Mercedes GL gets a V12 engine transplant by MKB

 Mercedes GL gets a V12 engine transplant by MKB
Mercedes GL by MKB - 23.9.2011

Conversion costs ?217,568

MKB has announced a new tuning package for the Mercedes GL.

Designed for owners who want exclusivity and performance, the V12 conversion "is not easy" - because it requires modifications to the gearbox, electronic control system and four-wheel drive system - but rewards drivers with 668 PS (491 kW / 658 hp) and 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

The engine swap takes six months and costs a staggering €217,568 ($294,030 / £190,070) which doesn't include the price of the original vehicle.

Source: MKB via Autoblog.nl

MKB P 670 for Mercedes GL 500 / GL 450

668 hp / 491 kW and 1.200 Nm.
The MKB P 670 V12 biturbo engine in the Mercedes GL.


Until today Mercedes does not offer any AMG performance conversion for the GL-class.
If someone looks for bigger driving pleasure with his big luxury SUV he may know the leading Mercedes performance tuning company MKB since long.
Now MKB offers a range of 286 hp up to 668 hp.

Every GL driver and GL fan finds at MKB the most sovereign engines: the MKB RD6 for the 350 CDI reach up to 286 hp, the MKB RD 8 for the 450 CDI achieve 360 hp and even 850 Nm torque. Sporty drivers get with powerful gasoline V8 in the GL 500 the MKB 50/8 and 430 hp and 550 Nm which are really good fun to drive.

Those who will be not satisfied with such power numbers those find with the new MKB P 670 the most exclusive way to show in their Mercedes GL 500 the desired high dynamic sports car performance. The conversion to 668 hp peak performance of the MKB P670 means that the big Mercedes V8 will be swopped to the Mercedes V12 twin turbo which will be tuned by MKB on top.

This transplantation of hearts in the GL 500 is not easy to achieve. Even if the V12 fits the engine bay perfectly well. The outstanding knowledge and creativity of modern tuning companies such as MKB shows not in simply pressing a bigger engine into a chassis which was never thought to be equipped that way it shows clearly in the fact that such a conversion can not be recognized as such by the naked eye. But of course everyone will feel the bigger driving pleasure later on.

Optically the MKB P670 engine fits harmonic into the GL and harmonic and sovereign is its new drive.
The 4-Matic-drivetrain, the automatic gearbox, the electronic control systems, the mighty MKB P 670 altogether work perfectly matched and there is never any fear that the big power increase could create critical driving characteristics. The performance is simply great: it takes 4.4 s from 0 to 100 km/h and the top speed is limited at 270 km/h and here stops the big acceleration push by purpose. MKB too offers only the best and biggest braking solution available: at the front and rear axle work 380 mm ceramic discs and 6 and 4 piston brake callipers for quick and safe deceleration.

Potential customers must show two very distinct properties before any ride in their MKB P670 based upon the Mercedes GL 500. They must be relaxed with both time and money. The conversion takes up to 6 months and MKB asks 217.568.- EURO excluding VAT for it. But only if a Mercedes GL 500 will be brought for the conversion.

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 benz_man benz_man
Geez, 4matic V12...bet that thing goes and goes!
September 23, 2011 6:46 pm
 53MercOwner 53MercOwner
Bill Harrah, the casino magnate and car collector, created a Jerrari, a 1970's Jeep Wagoneer with a V12 Ferrari engine. It is on view at the Harrah car collection in Reno, Nevada.
September 24, 2011 8:39 am
 radmeister radmeister
Might as well pay double that if you have to wait 6 months and get a pagani zonda...Not only is it retardedly expensive, but 6 months is also ridiculous.
September 25, 2011 7:10 pm
 manual-trans manual-trans
Only a douchebag would, probably, drive one of those!! I would definitely be embarrassed to just sit in one of them!
September 26, 2011 12:15 am
 slim slim
I'll pass on this one. Almost $300k JUST for the engine swap alone! Then you have to buy the suv to put that expensive motor swap in. I think I'd rather buy a Lambo Aventador now and not have to wait. Or buy the GL550 and give it to Brabus or Carlsson. Im sure they can get you similar performance for only around $150k a bargain compared to MKB's price. As a matter of fact I think the first gen Jeep Cherokee SRT8 would spank this thing to 60, and hit a higher top speed. Hell, I'd even buy a Cayenne Turbo S, and have RUF Tuning boost it up to 700hp, and Im sure it will cost much less than this thing while being waaay faster. If all fails, and youre looking to move 4 people along quickly in the snow with some luggage room, you could always buy the Ferrari FF and call it a day.
September 26, 2011 11:20 am
 EMBJATI85 EMBJATI85
sleeper much =)
September 26, 2011 10:06 pm