Following last week’s preview, Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the latest generation of the safest S-Class model, the armored S 600 Guard.

The limousine complies with the highest ballistic protection (resistance class VR9), both in transparent and non-transparent areas, and features specific reinforcement of the base structure.

Mercedes-Benz says protective components of special steel are integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin, with special aramide and PE components providing additional splinter protection. The glass areas, typically the most sensitive of an armored car, are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection. Furthermore, the underbody of the car is almost entirely covered with armoring.

Hence, the S 600 Guard provides not only ballistic protection, but also protection against explosive devices. Not that one would realize it, as the car looks exactly the same as the “civilian” version of the S 600. For the first time, the S 600 Guard is available both as a four-seater and as a five-seater, with a boot capacity of 350 liters (12.3 cu-ft).

Despite being heavier than the regular S 600, the S 600 Guard is powered by the same 523hp (530PS) 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph) “for weight reasons.”

The armored limousine rides on a standard Airmatic air suspension with reinforced suspension components and adapted control functions such as ESP or ASR to cope with the increased vehicle weight. Brakes are larger too and the car is fitted as standard with Michelin PAX run-flat tyres with an additional tyre pressure monitoring system which allows an escape from a danger zone up to a distance of 30 km (18.6 miles) even with damaged tyres.

Other Guard-specific features include heated windscreen and side windows, fire extinguisher system with automatic activation, emergency fresh air system protecting occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases and hydraulic power for the heavy side windows.

By Dan Mihalascu

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