From L-R Eberhard Kern MD &CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Markus Rubenbauer, Head Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Guard
Heads of state, political bigwigs, major drug lords, and celebrities with insecurity issues can now look forward to travelling in what Mercedes calls “one of the safest luxury spot on earth” – the W222 S-Guard.
Priced at INR 8.9 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi), what’s special about the S-Guard is that it offers VR9-level* ballistics protection to its occupants, which is one of the highest levels for civilians – the S-Guard can withstand 7.62×51 mm rifle rounds on multiple areas of the body from various angles.
*as per BRV 2009 guidelines.
Multiple areas in the body shell are reinforced with special high grade steel and aramide(heat-resistant synthetic fibers) and polyethylene components for splinter protection.
The under body which bears the brunt in case of grenade and mine explosions is totally wrapped up in armor. All this extra metal work adds a lot of extra weight to the S, hence modifications to the AIRMATIC air suspension have been carried out, which include includes additional steel springs in the rear, while the brakes have been upgraded to larger discs and six-piston calipers up front.
The S guard also features a glasshouse which has been coated with poly-carbonate on the inside and all the glass areas also feature a laminated structure.
Visually, the Guard doesn’t differ much from the standard S600, apart from the high profile Michelin PAX run-flat tires which will hold their own for 19 miles (30 Kms) in spite of being ripped apart by bullets or spikes.
Being a S-Class in essence, the Guard will spoil one in utter luxury. Some of the comfort features include:
- The Chauffeur package, which has a chauffeur position for the front passenger seat, EASY ADJUST luxury head restraints for the driver and front passenger, folding and removable on the front passenger side, and footrests electrically extendable on the front passenger side.
- The executive seat in the rear on the front passenger side has a leg rest.
- The Rear Seat Comfort package includes multi contour outer rear seats, seat heating Plus and also the ENERGIZING massage function.
- Optionally available First-Class rear suite with a continuous Business console transforms the rear into a mobile office with two individual seats.
The Guard is only available in S600 trim, and Mercedes reckons the stock twin-turbo V12, 6.0 liter engine is enough for speedy getaways. Power stands at 530 PS (390 kW) and there’s 612 lb-ft (830 Nm) of torque as in the regular S600. With all the extra weight added due to the armour, top speed is restricted to 210 kmph.
Further Guard-specific equipment includes a panic alarm system, opaque roller blinds, emergency fresh air system from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases, hydraulic side windows, gimbal rear LED reading lamps, special rear cooling compartment and heated windscreen & side windows.
The S 600 Guard is also optionally equipped with assistance systems like Night View Assist Plus, LED Intelligent Light System, and a 360° camera.
