How Brabus became a household name in the aftermarket scene

The story of Brabus, founded in 1977, really starts early in the same decade when Bodo Buschmann begins working at the family dealership, Auto Buschmann KG.

He sees the passion customers have for cars. Mostly Mercedes-Benz models. He’s studying law and business administration in this period too, but soon drops the theory in order to build a new company...

Brabus is formed alongside friend Klaus Brackmann, but almost immediately is under the sole control and ownership of Bodo. Its mission statement is simple but unique: increase the performance and handling prowess of Mercedes products whilst offering almost boundless individualisation.

It’s a slow burn at first, but by 1983 Brabus GmbH has its own headquarters and launches the 190 E V8. Fitting the 5.0-litre V8 from the S-Class requires a huge amount of re-engineering and the chassis and brakes are upgraded, too. Brabus is also finding big success fitting TV screens and phones to various Mercedes models.

The next two decades are defined by ever wilder creations – from V12-powered E-Classes to C-Class models stuffed full of 6.0-litre V8; 6.5-litre SLKs to MLs fitted with a 7.3-litre V12. Brabus is now well into its stride.

In the early 2000s there’s an official tie up with Smart and Brabus enters the mainstream. Don’t worry though, it continues with mad saloons, SUVs and even Unimogs.

In 2026 there are Brabus packages for Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. And, of course, the Bodo.