Full Breakdown
Brabus Unveils the Bodo: $1-Million, 1,000-hp Hyper-GT Honoring Founder Bodo Buschmann
5/17/2026, 12:19:13 PM
Background & Context
The company, originally a specialist tuner for Mercedes-Benz, has for nearly five decades built high-output variants of Mercedes models. In recent years Brabus has broadened its portfolio to include full-coachbuilt projects, exemplified by the GTS Coupe and now the Bodo.
Key Figures & Groups
The Bodo’s development was overseen by Brabus’s engineering team. Its donor chassis is an Aston Martin Vanquish, while the power unit is a Mercedes-Benz 5.2-L twin-turbo V12, integrated with Brabus-designed carbon-fiber body panels.
Core Specifications
The twin-turbo 5.2-L V12 delivers either 1,000 hp (some sources list 986 hp) and 885 lb-ft of torque, launching the 4,211-lb (1,910 kg) coupe from 0–62 mph in just over three seconds. Top speed is claimed at 224 mph. It rides on 21-inch Monoblock wheels, is rear-wheel-drive, limited to 77 units, and priced above $1 million (estimates $1.1–$1.16 million). Inside, black leather seats, carbon-trimmed driver display, extended carbon shift paddles for an eight-speed automatic, and a panoramic roof complement rear seats and a trunk.
Official Statements & Responses
Brabus announced the Bodo as a made-to-order model named after its founder, priced above $1.1 million. Motor1 noted the 77-car limit references the 1977 founding year. TopGear called it a statement piece marking Brabus’s shift to coachbuilding. The infotainment system and switchgear are carried over from the Vanquish, featuring Apple CarPlay Ultra.
Criticism & Opposition
Motor1’s editorial called the Bodo “completely unnecessary” and highlighted the “absurd amount of money,” suggesting its appeal lies chiefly in visual extravagance rather than functional value.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Power output varies: Motor1 and TopGear list 1,000 hp, while Car and Driver cites 986 hp. Reported price ranges from “over $1 million” to $1.1 million and $1.16 million. No independent performance data have been released.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Bodo marks Brabus’s entry into the ultra-luxury hyper-GT segment, countering the industry shift toward downsized hybrids. Its V12 power, boat-tail rear, active spoiler, retained rear seats and trunk, limited run, and founder-centric branding aim to attract high-net-worth collectors seeking exclusivity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Motor1's Take: The Brabus Bodo feels completely unnecessary in the best possible way.” — Motor1 editorial
- “It’s loud, dramatic, wildly overpowered, and unapologetically excessive—exactly what a modern coachbuilt grand tourer should be.” — Motor1 editorial
- “Named in honour of Brabus’ late founder Bodo Buschmann, it’s a statement piece from a company more famous for high-horsepower Mercedes Benz sleeper builds.” — TopGear
- “Production is limited to 77 cars, a nod to the company’s founding year, 1977, which only adds to the appeal.” — Motor1
What’s Next
Brabus plans to deliver the 77-unit series on a made-to-order basis. TopGear hints at a future convertible variant if market demand justifies expansion.
