Ares Design X-Raid – based on a Mercedes-AMG G63 – delivers 760 hp

While the V12-powered Mercedes-AMG G65 is considered as the most powerful factory-built unit that anyone can get with its 621hp output, the creation by Ares Design offers even more power. Certain tuners are known for wanting to break ground and test limits. For this upscale-looking beast, there’s Modena-based coachbuilder Ares Design to thank. This tuner was actually founded in 2015 by former CEO of Lotus, Dany Bahar.

Just recently, Ares Design revealed the X-Raid. It is a dramatic looking coachbuilt G-Class that produces 760 horsepower (566 kilowatts). That is almost 140 horsepower more than the factory built G65. The Ares X-Raid was based on the Mercedes-AMG G63, and it even uses the same 5.5 liter V8 by AMG. But it was tuned to perform even better than what it can already do. As for performance, the X-Raid has a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 kilometers per hour).

As mentioned earlier, the X-Raid has quite an interesting design. Though it may look like a heavy car, the body panels were made with lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, which cuts down around 440 pounds (200 kilograms) compared to the original factory version. It now sits on a set of 22-inch forged wheels especially made by Ares Design. And for the interior, it gets a custom made X-Raid steering wheel, and now has a “completely new cockpit”. The interior is dressed in Nappa leather, and for a more comfortable and luxurious ride, passengers in the back get single VIP seats.

The X-Raid is actually Ares Design’s first vehicle in their lineup. After a few months, we can expect the arrival of a Bentley Mulsanne-based coupe. Ares will build both models at their Modena facility, and their full production plan is likely to begin by early 2018. Apart from assembling these, they also do inclusive services like detailing of client cars, one-off commissions and some other services.

Boss of Ares, Dany Bahar, said in his interview with Top Gear that their company’s vision is to provide car enthusiasts a unique offer or package. By combining technology with the service and skill of experts in their field, and by working with Ares’ own design and technology team, he believes that they will be able to do it.

With all these improvements, there’s no denying that the X-Raid will turn heads. And once car enthusiasts get wind of its 760hp output, there’s bound to be a ton of inquiries for this offering.