Mercedes Armored S-Class

STUTTGART, Germany — You'd have to look hard to spot the difference. But that's exactly what Mercedes-Benz intended when creating the armored version of its latest S-Class, the S600 Guard.


At the heart of the S600 Guard is a protection system that uses special steel and bulletproof glass to form a protective casing around the passenger cell.

Outwardly, the new car appears little different from the standard S600 launched late last year. Careful observers might notice the beefed-up Michelin PAX 245/700R470AC run-flat tires, required to handle the added weight brought on by bulletproof glass, armored steel incorporated in the body, and myriad other reinforcements that make it fit to pass the B6/B7 standard. However, in almost every other respect, the two cars are visually identical. The B6/B7 (Ballistic 6/7) standard is internationally recognized; it helps the new Mercedes-Benz resist military-grade small arms projectiles as well as fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges.

Available with just one engine — the same 5.5-liter V12 engine used in the S600 — the S600 Guard boasts 517 horsepower at 5000 rpm and a mountainous 612 pound-feet of torque on a band of revs stretching from 1800-3500 rpm. Mercedes-Benz isn't hinting at the new car's accelerative ability, although with an added 3,085 pounds to haul around, the benchmark 0-62-mph time is likely to be significantly more than the standard model's official 4.6-second time. The German carmaker does, however, quote a top speed of 130 mph, which is limited more by the tires than anything else.

Other special features include a self-sealing fuel tank, emergency fresh air system to counteract hazardous gases using oxygen bottles stored on board, a fire extinguisher system with 12 nozzles spread around the cabin, separate pneumatic control of the side windows in the event of an electronic failure, and a panic alarm system that allows the occupants to speak with those outside through an intercom.

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