BRABUS CEO Constantin Buschmann discusses the emotional story behind the new BRABUS BODO hypercar
Which took him and his team over nearly a decade.
Constantin Buschmann
Photography by Philipp Rupprecht
Constantin, what was it like taking over BRABUS?
It was one of the most challenging moments of my life. My father passed away unexpectedly, and for months I didn’t know whether the business would survive. We were taking things day by day. It took almost a year to stabilize the company before we could start looking forward again. But when you inherit a legacy like BRABUS, there is no option other than giving everything you have.
What did you learn most quickly as CEO?
My father always said that you cannot simulate being in charge. I learned very quickly what he meant. The sleepless nights come included. As CEO, every important decision ultimately lands on your desk, and you become responsible for guiding the company into one of many possible futures.
Why is the new hypercar called BRABUS BODO?
Because it was the only name that felt right. This car has been part of conversations between my father, our team, and myself for nearly a decade. It represents his vision as much as mine. Naming it after him was the most authentic way to honor that legacy.
How did you react when the prototype leaked online?
Honestly, it was just bad timing. A prototype was being repainted, someone took a photo and uploaded it because they were curious. In a strange way, it was also a compliment. The fact that people immediately recognized the BRABUS DNA and wanted to know more shows how much passion exists around the brand.
What was the design philosophy behind the BODO?
Presence. We wanted a car that looks fast even when standing still. The long proportions are inspired by the coachbuilt grand tourers of the 1920s and 1930s, while the muscular surfaces bring modern performance into the equation. The goal was to create a car that changes character as you walk around it.
What makes the BODO different from other hypercars?
Most hypercars are designed to impress through aggression. The BODO balances elegance and power. One moment it looks like a sophisticated grand tourer, the next it feels like a race car. That dual personality is exactly what we wanted to achieve.
What does this project mean to you personally?
It is probably the most emotional project of my career. It carries my father's name, his ideas, and his spirit. More than performance figures, the car represents a story that has been evolving for years.
The sleepless nights come included. My job is to make the decisions and guide the team into one of many possible futures.
