Mercedes-Benz->ke187 has a long and storied history as an armored vehicle manufacturer. Be it Adolf Hitler's bulletproof 770K limousine or the early, army-spec G-Class->ke1712 SUVs, the Germans have provided the world with some of the best ironclad rigs. More recently, Stuttgart has been developing and selling armor-plated automobiles through its Guard program, which already includes a generous range of sedans and SUVs, such as the E-Class->ke373 and the M-Class->ke2901. Going into the 2015 model year, the Stuttgart crew expanded its flagship S-Class->ke359 lineup by adding the S600 model to the Guard program. The result is astonishing, as the segments most luxurious and comfortable limousine->ke1203 has also become the safest vehicle in the world.

Surrounded by a two-inch-thick steel plate and bulletproof glass, the S600 Guard is certified for ballistic protection class VR9. That's the highest ballistic protection class as of 2014 and makes the S-Class safe against anything from small fire arms to grenades. In fact, the S600 Guard is the first vehicle in the world to be fully certified as having VR9 levels of protection, a feat that's likely to send it in the fleets of many heads of state.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 530
  • Torque: 612
  • Transmission: 7G-TRONIC automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At first glance, the S600 Guard is nothing more than a standard S600 fitted with strobe lights and flag mounts on its front fenders. That's quite normal actually, as any VIP would prefer not to draw attention even when traveling in an armored vehicle.

Things change rather dramatically under the skin, where the S600 Guard is reinforced to the teeth. Both the base structure and the body are strengthened during the production stage. Protective components made out of special steel are inserted between the body structure and the outer shell, while special aramid and PE components deliver additional splinter protection. The glass area, an essential part of any armored vehicle, is coated with polycarbonate on the inside. The coating enables the glass are to deliver splinter protection while maintaining its visual characteristics.

So how strong is the S600 Guard? Mercedes says the two-inch-thick steel plate surrounding most of the passenger cabin can withstand anything from small fire arms and splintering explosive devices fired at close range to explosive devices. In short, the S600 Guard has been certified for highest ballistic protection in resistance class VR9, making it the first vehicle to qualify for this class and the safest civilian armored car in the world.

Interior

Despite the heavy steel plating reinforcing its body, the S600 Guard retains the interior feats that make the 2015 S-Class a class-leading sedan. The limousine offers generous headroom and elbow room in the rear section, where, for the first time in this segment, buyers can opt for either a two-seat or three-seat configuration. Trunk capacity is mostly unaltered at 12.3 cubic feet.

Technology-wise, the S600 Guard is packed with the latest convenience and safety features available from Mercedes-Benz. Standard equipment includes adjustable head restraints for the driver and front passenger, electrically extendable footrests, Executive rear seat with leg rest and cushion bag, and heating and massage functions.

Additionally, the company offers a continuous Business console that transforms the two-seat rear compartment into a mobile office with touchscreen and hands-free telephony. A Warmth Comfort package further increases passenger comfort by warming all surfaces inside the cabin. On the options list there's a rear reading lamp with LED technology.

Other optional extras specifically developed for the S600 Guard include opaque roller blinds, heated windshield and side windows, a panic alarm system, a fire extinguisher system with automatic activation, and an emergency fresh air system that protects passengers from smoke or irritant gases.

Drivetrain

Motivating the S600 Guard is the same V-12 mill found in the standard S-Class S600. The engine displaces a full six liters, and generates 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. The impressive amount of power goes to the rear wheels through a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Being heavier than the standard S600, the armored limousine is also slower. There's no official 0-to-60 mph rating, but don't expect the S600 Guard to complete the sprint in less than seven seconds, which is still impressive considering the added weight. Top speed sits at only 130 mph, mainly due to the higher strains the tires and braking system are subjected to. By comparison, the regular S600 can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard: Drivetran Specification

Type

V12 petrol engine

Output

523 HP

Torque

612 LB-FT

Transmission

7G-TRONIC automatic

Top Speed

130 mph


Suspension and Brakes

Although heavier than its regular counterpart, the S600 Guard is equally comfortable. The limousine is fitted with the company's Airmatic suspension with variable damper control, which is backed by reinforced and enlarged components. To cope with the increased weight, the Germans also reconfigured the ESP and ASR systems, while adding steel springs to the rear axle.

Extra weight also means larger brakes are needed to come to a halt. Both the calipers and the brake discs are significantly larger than those fitted on the S600, with six-piston calipers available up front. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin PAX run-flat tires that come with additional pressure monitoring. The tires can run up to 19 miles when damaged, enabling the S600 Guard to escape when its passengers are in danger.

Prices

Pricing information is not available as of 08/05/2014, but the S600 Guard is expected to cost at least $400,000. We'll be back with more info as soon as we get our hands on it.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz G63 by INKAS

Although Mercedes' Guard program also builds armored versions of the E-Class, M-Class, and G-Class, potential customers have a bevy of options to take into consideration. One of them comes from INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing, which sells a very special version of the G63 AMG. Fitted with bulletproof body armor and glass area, this SUV is different from what you can buy from Mercedes-Benz. The G63 AMG is not only longer than the standard vehicle, it's also equipped with a revamped interior that resembles that of a private jet plane.

Captain-style seats, acres of high-quality leather, built-in TV monitors, a safe and a bar are only a few of the amenities stuffed behind the front seats. The biturbo, 5.5-liter V-8 engine remains stock, but the 536 horsepower that come standard with it are enough to power the heavier SUV.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz is already known as the industry's leader as far as luxury vehicles go. Not only the brand-new S-Class came to cement that image, the armored version of the limousine enhances the company's credentials through its VR9 ballistic certification. Sure, the S600 Guard won't be a volume seller, but it's the kind of vehicle that appeals to heads of state and even celebrities. And that's a niche that matters to the Germans, who have been building civilian armored cars and SUVs for decades now. As of 2014, the S600 Guard is the first vehicle in the world to be certified for the highest ballistics protection class, and that says a lot about Mercedes' advancements in the business.