bucket seats, designed in such a manner they allow the security detachment to wear protective vests inside the vehicle, five-point seatbelts keep them in place, even during high-speed, spirited driving.
But the Invicto Mission doesn’t stop there, it comes complete with a fresh air system with NBC filter for the interior, or how about an infrared package complete with night-vision together with an elaborate monitoring and navigation system, even the doors and backrests are fitted with the MOLLE system (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) to secure equipment.
The BRABUS INVICTO LUXURY
This is the most exclusive version in the Invicto series, based on either Mercedes G 500 or the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo eight-cylinder engine and 430kW / 585hp, this model offers 850 Nm of torque to offer impressive active safety, the 20-inch run-flat tires do require a limitation of the top speed to 210 Km/h.
The Invicto Luxury also stands out, this is not the model for the owner that wants to travel unseen, incognito … BRABUS fits the WIDESTAR body on this model, optionally even with clear carbon fiber components, remember the Invicto Shelter Cell sits on the inside, which gets refined with a BRABUS interior made from the finest leather and Alcantara to suit the owner’s personal color and design preferences.
If the owner wants to have some more power to get out of any dangerous spots, he or she can opt for the BRABUS 800 engine, with an output of 588 kW / 800 hp at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm at a low 3,600 rpm.
It is clear BRABUS isn’t focusing on their usual customer that wants to turn a standard, factory Mercedes-AMG into a high-performance supercar with their Invicto model, this car is intended to offer the best protection possible for those that require it … but still want to travel in style.
The INVICTO special protection vehicles as per VR6 Plus ERV standard are built in small-series production at the plant of BRABUS Automotive in Bottrop, and while these three versions should already cater to the most discerning customer, BRABUS is always open for individual requests, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize the initial goal: protection and driving safety.