Mercedes-Benz never actually had a shooting brake—at least not in the traditional sense. Usually, a shooting brake is a sleek blend of an estate car and a coupe. But in recent years, shooting brakes have embraced truer coupe styling with only two doors, making the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG an almost-shooting brake. But if you’ve been pining for the real thing, BRABUS has answered. Enter Rocket GTS, a ferocious Mercedes-AMG SL-turned-shooting brake with enough power and exposed carbon to make anyone’s inner gearhead swoon, I swear!
Welcome to the next chapter in BRABUS’s adrenaline-packed portfolio. Joining the BRABUS Rocket family is the Rocket GTS. It boasts an intimidating, all-carbon, hyper-gran Turismo shooting brake body that doesn’t just look mean—it is mean. With a system output of a grand 1,000 horsepower, it’s what BRABUS calls “1-Second-Wow.” Every curve, intake, and spoiler has been meticulously engineered for high-speed stability, even beyond 300 km/h (186 mph). From the wide, low stance to the seamless exposed carbon panels, this beast is designed to be seen, and probably not caught.
Under the hood, the Rocket GTS combines a BRABUS 4.5L V8 biturbo engine with a high-end electric drive, churning out an awe-inspiring 1,820 Nm (1,342 lb-ft) of torque (limited to 1,620 Nm or 1,195 lb-ft, because, well, that’s enough). The handcrafted engine pumps out 796 hp on its own, with power routed through a nine-speed sports transmission that can shift on its own—or at your command. An extra electric drive unit, complete with a two-speed gearbox and a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, provides an additional 204 hp on demand.
The result is one of the fastest hybrid cars in the world that wipe the century sprint (0-100 km/h, or 0-62 mph) in mere 2.6 seconds, 9.5 seconds to make 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) and 9.5 seconds from naught to 300 km/h (0-186 mph). The latter was the same time as my 1.6L Suzuki Swift Sport… doing 0-100 km/h. How’s that for context? I am crying already cos’ I never knew that kind of exhilaration like how I would not know the thrill and intensity of pulling 5 Gs on a fighter jet. 300 km/h isn’t the top speed, btw. It’s 317 km/h or 197 mph.
As for the wheels, this two-plus-two shooting brake rolls on BRABUS Monoblock P “PLATINUM EDITION” wheels, crafted for strength and lightweight precision. And inside, BRABUS hasn’t skimped either. Light gray stitching and seashell diamond-quilted leather cover everything from the seats to the luggage compartment. And, yes, the “Double-B” emblem makes an appearance on every surface that dares to go unmarked.
This masterpiece of power, design, and hand-tailored luxury is more than a car—it’s the ultimate BRABUS experience, topped off with carbon details from entry sills to door handles. The BRABUS Rocket GTS isn’t just filling a gap in the Mercedes lineup; it’s tearing it wide open.
Pricing? As they say, if you have to ask… clearly it is not for the faint of heart (and weak bank account). Meanwhile, you are free to learn more about this breathtaking creation HERE.
Images: BRABUS.