What climate crisis? Brabus unwraps world's fastest SUV

What climate crisis? Brabus unwraps world's fastest SUVHamburg, Dec 30 - German tuner Brabus has come up with a superfast SUV which seems bound to draw ire from those keen to see climate change combated by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.

The Brabus Bi-Turbo V12 version of Mercedes-Benz's chunky off-roader is a mean-looking monster with a staggering carbon dioxide output of 487 grammes per kilometre. Most modern small cars these days turn out between 100 and 120 g/km.

Customers for the Brabus are likely to be interested in different numbers, such as the spectacular performance figures. Top speed is given as 322.3 km/hr and despite its colossal weight, the twin-turbo bounds from zero to 100 km in a mere 4.2 seconds, putting it on par with the Porsche GT.

To achieve all this the Merc's V12 engine has been boosted from 5.5 to 6.3 litres to turn out a fearsome 740 brake horsepower.

Such superlatives naturally have their price and the Brabus GLK carries a tag of 397,000 euros ($556,000). Perhaps that it is why the Bottrop, Germany-based car made its official debut at the recent Dubai Car Show in the oil-rich emirate. (dpa)