The three-pointed star has always been a typical 'big boss' car. It is almost impossible to shake that image off, unless you're clearly too young to be one, but then you're likely to be "his son".

While there is no real solution to that age-old problem, we do have something that will help a whole lot. The BRABUS B20.

First of all, take the advice from the German tuner and spec your car in black (BRABUS does have the ocassional car in white or red, but most of them are black). Having your car in silver, or worse, champagne gold is a sure fire way to be labelled a 'tow-kay' (mandarin dialect for 'big boss' - for the benefit of our international readers). Black on the other hand is sleek and immediately transforms 'Ah-sia' (mandarin dialect term for 'rich man') to Mafia.

The real goodies in the B20 though, come in the form of a full aerodymanic kit which includes a BRABUS front bumper with daytime running LED lights, a rear bumper with integrated center reflector, and a stainless-steel sports exhaust system. Finally, the kit is finished off with a slim rear boot-lid spoiler.

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class on which it's based on is not neglected either. BRABUS floor mats, an aluminum pedal set, illuminated door-sill, door pin set and race gear knob add a sporty and 'customised' touch to the overal ambience.

All show and no go is pointless, so BRABUS has equipped the B20 with their ECO PowerXtra CGI E performance module. Adding up to 40 bhp on the 2-litre unit - pushing the power figures to 225 bhp - and packed with 325 Nm of torque.
 
We sampled the B20 ourselves and we're happy to say that the power difference is very pronounced. The B20 pulls with a lot more enthusiasm and there's a 'kick' missing from the stock car. The century sprint is easily dispatched in the sub-8 sec region.

19" Brabus Monoblock S wheels add more than just style to the B20, turn-in is a tad sharper and the extra contact to the ground adds confidence when handling the car. BRABUS lowering springs also play a part in that, lowering the centre of gravity of the saloon, while giving the car a more aggressive stance.

Based on the already handsome E200, but with added grace and pace, the BRABUS B20 makes for a dashing car. Black, low, and definitely more youthful in demeanor. Be seen in it, and the 'tow-kay' label will be...well...less of an issue.

BRABUS performance programs are available at AutoVox