Last week, the Mercedes-Benz presented a major update for the S-Class line. And, for those looking for a model with reinforced armor, what’s new is the new S680 Guard.
Under the hood of the new S680 Guard is the proven 6.0-liter V-12 engine equipped with a pair of turbochargers. It produces 603 horsepower and 830 Nm of torque in a car that weighs around 4.2 metric tons.
It has four-wheel drive, but its top speed is electronically limited to 190 km/h. Despite this, its brilliance lies in its armor. According to Mercedesthis is the only series production sedan in the world to offer VR10 ballistic protection for glass and opaque areas of the body.
If the V-12 engine starts to catch fire after an attack, the car also has an onboard fire extinguisher system that can also put out a fire underneath the vehicle.
There is also 900 liters of compressed air accessible at the touch of a button, activating the emergency fresh air system and preventing occupants from inhaling harmful gases.
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A Mercedes can also equip the Guard with servo-assisted front and rear doors to compensate for the additional weight resulting from the armor.
There are even hydraulic window lifters, meaning it’s still possible to open or close the windows even after the electrical system fails following an attack.
The car also has tires Michelin PAX run-flat which can be driven for up to 30 kilometers after being punctured. Furthermore, VR10 certification means that the Guard armor can also withstand gunfire and certain explosions.
As it is an armored car, it must be the most expensive of the entire line, according to the website Motor 1. Although the Mercedes hasn’t yet released pricing details for the armored version, it’s worth remembering that the current model started at €547,000 in Germany.
For comparison purposes, this is more than double the price of Maybach Class S. The entry version of the Maybach it started at €220,000 in Europe upon its launch in 2021.
But unless you are James Bond or a high-ranking member of the government, this amount of protection may not be as necessary for everyday use.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
