 "Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard")
When Mercedes-Benz India CEO Eberhard Kern unveiled the S600 Guard at the Buddh International Circuit earlier this month, behind him was a black billboard with these words in white: "One of the safest luxury spots in the world". With the features that the German car maker has rolled out with the armoured version of its top of the line S Class sedan, that may be a slight understatement.
The Guard, Mercedes claims, is the best-equipped vehicle in the world to survive different types of ballistic attacks. The car is the preferred ride for a number of heads of states across the world - including Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In fact, Mukherjee, who uses the older version of the car, is likely to upgrade to the new model after his security runs a thorough check on it.
In India, Mercedes is reported to have around 50 orders for the Guard. While the company has chosen to keep the names of most buyers under wraps, celebrities who have splurged on it for their personal security include industrialist Mukesh Ambani and actor Aamir Khan.
After an order for the Guard is placed, Mercedes runs a background check on the potential buyer. People with criminal records are ineligible to buy it - a step that Mercedes was forced to take after the Russian Mafia started using the car for their nefarious activities. The price for protecting yourself from bombs while driving (in this case, being driven) to work? A hefty Rs 8.9 crore. Here's a lowdown of what Mercedes is offering with the S 600 Guard:
MERCEDES-BENZ S 600 GUARD
Engine: 2,987 cc
Power: 390 kw @ 4,900 rpm
Torque: 830 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Price: Rs 8.9 crore
Engine: 2,987 cc
Power: 390 kw @ 4,900 rpm
Torque: 830 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Price: Rs 8.9 crore
SAFE BET
> The S 600 Guard comes with VR 9-level protection, which is the highest ballistic protection available.
> It is fitted with bulletproof doors and windows, and can withstand large-calibre revolver munitions.
> Protective components of special steel are integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin. Special aramide provides additional splinter protection.
> Overlapping systems at critical points ensure comprehensive ballistic protection.
> The glass areas form a vital part of the protective concept. They are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection.
> The Guard is also equipped with a host of latest technical innovations, which include night view assist plus, an LED intelligent light system and a 360 degree camera.
> In addition to that, there are further add-on options available that have been specifically designed for the Guard. They include:
- Opaque roller blinds all-round in the rear
- Heated windscreen and side windows
- Panic alarm system
- Fire extinguisher system with automatic activation
- Emergency fresh air system that can protect occupants from the ingress of smoke or harmful gases
- Hydraulic power for the heavy side windows
> The car runs on the Michelin PAX run-flat tyres equipped with an additional tyre pressure monitoring system that allows the car to run up to a distance of 30 kilometres even on damaged tyres.
> Despite the extensive protective measures, the S600 Guard is hardly distinguishable from the standard model. As it is not easily recognisable as an armoured vehicle, it meets another pivotal requirement for special protection vehicles - maximum discretion.
