Mercedes-Benz Guard – Special Protection Models Meet Luxury

Luxurious comfort, extensive individualisation options and integrated maximum protection ex factory

Luxurious comfort, extensive individualisation options and integrated maximum protection ex factory: this is what Mercedes-Benz Guard stands for. The first Mercedes-Benz automobile with special protection was a prestigious Pullman Saloon in the Nürburg 460 (W 08) series introduced in 1928. This vehicle and two armoured Model 770 “Grand Mercedes” Pullman Saloons ordered by the Japanese Emperor in 1930 were the original examples of these very special automobiles. For more than nine decades, governments, crowned heads and companies have placed their confidence in special protection vehicles bearing the world-renowned star. The current Mercedes-Benz Guard models provide maximum protection up to Class VR10, and are highly sophisticated products at the highest technical level. The Guard manufactory also makes numerous individualisation options available. It is also traditional for Mercedes-Benz to supply Guard vehicles for international occasions such as state receptions, summit meetings and social events of great importance.

An unrivalled combination of outstanding attributes is the key to the success of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. On the one hand the special protection models meet the highest protection standards available for civilian vehicles, and provide full all-round protection. On the other hand they cosset their occupants with hallmark S-Class comfort, the highest active and passive safety and unrestricted day-to-day suitability.

Integrated special protection by Mercedes-Benz Guard makes this possible. For example, all the protective elements for the doors, rear wall, side components, roof and firewall are not subsequently installed in an already finished vehicle, but integrated into the bodyshell in a separate production process right from the start. To this end the models in the Guard family are conceived and developed together with the unprotected variants from the outset. Potential weaknesses are identified by extensive tests during the development process, and verified by the specialists.

Focused driver safety training by Mercedes-Benz familiarises customers and chauffeurs with the handling capabilities of the Guard models. This is included in the vehicle price. They also receive instruction in the special technical features and systems.

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman Guard, interior;combined fuel consumption 20.6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 473 g/km*

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman Guard, interior;combined fuel consumption 20.6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 473 g/km*

Integrated special protection and a highly-effective combination of materials

All the measures are based on the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz in the engineering of special protection vehicles. All reinforcing elements made of special steel alloys and other high-strength materials are already integrated in cavities between the bodyshell and exterior skin during the body production phase, specifically reinforcing the basic structure. Joints and material transitions feature intelligently designed material overlaps. Relevant areas of the underbody are protected by armour specially developed for these vehicles.

The glazing is a fixed and very important part of the protective measures. Here too, the material and thickness meet the high requirements of the protection category concerned. The inner surfaces of the glass are coated with polycarbonate for splinter protection. Despite their comprehensive protective effect, they offer very good visibility.

This solid combination provides highly effective occupant protection against attacks. The interior remains practically unaffected by the very complex and technically sophisticated protection system, and offers the occupants unrestricted comfort – unlike vehicles with subsequently installed armour plating. Naturally the suspension, brakes, springs and assistance systems are adapted for the additional weight and ensure near-standard handling characteristics with excellent comfort.

It is part of the protective concept that models with special protection are only distinguishable from their standard production counterparts on very close scrutiny. A number of special technical features also ensure that they remain mobile during and after an attack, and can leave the danger area as rapidly as possible. To this end the powerful, high-torque V12 engine makes 390 kW (530 hp) and 830 newton metres available at 1900 rpm.

Special items of equipment are available for the Mercedes-Benz Guard models, for example:

  • emergency fresh air system protecting occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases
  • self-activating fire extinguisher system
  • official equipment, e.g. siren, revolving beacons and two-way radio
  • emergency starter battery
  • easily operated panic alarm system
  • external communication system (loudspeaker/microphone)

Many governments, companies and organisations also take the opportunity for a detailed production discussion about the ordered Guard vehicle. In this way Mercedes-Benz is able to take special wishes and requirements into account from the start, and suggest specific solutions.

Mercedes-Benz Guard certifications VR9 and VR10

Three Mercedes-Benz Guard models are available.

  • Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Guard (combined fuel consumption 18.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 421 g/km): this has the highest VR10 ballistic protection class currently available for civilian vehicles, and represents the pinnacle for civilian special protection vehicles. Since its premiere in 2015 it has been the only series production saloon to have this classification ex factory.
  • Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman Guard (combined fuel consumption 20.6 l/100 km, combined CO2emissions 473 g/km): since 2018 this has been the world’s only long-wheelbase state limousine with armour protection ex factory, and has Class VR9 ballistic protection.
  • Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard (combined fuel consumption 18.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 421 g/km): in 2014 this was the first vehicle to be fully certified for Class VR9 ballistic protection.

All models have official certification from the proofhouse in Ulm, and meet the requirements of BRV 2009, version 2 (Bullet Resistant Vehicles). In this test the body and windows must withstand fire from an assault rifle using armour-piercing ammunition. Compared with VR9, protective measures according to VR10 withstand an approx. 20 percent higher penetration force.

All models also effectively protect their occupants from explosive devices. The roof, floor and sides meet the criteria of Guideline ERV 2010 (Explosive Resistant Vehicles).

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Guard

In the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes together with the exclusivity of Maybach: this top-class saloon combines traditional elegance with ultra-modern comfort, and conveys the height of serenity. Its stately appearance underscores this from every angle. Its length of 5462 millimetres and wheelbase of 3365 millimetres are 200 millimetres more than those of a long-wheelbase S-Class Saloon.

The increased size benefits the rear passengers, as do the Executive seats on the left and right as standard, plus further, exclusive details. The generous spaciousness and design turn the interior into both a multifunctional working environment and an exclusive salon. There is a wide choice of high-grade materials for the interior, and the range of individualisation options is quite enormous: the focus is on the customer’s wishes.

Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman Guard

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman is the epitome of high-end luxury. It combines generous spaciousness with unique interior touches. VIP passengers seated in the direction of travel have two Executive seats as standard, and are able to enjoy the most generous legroom in this segment plus extremely convenient access and egress. In typical Pullman style, the four rear passengers are seated in opposed seats behind the electrically retractable partition.

As was the case with the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (W 100), the generous dimensions of the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Pullman proclaim its special status. With a length of around 6500 millimetres, the Pullman is another 1053 millimetres longer than the Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class. The wheelbase is a stately 4418 millimetres. At 1598 millimetres, the Pullman is also 100 millimetres higher than the Mercedes S‑Class, providing noticeably more headroom.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class likewise combines work with lifestyle at the highest level. Materials, ambience and workmanship in the interior fulfil the diverse requirements of a luxury saloon. The 3165-millimetre wheelbase of the long version and an overall length of 5255 millimetres allow for an interior with generous dimensions. A wide range of individualisation options is also available for the S-Class.

It is also part of the DNA of an S-Class to present technological innovations never before seen in an automobile in this form, e.g. in the area of driver assistance systems or comfort features.

Special protection vehicles for over 90 years

For more than 90 years, Mercedes-Benz has laid claim to a special status with respect to personal protection. This tradition is also a unique history of innovations. This is because the protective measures are always developed specifically for the model in question, and also keep pace with technical advances to provide the best possible protection.

It was with the Model Nürburg 460 of 1928 that the then Daimler-Benz AG was the first company to start equipping its saloons with special protection ex factory, so as to effectively protect the occupants from attacks using firearms and explosive devices. Mercedes-Benz also developed specially protected versions of subsequent luxury and prestige models such as the Model 770 “Grand Mercedes” and the 500 and the 540 K models. The Japanese emperor Hirohito chose an armoured “Grand Mercedes” as a personal car befitting his status – this example delivered in 1935 can now be admired at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

Many politicians and heads of state followed the emperor’s example and entrusted their safety and security to Mercedes-Benz special protection vehicles. In September 1963 Mercedes-Benz presented a new, exclusive prestige model for the highest expectations – the legendary Model 600. Shortly after this presentation, the German government approached Daimler-Benz AG with a request for an armoured version for state guests. This was the start of a new era in special protection for the engineers in Stuttgart, and new approaches were required – partly because of the by now conventional unibody design of vehicles. As no other German automobile manufacturer was able to provide armoured vehicles ex factory, and Mercedes-Benz saloons had a high reputation amongst governments around the world, a close relationship developed between the German authorities and Daimler-Benz. During the course of this, the brand initiated numerous new technical approaches. The intensive cooperation helped to provide the basis for today’s European standards for the different resistance classes.

