Heads of state and business leaders can take entrust their lives to the new special protection version of the S-Class, the S 680 Guard 4MATIC.
The Guard met the highest ballistic test level for civilian vehicles with protection class VPAM VR10, while offering ultimate resistance against explosives. The certification by Beschussamt Ulm, a ballistic testing authority, was carried out for the first time using so-called biofidelic dummies, whose bone and soft tissue constructions imitate the human body.
As Mercedes-Benz said it has been building special protection vehicles since 1928, the S 680 Guard 4Matic benefits from the many years of experience. The integrated protection system (iSS) now uses a tailor-made car bodyshell, rather than the previous iSS being shoehorned to the standard car.
The protective cell is made from an aluminum outer skin, which serves as a design shell and ensures the car's inconspicuous appearance. The iSS includes the adaptation of the suspension, engine, and transmission to ensure that the car's performance can cope with the armoring.
In addition to the unseen armoring elements of the S 680 Guard, the transparent area of the windows is an essential part of the protection concept. The material and thickness of the multi-layer glass “sandwich” meet the high requirements of the VR10 safety classification, while the inner surfaces of the glass are coated with polycarbonate for splinter protection.
As a result of the stronger body and windows, the S 680 Guard can withstand fire from an assault rifle, as verified by the mentioned Beschussamt Ulm, a testing and certification body for weapons, ammunition, and safety. The S-Class Guard's said VR10 VPAM is rated at Version Three of BRV (Bullet Resistant Vehicles).
All of the protection resulted in heavier doors, so Mercedes-Benz fitted to the safe sedan power assisted doors and windows. The doors its windows use hydraulics so that minimal effort is needed to open or shut them. In case of power failure, the objects can still work thanks to their backup power source.
Even if the S 680 Guard is as secure as a tank, the German car marque made the interior as luxurious as it can be.
The four- and five-seater versions of the Guard can both hold their own with their sister models, with more than 80 individualization options, from Active Ambient Lighting and a media display featuring OLED technology through to a first-class rear suite and rear airbag.
There are almost no restrictions on trim parts and color combinations. However, optional extras that contradict the protective purpose, such as a sliding sunroof, are not available.
With all-wheel drive, the S-Class Guard is powered by the V12 M279 engine that generates with 603hp. The new ride will premiere worldwide in September.
Photos from Mercedes Benz
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