Brabus Unveils Mercedes-Benz A-Class Police Car at Essen Show
Brabus revealed a Mercedes-Benz A250 police car with performance and styling upgrades at the 2012 Essen Motor Show to promote safe and responsible tuning.
At the 2012 Essen Motor Show, Brabus revealed its latest project: a Mercedes-Benz A-Class police car built on the A250 BlueEfficiency model. The car was created as part of the Tune it! Safe! initiative, which aims to show that aftermarket tuning can be both stylish and responsible. The Essen Motor Show, held annually in Germany, is a major event for automotive enthusiasts, particularly those interested in tuning and performance modifications. Brabus’s choice of venue and model was intended to maximise the campaign’s visibility among its target audience.
Brabus Debuts Mercedes-Benz A-Class Police Car at Essen
Performance and Technical Upgrades
The base for this special police car is the Mercedes-Benz A250 BlueEfficiency. Brabus has enhanced the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, increasing its output to 245hp (180kW) and 380Nm of torque. With these upgrades, the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250km/h. Despite the performance boost, Brabus states that fuel consumption remains at 6.1L/100km, with CO2 emissions at 143g/km. The power is delivered through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels, maintaining the car’s original drivetrain layout.
| Base Model | Mercedes-Benz A250 BlueEfficiency |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Power Output | 245hp (180kW) |
| Torque | 380Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250km/h |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch, front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1L/100km |
| CO2 Emissions | 143g/km |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Tyres | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 |
To complement the powertrain enhancements, the car rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 tyres. These tyres are chosen to provide a combination of grip and ride comfort, suitable for both daily driving and spirited performance. The chassis modifications are aimed at improving handling without compromising safety, an important aspect of the Tune it! Safe! campaign’s message.
Exterior Design and Police Equipment
- Full police livery and a roof-mounted light bar make the car instantly recognisable as a law enforcement vehicle.
- The body kit includes a new front spoiler, rear diffuser, and roof spoiler, enhancing the car's appearance and aerodynamics.
- A four-tailpipe exhaust system contributes to both the sporty look and the sound profile.
- Interior changes include special floor mats and alloy pedals, alongside installed police equipment for demonstration purposes.
These modifications are not just for show; they also serve to underline the car’s dual focus on performance and public safety. The inclusion of police gear is meant to attract attention at public events and reinforce the campaign’s focus on legal and safe tuning practices. The interior changes are relatively subtle but contribute to the overall theme of responsible and tasteful modification.
Tune it! Safe! Campaign and Its Impact
The Brabus A250 police car is the eighth specialty model produced for the Tune it! Safe! campaign. This initiative is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and the Association of Automobile Tuners. Its main goal is to encourage car enthusiasts to pursue modifications that comply with legal standards and do not compromise safety. By using a high-profile event like the Essen Motor Show and a recognisable brand like Mercedes-Benz, the campaign seeks to reach a wide audience and influence tuning culture in Germany and beyond.
The Tune it! Safe! campaign uses such show cars to demonstrate that it is possible to enhance a vehicle’s appearance and performance while still adhering to safety regulations.
Public Reception and Broader Context
The debut of the Brabus A-Class police car at Essen was well received by the show’s audience, which includes both tuning enthusiasts and automotive industry insiders. The project highlights the potential for collaboration between tuning companies, car manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to promote safer practices in car modification. It also reflects a growing trend in the automotive world, where safety and legality are becoming increasingly important factors in the customisation scene.
| Model Year | Euro NCAP Rating |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 stars |
By choosing the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a model with a strong reputation for safety, Brabus and the Tune it! Safe! campaign underline that responsible tuning starts with a solid foundation and continues through careful, legal modifications.
Summary
Brabus’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class police car, presented at the 2012 Essen Motor Show, is a showcase for both performance tuning and responsible modification. Developed for the Tune it! Safe! campaign, the car combines upgraded power, distinctive design, and a strong safety message. It serves as an example of how the automotive tuning community can embrace both creativity and responsibility, aiming to influence enthusiasts and professionals alike.