When a large demand for special protection vehicles arose in Latin America in 1970, Daimler-Benz AG had a suitable answer with armoured 280 SEL 3.5 vehicles. Mercedes-Benz also produced special protection versions of the eight-cylinder W 116-series models and delivered them to selected customers, among them state institutions and governments in Europe and overseas.

Since 1980 and without exception, all generations of the S-Class (model series 126, 140, 220, 221) and the current model (222 series) have always also been available in special protection versions.

Official Reveal of the New Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

The new S600 Guard from Mercedes is as luxurious as an S-Class but offers protection like a tank

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, S 600 Guard. An integral coolbox between the rear seats helps to keep drinks cold on journeys.[/caption]Mercedes-Benz has updated its range of special protection models with the new S 600 Guard based on the new S-Class. The S 600 Guard provides all-round protection to the level of resistance class VR9 (both in transparent and non-transparent areas). With first-class comfort, an outstanding AIRMATIC suspension, powerful V12 engine, intelligent driver assistance systems and unrestricted day-to-day suitability, the new flagship Guard model sets an unprecedented new standard in this segment, seamlessly continuing the long tradition of armoured special protection models from Mercedes-Benz.

With its Guard models, Mercedes-Benz has the world’s widest range of special protection vehicles available ex factory. The Mercedes-Benz Guard range currently has models from the S, E, M and G-Class. The latest member of the Guard family is the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

No weak spots – integrated special protection

The armouring of the S 600 Guard follows the principle of integrated protection based on many years of Mercedes-Benz experience in building special protection vehicles. The major advantages are:

Outstanding strength and stability thanks to specific reinforcement of the base structure which is integrated into the bodyshell production stage.

The high level of comfort is maintained by sophisticated integration and intelligent overlapping of all protective elements.

Already at the bodyshell stage, protective components of special steel are integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin. Special aramide and PE components provide additional splinter protection. Intelligent overlapping systems at particularly critical points ensure comprehensive ballistic protection.

The glass areas are an essential part of the protective concept. They are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection, and have outstanding visual characteristics thanks to their laminated structure. Particular attention is devoted to the protective performance of the glass areas, with an appropriate choice of materials and thicknesses.

The interaction between all the components provides the occupants with a highly effective protective space which not only includes ballistic protection, but also comprehensive protection against explosive devices. The occupants are effectively protected by the armouring if a splintering explosive charge is fired at close range on either side.

With its sophisticated and strong protective system, the new S 600 Guard has immediately met all the personal protection requirements of the relevant authorities in Germany, and is the first vehicle to have been comprehensively certificated for highest ballistic protection in resistance class VR9 (according to BRV 2009, version 2).

Where explosive charges are concerned, the new S-Guard has demonstrated its protective capabilities by meeting the requirements of ERV2010 and the Federal Office of Criminal Investigation. Innovative underbody armouring almost entirely covers the underbody for the first time, a unique feature in the civilian special protection segment.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Discretion as a matter of course

Despite the extensive protective measures, the S 600 Guard is externally hardly distinguishable from the standard model. Its exterior has the same emphatic lines that already suggest power and dynamism when at standstill, the same striking design of the LED High Performance headlamps and the same LED rear light clusters inset like gemstones. As the S 600 Guard is hardly recognisable as an armoured saloon, it meets a further important requirement for special protection vehicles: maximum discretion thanks to unobtrusiveness.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Protection without compromises

The S 600 Guard has a generously spacious interior. Like the flagship S-Class model, the S 600 Guard excels with exemplary headroom and elbow room in the rear, and is also in a class by itself in this segment in terms of comfort dimensions such as entry height and door apertures. In addition, for the first time and as the only car in this segment, the new S 600 Guard is available both as a 4-seater and as a fully-fledged 5-seater, and offers unrestricted day-to-day suitability by virtue of a 350-litre boot capacity and high payload.

