Stuttgart - With violence, drug-related crime and random threats increasing on a global scale, Mercedes-Benz is responding with a comprehensive range of special-protection vehicles. The S 600 with the newly developed V12 bi-turbo engine is the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. Special-protection versions of E-Class and G-Class models are also available.

The saloons and cross-country vehicles in the Guard range provide defence against revolver and rifle bullets, and additionally, if required, against hand grenades, explosives and Molotov cocktails.

Mercedes-Benz Guard models are in service all over the world and are universally renowned for their high standard of security, which has been achieved through many years of close cooperation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. This ensures that the Mercedes specialists are always fully briefed on the latest requirements and are able to consolidate their position at the leading edge of vehicle protection technology and ballistics.

In order to meet all needs, Mercedes-Benz offers Guard models in a range of resistance levels rated to European standards:

The Mercedes models in both protection classes have been developed in accordance with international security standards and have successfully undergone both testing and certification by independent organisations.

Discreet looks and characteristic Mercedes quality

Trust, dependability, quality and discretion are the key attributes in the sensitive field of special protection. Statesmen, diplomats and senior business figures all over the world appreciate being able to travel in vehicles which do not immediately betray their special status. This is also the case, however, for customers in less prominent positions who are increasingly taking an interest in specially protected vehicles as rising crime levels - particularly car-jacking and gang crime - bring home the growing importance of this vehicle category. Demand for special-protection vehicles is especially high in the Middle East and the countries of the former Soviet Union as well as in South and Central America and the United States.

Special-protection features integrated on the production line

Common to all Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles is the philosophy of integrated special protection. This means that the protective features for the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall are not retrofitted to a finished vehicle but are instead integrated into the bodyshell on a dedicated production line independent of the standard production process. The resulting vehicles offer characteristic Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with High or Highest Protection even in those areas where post-production access would be all but impossible. A further advantage is that the protective features do not put a strain on the basic vehicle but rather reinforce its structure.

Thanks to this approach, even the smallest details benefit from highly effective solutions. Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles are thus distinguished by advanced technical measures which make it virtually impossible for projectiles to defeat the armour. Potential weak points are thoroughly protected; at gaps in the body, at the doors or at the joins between metal and glass sections, an ingenious system prevents projectiles from penetrating. Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles thus offer their occupants seamless all-over protection.

Combination of high-tech materials

For a high level of protection, the passenger cells of Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles are surrounded by armour made from state-of-the-art materials such as glass/plastic combinations and high-strength special steel (High Protection – resistance level B4) or special steel combined with plastic elements (Highest Protection – resistance level B6/B7). The steel stops the bullets while extra plastic fibres provide additional splinter protection for the interior.

The Mercedes specialists at the Sindelfingen plant are continually testing new materials, new grades of steel and all vehicle components for their assault-worthiness in order to achieve the optimal capability at each resistance level. As a consequence of this commitment to exploring the potential of new materials and technologies, Mercedes-Benz has been setting the standard for the development of special-protection vehicles for decades. The aim of the experts is to reconcile the highest degree of protection with the lowest possible weight.

Reinforced body structure and modified chassis

The integrated design approach also means that all the reinforcements to the body structure required because of the weight of the protective elements can be incorporated right from the start. These reinforcements include for example sturdier door hinges and window frames. The window frames support the heavy side windows which are coated on the inside with a tough polycarbonate layer, while the door hinges have to support doors whose weight is raised to as much as over 100 kg due to the special protection features. Despite the weight, the hinges operate smoothly and reliably throughout the life of the car.

In this way, the Mercedes-Benz protection specialists adapt the entire body structure to the increased weight, ensuring the same top-class quality as the standard models from the Stuttgart-based brand.

The engineers also devote particular attention to the chassis: upgraded components and brakes ensure that the Mercedes-Benz Guard models have virtually identical handling to the standard models and offer an optimum driving experience with high dynamic reserves. The chassis is also designed to ensure that the characteristic Mercedes ride comfort is not impaired by the extra weight. Again, this is only possible because the protection specialists are able to establish and refine the necessary modifications as early as the developmental phase. Paint quality and corrosion protection also meet the high standards of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars thanks to the seamless integration of the special protection features.

Additional security features of the Mercedes-Benz Guard models include run-flat tyres and optional extras such as protected fuel tanks and the Panic Alarm System. The latter can be activated from anywhere in the vehicle. It locks the doors to create a protected space and alerts the outside world by means of visual and audible alarm signals. It also allows communication with the outside world via an intercom.