If you fall into the category of political diplomat, Columbian drug lord, pope, or Iraqi citizen, Mercedes has announced today the immediate availability of a new Mercedes E-Class that may be exactly what you're looking for - the new E-Guard models.

Equipped with ballistic protection packages directly ex-factory, the E-Guard models are sure to stop even the most crazed assassins, rival drug lords, religious zealots or Al-Qaeda members. Highlights include steel and aramid reinforced doors, rear wall, sides, roof, and firewall, along with an overall strengthening of the vehicle's structure to compensate for the added weight.

Despite the modifications, the E-Guard models show no signs they vary from their standard E-Class brethren, even with a B4 protection rating and the capability to withstand bullets from a .44 Magnum.

If you're interested, the Mercedes-Benz E-Guard models come in three variants - the E 320 CDI, E 350 and E 500 models.   All are fitted with the safety features found in the standard E-Class models, including PRE-SAFE, ADAPTIVE BRAKE and DIRECT CONTROL, and as already stated, all are available for ordering immediately.

To learn more, keep scrolling for the full press release. Enjoy.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


The new-generation E-Class: E-Guard with "high protection" ex factory

Stuttgart, Jul 04, 2006
With immediate effect, the new-generation E-Class can be ordered with the ballistic protection package directly ex factory. Thanks to the protective features already integrated ex factory, the new E-Class models provide protection against day-to-day criminality while ensuring a quality of security which is not achievable with retrofitted armouring. The Mercedes-Benz E-Guard E 320 CDI is also the world’s first diesel model to feature high protection ex factory.

With the new-generation E-Guard models, Mercedes-Benz is continuing almost 80 years of tradition in the production of armoured passenger cars with special protection. This integrated protection is incorporated on a high-security production line, where experienced specialists build each vehicle from the ground up. Specifically this means that the doors, rear wall, sides, roof and firewall of the passenger cell are fitted with effective protective components of steel and aramid – including areas which are afterwards no longer accessible. In addition, the basic structure of the vehicle body is reinforced to account for the greater weight. This ensures that in all respects, the E-Guard models exhibit the same, typical Mercedes quality as all the standard production models.

This means that in normal road traffic the new-generation E-Guard models are incognito, for there is no external indication that their protective cell is able to stop bullets right up to the mighty .44 Magnum, and has therefore been officially certificated to meet the stringent requirements of protection category B4. The new E-Guard models, which are only supplied in the Avantgarde version, substantially retain their generous interior spaciousness, a high level of ride comfort and the excellent handling which is characteristic of the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New generation is even more dynamic and safe

The new E-Guard models are equipped with the same technical innovations as all the other models in the new-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, deliveries of which commenced in June 2006. This means that the engineers have newly developed or improved more than 2000 components versus the preceding model. Beside the new design the highlights also include appointments which no other car worldwide possesses, with the following innovative safety features and technologies:

• PRE-SAFE® - an anticipatory system which reflexively activates safety features for the driver and front passenger when an accident appears likely;
  
• NECK-PRO head restraints – these reduce the risk of whiplash injuries during a rear-end collision;
  
  
• Intelligent Light System – unique, adaptive headlamps which adapt to the driving and weather conditions;
  
  
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE – brake lights that flash during emergency braking, allowing a faster braking response by drivers following behind;
  
  
• DIRECT CONTROL – more direct steering combined with a new suspension configuration for considerably more agility.
  

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Guard models are available in three engine variants. The new six-cylinder diesel engine of the E-Guard E 320 CDI develops an output of 165 kw/224 hp, while the V6 petrol unit of the E-Guard E 350 has an output of 200 kW/272 hp. The most powerful variant is the newly developed V8 of the E-Guard E 500, which has a displacement of 5.5 litres and an output of 285 kW/388 hp. All the new-generation E-Guard models are equipped with MOExtended run-flat tyres by Michelin in conjunction with a pressure loss warning system. Their maximum speed is limited to 240 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz Guard-Models

Copyright © 2006 DaimlerChrysler AG