Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard is the safest – and most expensive – car in India

Mercedes-Benz India today launched the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard in India at a price of Rs 10.50 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The first car to be certified with the highest ballistic protection level (VR10) for civilian vehicles, the S600 Guard is the costliest car in India on sale. The sedan is also the world’s safest car. The bodywork and windows of the armoured version of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 can withstand hardened steel core bullets along with blast protection.

The carmaker had showcased a version of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard certified with VR9 level ballistic protection, at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi last month.

Additionally, the vehicle also has an ERV (Explosive Resistant Vehicles) 2010 rating. The requirements for the protection against side blasts are greater than before with the new ERV 2010 standard. Earlier, the requirement was to sustain a blast of 15kg TNT from a distance of four metres but the new requirement stipulates the detonation of the same quantity of explosive from a distance of two metres. It makes a huge difference since the impact of the detonation increases with the reduction in distance.

Speaking at the launch, Roland Folger, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz remains the most trusted brand globally in manufacturing ‘Guard’ vehicles since 1928. It is hence not surprising that most of the global heads of states, top diplomats, business tycoons and celebrities prefer a ‘Guard’ vehicle. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard has been launched in India within 15 days of its international debut. With the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach Guard, we continue to follow our top-of-pyramid approach for the discerning Indian customer.”

Apart from offering top-notch protection, the luxury sedan’s rear seats have been repositioned further back, adding to the sense of privacy. Additionally, protective components of special steel are integrated into the area between the body structure and the outer skin. Systematic overlapping systems at critical points, such as material transitions and interstices, provide comprehensive ballistic protection. The laminated structure of the windows are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection

Additional features include a fresh air system, protecting occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases. 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.

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. 

Also read: Roland Folger, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India speaks on the S600 Guard