• Brabus Rocket GTS shooting brake is based on the AMG SL 63 S E Performance
• Plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 986 hp and 1,195 lb-ft of torque
• Production is limited to 25 units

Brabus is a German tuning company known for its powerful yet conservatively styled builds. Every now and then, though, the company takes a trip on the wild side, and this time one of those trips has resulted in an SL-Class shooting brake based on the latest AMG SL 63 S E Performance plug-in hybrid.

Brabus calls it the GTS Rocket, and it’s much more than just an SL-Class with the rear liftback swapped out for a hatchback’s tailgate.

The entire body is made from carbon fiber, with the new elements like the hatch shaped after extensive testing in the wind tunnel. Brabus said this was essential to ensuring adequate levels of downforce and stability, including at speeds beyond 186 mph.

The body was also made wider than the standard AMG SL 63 S E Performance to fit a wider track front and rear. The wide front fascia with its bigger intakes also provides extra cooling for the tuned powertrain.

Under the hood sits a Brabus-developed twin-turbocharged 4.5-liter V-8 which works together with the stock electric motor at the rear axle. The engine develops 785 hp on its own, and with the electric motor the peak power bumps up to 986 hp. Even crazier is the new torque peak of 1,342 lb-ft, though Brabus limits it to 1,195 lb-ft to preserve the 9-speed automatic transmission and other elements of the all-wheel-drive drivetrain.

A 6.1-kwh battery, which is the same found in the stock SL 63 S E Performance, enables a small electric range. The wheels measure 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear, and have carbon-fiber discs that help direct air flow to reduce turbulence and help cool the brakes.

Claimed performance figures include a 0-62 mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed governed to 197 mph.

Depending on the customer’s wishes, the interior can also be revised with elements like Alcantara, carbon fiber, and leather. For the leather trim, Brabus uses its own Seashell Diamond quilting pattern.

Brabus plans to limit production to 25 units. Prices for a version similar to the car shown here starts at 945,762 euros (approximately $1.02 million).

Mercedes-Benz has launched its own shooting brakes in the recent past, though these have all been based on the automaker’s so-called four-door coupe models, such as the CLA-Class Shooting Brake. Mercedes isn’t averse to exploring new body styles based on its two-door cars. The company is currently cooking up a limited-edition SL-Class speedster to serve as the first member of a highly exclusive Mythos series. The SL-Class speedster is due next year and was previewed this year by the PureSpeed concept.