Mercedes-Benz Guard: licenced to protect
|
Mercedes-Benz E Guard
Mercedes-Benz G Guard
Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard
|
|
|
Home >
News >
Mercedes-Benz
15th June, 2011
- Seven Guard models in the E, S and G-Class
- Dedicated production process
- A wealth of fully reinforced components
- Same high standard of Mercedes quality as standard-production models
- Sophisticated high-tech materials
With its Guard models, Mercedes-Benz offers the world's widest ex-factory range of special protection vehicles. The
range comprising E-Guard, S-Guard and G-Guard features tailor-made protection to European standards. A high level of
protection is provided by armour made from state-of-the-art materials such as glass/plastic composites and
high-strength special steel in combination with plastic elements. All protective elements are incorporated at the body
shell stage during a separate and independent production process.
Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard
The armoured special-protection version of the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S 600 is powered by a twelve-cylinder
bi-turbo engine developing 380 kW (517 hp), delivering an outstanding performance that allows rapid escape and evasion
in threatening situations. The S-Class interior space concept, which makes for a first-class ambience combined with
outstanding ride comfort for all the occupants, not to mention effortlessly superior handling, remains virtually
uncompromised. Furthermore, generously dimensioned suspension components and twin-calliper front brakes lend the
Mercedes-Benz S-Guard saloon hallmark Mercedes handling qualities and provide the driver with an optimal driving feel
at all times. Furthermore, the suspension has been configured so as not to impair the sumptuous level of comfort that
distinguishes the standard-production S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard offers highest protection to level VR6/VR7, as tested and certified by state-approved
organisations. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing
system.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard is equipped with the same technical innovations that have made the flagship Mercedes
S-Class the number-one trailblazer in passenger car development and the world's best-selling luxury saloon. These
include Brake Assist PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® brake in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, Night View Assist and PRE-SAFE®
preventive occupant protection with additional functions. Moreover, the outstanding level of interior comfort and
agile handling make for an effortless driving experience.
S 600 Pullman Guard
With the prestigious S 600 Pullman Guard luxury limousine with integrated highest protection to level VR6/VR7, the
world's oldest car maker is continuing a unique tradition of large, armoured prestige limousines. It was 80 years ago
that Mercedes-Benz became the very first car brand to develop and manufacture Pullman limousines with special
protection features.
Like the famously luxurious and spacious open-plan Pullman railway coaches after which it is named, the S 600
Pullman Guard treats its occupants to a travelling environment characterised by generous accommodation and the highest
comfort. The vehicle owes its remarkably spacious interior to its 4,315 millimetre wheelbase, which is 115 centimetres
longer than that of the long version of the special-protection S-Class. Indeed, with an overall length of 6,356
millimetres, the S 600 Pullman Guard is a vehicle of truly majestic proportions which offers its passengers not only a
maximum of comfort, but also a superbly appointed setting for discreet meetings, equipped, of course, with all the key
communications and entertainment systems. This ensures that the occupants remain fully in touch while enjoying the
luxury and comfort of their own, special environment.
With exotic wood trim and high-grade leather, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard shows stylish
elegance and perfect finish in every detail. The standard individual rear seats in a V12 design ensure outstanding
seating comfort. They are equipped with massage, multi-contour and ventilation functions. Another example of the
luxurious appointments is the thermostat-controlled refrigerated compartment in the console between the rear seats,
which is included as standard.
The technical basis for the Pullman limousine is the S 600 Guard, the flagship Mercedes-Benz Guard model. It is
powered by a silky-smooth twelve-cylinder bi-turbo engine with a cubic capacity of 5,513 cc. Output is 380 kW (517 hp),
with an impressive 830 Nm of torque. The suspension and basic vehicle structure have been modified, as it would be
impossible to guarantee the long-term overall stability of the vehicle with its extra-long wheelbase if the lengthening
process consisted of simply inserting an additional body section. The modifications also provide a solid foundation for
the integration of the heavy special-protection elements. Furthermore, the state limousine is equipped with a higher
rear roof for easier access and greater headroom. Four passengers can be accommodated in the rear compartment behind
the partition – in comfortable seats whose face-to-face arrangement recalls the great Pullman tradition.
Mercedes-Benz E-Guard
The E-Guard is available in three engine variants, with an option of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line.
The E 500 and E 350, as well as the diesel-powered E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, are designed as five-seaters with a boot
capacity of 540 litres and a high payload of up to 550 kilogrammes, which means they are fully suitable for day-to-day
and family use.
|
|
|
Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA
..... more
|
|
|
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.
The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight caused by the protection features. The E-Guard is
equipped with a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. The electronic control and
restraint systems that assist the driver in critical situations have been specifically adapted to suit the different
parameters versus the standard model. The car is fitted with 17-inch wheels and run-flat tyres designed for a maximum
speed of 240 km/h as standard. With the tyres deflated, the vehicle is still able to cover up to 80 kilometres at a speed
of 80 km/h to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of a corresponding attack.