Thanks to the intelligently integrated armouring, the Guard version retains the first-class ambience of the S-Class Saloon for its occupants, and meets the highest expectations with regard to perceived quality, appointments and comfort. The comfort features of the standard model, and especially its innovations, are also almost without exception available for the S-Guard. These 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 legrest and cushionbag.
  • The Rear Seat Comfort package includes multicontour outer rear seats, seat heating Plus and now also the ENERGIZING massage function.
  • The Rear PRE-SAFE® package with illuminated belt buckle extenders, PRE-SAFE® belt tensioners and beltbags for the outer rear seats, assisted closing for the doors and boot lid.
  • The First-Class rear suite with a continuous Business console transforms the rear into a mobile office with two individual seats.
  • Business telephony in the rear features a handset with touchscreen and a separate hands-free zone in the rear.
  • The Warmth Comfort package pleasantly warms all surfaces with which the passengers come into contact.
  • The AIR-BALANCE package, including ionisation, improved air filtering and fragrancing.

A rear reading lamp with newly developed LED lights is also optionally available for the S 600 Guard.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Twelve-cylinder powerpack

The S 600 Guard delivers superior performance thanks to its V12 petrol engine, which now generates 390 kW (530 hp) and therefore has even more pulling power than the engine of the preceding model. Thanks to 830 Nm of torque and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which is available with the V12 engine for the first time, the S-Guard combines lower fuel consumption with impressive acceleration for a rapid escape from the danger zone when under threat. For weight reasons the top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h.

Highly efficient air suspension

The S 600 Guard offers its passengers outstanding ride comfort and excellent driving dynamics to a high Mercedes standard. This is ensured by the AIRMATIC air suspension with variable damper control, as well as reinforced, redimensioned suspension components and adapted control functions such as ESP® or ASR to cope with the increased vehicle weight. The air springs at the front are reinforced, for example, and additional steel springs are used at the rear axle. As in the unarmoured S-Class, all-round level control also maintains a constant vehicle level irrespective of the payload in the S‑Guard. In the S 600 Guard it also compensates the reduced ground clearance caused by the underbody armour.

The brakes of the S-Guard are considerably larger than those of the standard model, so that the extra weight can be safely handled. Larger 6-piston brake callipers and significantly larger brake discs are used at the front axle, for example. The rear brakes are also of larger dimensions than on the standard model.

Standard equipment on the S 600 Guard includes Michelin PAX run-flat tires with an additional tire pressure monitoring system which allows an escape from the danger zone up to a distance of 30 km even with damaged tires.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard

Intelligent assistance systems

The S 600 Guard is also equipped with the latest technical innovations that make the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a shining example of passenger car development in general and the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. As part of Intelligent Drive, these optionally include assistance systems which considerably enhance comfort and safety.

The following options are available:

the Driver Assistance package PLUS – this includes the assistance systems DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian recognition and ESP®, and an electric parking brake.

  • Night View Assist Plus
  • LED Intelligent Light System
  • 360° camera

Guard-specific equipment for more comfort and safety

In addition Mercedes-Benz offers further optional extras which were specifically developed for the S-Guard. These include:

  • opaque roller blinds all-round in the rear
  • heated windscreen and side windows
  • easily operated panic alarm system
  • fire extinguisher system with automatic activation
  • emergency fresh air system protecting occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases
  • hydraulic power for the heavy side windows
  • gimbal LED reading lamps in the rear
  • special cooling compartment in the rear

As in the case of standard production models, the full manufacturer’s warranty also applies to the S 600 Guard and the other models in the Guard family. All the Mercedes-Benz service outlets worldwide are also able to service, maintain or carry out any necessary repairs for the Guard models.

TBT: Mercedes Launches S600 Guard Special-Protection Model

Mercedes has released details of their new S600 Guard, a model designed to meet the most stringent standards of personal safety

For throwback Thursday, we went way back to October 2006 for a look at the S600 Guard.  My how times have changed.

To the elite few of you looking for protection that only a well-armored vehicle can provide, you’re in luck, Mercedes today has released details of their new S600 Guard, a model designed to meet even the most stringent standards of personal safety (and did I mention it’s the same car driven by Bella in Stephanie Myer’s Breaking Dawn book from the Twilight Series).

Boasting a Euro standard resistance level of B6/B7, the S600 Guard is capable of withstanding up to military-grade small-arms projectiles. As if that wasn’t enough, Mercedes engineers then took the S600 Guard a step further, surpassing requirements not specified in any standards by adding additional protection from explosives and hand grenades.

