Bulletproof Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard revealed

Mercedes-Benz has updated its range of special protection models with the addition of the new S600 Guard based on the latest-generation S-Class. Like other Guard versions from the Mercedes-Benz stable, the S600 Guard provides all-round protection thanks to the protective components of special steel which is integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin.

The glasshouse is an essential part of the protective concept, which is why the glass area on the S600 Guard is coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection. Mercedes says particular attention is devoted to the protective performance of the glass areas, with an appropriate choice of materials and thicknesses.

With its strong protective system, the new S600 Guard has met all the personal protection requirements of the relevant authorities in Germany, and is the first vehicle to have been certificated for highest ballistic protection in resistance class VR9 (according to BRV 2009, version 2). As for the explosive charges, heavy underbody armouring almost entirely covers the bottom of the car - a unique feature in the civilian special protection segment. Despite the extensive protective measures, Mercedes claims the S600 Guard is externally hardly distinguishable from the standard model.

The S600 Guard is powered by a V12 petrol engine, which now generates 530bhp of power and 830Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. For weight reasons Mercedes has electronically limited the top speed to 210kmph. The S600 Guard is the latest member of the Guard Family which currently has models from the S, E, M and G-Class.