Mercedes-Benz launches armoured vehicle S 600 Guard

German luxury automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz on Thursday launched armoured vehicle 'S 600 Guard' with a price starting at Rs.8.9 crore onwards (ex-showroom Delhi).

The vehicle which boasts of being the safest car on the earth is certified for the highest ballistics protection class right now, called VR9.

"We are glad to introduce this 'fortress on wheels' for our exclusive set of high profile Indian customers, who require the highest levels of protection when on the move, and rely only on Mercedes-Benz special protection vehicles," Eberhard Kern, managing director and chief executive, Mercedes-Benz India, was quoted in a statement.

"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," Kern further said.

The vehicle can withstand rifle fire from military weapons and protection from grenades and explosive charges.

The company pointed out that it has followed the principle of integrated protection based on many years of its experience in building special protection vehicles.

The company elaborated that the new vehicle's major advantages are its strength and stability due to reinforced base structure. which is integrated into the bodyshell production stage.

The glass areas of the car are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection.

The S 600 Guard is powered by a V12 petrol engine, which generates 390 kW (530 hp) and is coupled-with a '7G-TRONIC' automatic transmission.

The brakes of the new vehicle are considerably larger than those of the standard model, so that the extra weight can be safely handled.

The guard-specific equipment in the saloon includes night view assist, LED light system, and 360-degree camera.

The new vehicle sports other features such as heated windscreen and side windows, panic alarm system, fire extinguisher system with automatic activation, emergency fresh air system.

The company added that the new S 600 Guard has immediately met all the personal protection requirements of the relevant authorities in Germany.

Currently, the company's 'Guard' brand range globally has models from the S, E, M and G-Class. Mercedes-Benz offers a total of nine models of special protection vehicles.