Of course, what fun is owning an armored vehicle when it looks and drives like a tank, so the final step to compete the S600 Guard was to make it look and drive like… well… an S600. Despite its new protective cage, re-engineered chassis, bulletproof glass, self-sealing gas tank and all of its other numerous life-saving measures, the S600 is virtually indistinguishable from the standard S600 model. In other words, it’s one fine automobile.

To learn more, keep scrolling for more photos showcasing the S600 Guard in action, followed by the comprehensive press release outlining all of the Guard’s many features.

Mercedes-Benz Guard Models Offer Superior Protection

The Guard models from Mercedes-Benz help to protect the occupants from violent criminal acts using gunfire and explosives

With seven Guard models, Mercedes-Benz offers the widest ex factory range of special protection vehicles in the world. This range has models from the S, E and G-Class, and continues the unrivalled tradition of the world’s oldest automobile manufacturer in the production of armoured vehicles. In 1928 Daimler-Benz was the first manufacturer to offer specially protected vehicles ex factory. The current Guard versions mainly differ from the standard models in having an intelligent, tailor-made structure of protective elements made from special steel and aramid fibre. This protection cannot be seen from outside and is not subsequently installed in an already completed vehicle, but rather integrated into the bodyshell right from the start in a special production process. This enables the body structure and running gear to be specifically adapted for the higher weight caused by the protective elements at the outset. Apart from the build quality expected of a Mercedes, the Guard models retain the outstanding ride comfort and superior driving characteristics of the standard models.

The aim of the Guard models from Mercedes-Benz is to protect the occupants from violent criminal acts. Neither is it only government ministers and top managers who are under threat nowadays, as drivers in many regions of the world do not feel safe from acts of violence. Mercedes-Benz has the answer to violent attack with its armoured Guard models from the S, E and G-Class. The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz Guard portfolio is the S 600 Pullman Guard, a prestigious state limousine with an opulently spacious and luxurious interior. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the Guard models are resistant to handgun and rifle fire, and also certain explosives, while offering their occupants outstanding comfort and day-to-day practicality.

Mercedes-Benz S-Guard

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard is the armoured, special protection version of the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S 600. The generous spaciousness of this flagship model, which offers all its occupants a first-class ambience, outstanding ride comfort and superior driving characteristics, is almost fully retained in the Guard version. Naturally the S 600 Guard is also equipped with the technical innovations that have made the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the benchmark for the entire field of car development, and the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. The S 600 Guard is powered by a twelve-cylinder biturbo engine developing 380 kW (517 hp). It provides highest protection to level VR6/VR7.

Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard

The S 600 Pullman Guard continues the tradition of Mercedes-Benz state limousines, and treats it occupants to generous spaciousness and outstanding comfort. This interior spaciousness is ensured by a further, 115-centimetre increase in the wheelbase compared to the long-wheelbase version of the S‑Class with special protection, to 4315 millimetres. The state limousine also has a raised roof section at the rear for even easier access and more headroom. Four passengers can be seated behind a partition in the rear, on comfortable, opposing seats in line with Pullman tradition. This allows plenty of space for confidential discussions. All the important communication and entertainment functions are on board as well. The Pullman is likewise powered by the silky-smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a cubic capacity of 5513 cc, which develops 380 kW (517 hp) and an impressive torque of 830 Nm. The S 600 Pullman Guard has highest protection to level VR6/VR7.

Mercedes-Benz E-Guard

The Mercedes-Benz E-Guard models are available in three engine variants. The six-cylinder diesel unit in the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Guard develops 195 kW (265 hp) and 620 newton metres of torque. The V6 petrol engine in the E 350 Guard has an output of 200 kW (272 hp). The most powerful variant is the 5.5-litre V8 in the E 500 Guard, which develops 285 kW (388 hp). Because of the run-flat tyres which are standard for all E-Guard models, their top speed is limited to 240 km/h.

All E-Guard models have high protection to level VR4. Their occupants enjoy the same generous spaciousness and high ride comfort as in the standard models.

Mercedes-Benz G 500 Guard

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is also available in a special-protection version. The G 500 Guard is equipped with a 5.5-litre V8 engine and highest protection to VR6 or VR7.

Integrated special protection for outstanding safety

Specialists in Sindelfingen with many years of experience in this field apply the principle of integrated special protection to the Mercedes-Benz Guard models. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell in a dedicated production process. This effectively creates a coat of armour around the entire passenger cell. Even the roof frame struts, door locks, door gaps, exterior mirror mountings and other components are incorporated into this security concept. The resulting vehicle offers hallmark

Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive high/highest protection characteristics, even in those areas where retrofitting would be all but impossible.

