Mercedes-Maybach reveals new bullet-proof S600 Guard

Mercedes-Maybach has announced the new S600 Guard, the first car to be certified with the highest ballistic protection level (VR10) for civilian vehicles.

Inspected by Germany’s Federal Office of Criminal Investigation, the S600 Guard passed VR10 protection level and ERV 2010 rating (Explosive Resistant Vehicles), certifying that the model’s bodywork and windows can withstand bullets and rocket-propelled grenades.

Upgrades over its ‘regular’ siblings include repositioned rear seats - sitting passengers further back in the vehicle – plus a host of safety reinforcement and technology to ensure the car can still drive following an attack. The bodywork is made up of special steel, which is integrated between the structure and the outer skin. A polycarbonate coating has also been applied to the inside of the windows for splinter protection.

The Michelin tyres feature steel rings to ensure they don’t slip off in the event of a flat. This Proceed On Function run-flat technology means not even a shredded tyre can halt a getaway.

The fuel tank isn’t armored, but it is coated with a special material that closes any holes automatically if it is hit; the same material is used in Boeing AH-64 Apache tank attack helicopters. Elsewhere, supporting parts such as steering and axles are all reinforced.

Built at the Sindelfingen Mercedes plant, the Mercedes-Maybach Guard is powered by the same twin-turbo 6.0-litre 523bhp V12 engine as the regular S600, with 612lb ft of torque on offer.

Options include a £7,268 (Rs 7.15 lakh) fresh air system, which sits under the boot floor injecting the interior with fresh air to escape a possible gas attack, while a weapon safe can also be added to the boot at a cost of £1,863 (Rs 1.83 lakh).

The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard will be priced from £438,000 (Rs 4.31 crore) in the UK and joins the G500 Guard, the GLE Guard and S-Class Guard in the carmaker’s armoured line-up. Not everyone will be able to buy one because Mercedes will verify buyers before production to restrict access to criminals.