A further advantage of integrated special protection is that the protective features actually reinforce the body structure rather than imposing extra stresses. In addition, Mercedes-Benz’ integrated design approach means that any body-structure reinforcements required due to the weight of the protective elements can be integrated right from the very start. The result is extraordinary longevity and the same exceptional quality all round that distinguishes standard Mercedes-Benz production models.

All Mercedes-Benz Guard models display the same outstanding ride comfort and effortlessly superior handling as their series-production counterparts. Furthermore, generously dimensioned suspension components and brakes ensure that their handling qualities are almost on a par with those of the standard-production models, thus giving the driver an optimal driving feel with high dynamic reserves at all times. The chassis is also designed to provide hallmark Mercedes ride comfort despite the extra weight.

The basis for this is the long-standing, continuous and close cooperation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. For decades, this has ensured that the Mercedes specialists have been able to continuously increase their expertise in the fields of development and manufacturing while also applying their vast experience in vehicle protection technology and ballistics to meet the highest standards.

Thanks to the seamless integration of the special protection features, the paint quality and corrosion protection match the standards of Mercedes-Benz series-production vehicles. Moreover, the Guard models can be serviced in any Mercedes-Benz service outlet anywhere in the world – another important factor which ensures easy access to comprehensive service of the highest standard.

Mercedes-Benz uses this know-how acquired over many years to provide answers to different risk scenarios all over the world, offering Mercedes-Benz Guard models with various protection levels in accordance with the European standard.

  • High-Protection vehicles, engineered to the VR4 protection level, resist large-calibre revolver ammunition and offer particularly good protection against the increasing threat of drug-related and violent street crime.
  • Highest-Protectionvehicles, engineered to protection level VR6/VR7, provide effective protection against the threat posed by terrorist attacks. Their armour is designed to resist rifle-fire from military weapons, which has a velocity almost twice that of handgun bullets. They also offer resistance to shrapnel from hand grenades and explosive charges.

More than 80 years of factory-integrated special protection

As the inventor of the automobile, the world’s oldest automobile manufacturer has always seen itself obligated to develop automotive technology further at the highest level, and to set constantly new standards. This applies in equal measure to the special protection vehicles – as witness the unique tradition on which the Stuttgart-based premium brand can also look back in this sector.

As early as 1928, with the model Nürburg 460, Daimler-Benz was the first company to start building saloon cars with factory-fitted protective features which effectively shielded the occupants from attacks using firearms and explosives. This was followed by more than eight decades of extensive material testing and systematic development which has secured the exceptional position of Mercedes-Benz in the field of special protection to the present day.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the specially protected Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 was followed by armoured versions of the “Grand Mercedes” model 770, and of the 500 and the 540 K. In September 1963, Mercedes-Benz presented a new, exclusive prestige vehicle – the legendary 600 model – to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers. Shortly after the launch, the German government approached Daimler-Benz with a request for an armoured version for state visitors. For the engineering team in Stuttgart, this marked the beginning of a new era characterised by a new set of challenges – not least, how to reconcile the requirements of a special-protection vehicle with a self-supporting body structure which had by now become the industry norm. With no other German manufacturer at the time able to offer factory-built armoured passenger cars, and Mercedes-Benz limousines being held in high esteem by many governments around the world, a close working relationship developed between Daimler-Benz and the German authorities. In the course of this cooperation, the Stuttgart-based automaker came up with many new technical solutions and concepts. Indeed, this intensive cooperation formed the basis for the current European standards which define the different protection levels.

In 1970, when there was suddenly great demand for special-protection vehicles following attacks on diplomats in Latin America, Daimler-Benz rose to the occasion with armoured versions of the 280 SEL 3.5 model. Demand grew once again during the 1970s with the attacks by the RAF terrorist group. Mercedes-Benz therefore built special-protection variants of the eight-cylinder 350 SE, 350 SEL, 450 SE and 450 SEL models which it supplied to a select group of customers, including official bodies and governments in Europe and beyond. All subsequent generations of the S-Class have also been available as special-protection variants.