All E-Guard models are equipped with high protection to level VR4. Despite the high level of special protection, the
comfort-related advantages of the E-Class are fully retained. This applies equally to the generous spaciousness of this
fully-fledged five-seater, the spatial acoustics, the sun protection and the lighting/control functions. The rear window
is heated, and the power windows on the driver and front passenger sides are fully retractable. Efficient power windows
are also available for the rear. Optional extras include an emergency alarm system that causes the headlamps to flash and
sounds an alarm at the touch of a button in the event of a threat. An intercom system allows communication between the
protected passenger cell and the outside world. In addition the E-Guard features the numerous, innovative assistance
systems of the E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz G 500 Guard
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is also available in a special protection version. The G 500 Guard can be supplied with
protection level VR6 or VR7. It is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine with 285 kW (388 hp) and a Touchshift 7-speed
automatic transmission.
The current Mercedes-Benz Guard models at a glance
|
Protection level (European standard) |
Cyl. |
cc |
kW/hp |
Nm at rpm |
km/h** |
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Guard |
High protection (VR4) |
V6 |
2,987 |
195 kW/ 265 hp |
620 at 1,600 |
240 |
E 350 Guard |
High protection (VR4) |
V6 |
3,498 |
200 kW/ 272 hp |
350 at 2,400 |
240 |
E 500 Guard |
High protection (VR4) |
V8 |
5,461 |
285 kW/ 388 hp |
530 at 2,800 |
240 |
S 600 Guard |
Highest protection (VR6/VR7) |
V12 |
5,513 |
380 kW/ 517 hp |
830 at 1,900 |
210 |
S 600 Pullman Guard |
Highest protection (VR6/VR7) |
V12 |
5,513 |
380 kW/ 517 hp |
830 at 1,900 |
160 |
G 500 Guard |
Highest protection (VR6) |
V8 |
5,461 |
285 kW/ 388 hp |
530 at 2,800 |
160 |
G 500 Guard |
Highest protection (VR7) |
V8 |
5,461 |
285 kW/ 388 hp |
530 at 2,800 |
160 |
|
|
|
Mercedes-Benz E 350 road test
..... more
BMW Z4 road test
..... more
Lexus IS 250C road test
..... more
Mercedes-Benz SL 600 road test
..... more
Aston Martin V8 Vantage road test
..... more
Jaguar XKR road test
..... more
Lexus LS 460 road test
..... more
|
|
|
** limited by tyres
Factory-integrated special protection for comprehensive safety
All special protection vehicles from Mercedes-Benz follow the principle of integrated special protection. 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 body shell 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.
Only the integrated protection concept allows highly effective detailed solutions of this kind and enables
Mercedes-Benz Guard models to offer such complete protection. Specialists see to it that any potential weak spots are
fully protected: at gaps in the body, at the doors or at the joins between metal and glass sections, an ingenious,
overlapping system prevents projectiles from penetrating the interior. Hence Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles provide their
occupants with seamless all-round protection. High Protection or Highest Protection is combined with hallmark
Mercedes-Benz build quality, even in those areas where post-production access would be all but impossible.
A further advantage of integrated special protection is that the protective features actually reinforce the body
structure rather than exerting extra strain. 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. These reinforcements include suspension mountings or sturdier door hinges and window frames, for example.
The window frames support the special side windows which are coated on the inside with a tough polycarbonate layer,
while the hinges have to support doors whose weight is increased to over 150 kg on account of their special-protection
features. Despite this extra weight, the hinges operate smoothly and reliably for the entire lifetime of the car. The
result is extraordinary longevity and the same exceptional quality all round that distinguishes Mercedes-Benz
standard-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.
Thanks to the seamless integration of the special-protection features, the paint quality and corrosion protection
also match the high standards of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. And needless to say, all Guard models can
be serviced in any Mercedes-Benz workshop anywhere in the world, and come with full warranty cover.
Combination of high-tech materials
For a high level of protection, the passenger cells of Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicles are clad in armour made of
state-of-the-art materials such as glass/plastic combinations, high-strength special steel or special steel-and-plastic
composites.
Mercedes engineers use high-alloyed special steels and are constantly researching new materials to determine the
optimal degree of protection for each particular resistance level. They do this on an in-house firing range equipped
with a laser measuring system. This commitment to exploring the potential of new materials and technologies has made
Mercedes-Benz the number-one trailblazer in the field of special-protection vehicle development – a position it has
held for several decades. The experts' aim is to reconcile the highest degree of protection with the lowest possible
weight.
Armour that is invisible from the outside
On the outside, there is hardly any difference at all between a Mercedes-Benz Guard saloon and its
standard-production counterpart. That's because, when it comes to special protection, discretion is just as much of a
must as trust, reliability and quality. Statesmen, diplomats and senior business figures all over the world appreciate
being able to travel incognito in vehicles that do not immediately betray their special status. But even those
customers who are less in the public spotlight realise that discretion is the best form of protection. And because the
protective elements in Mercedes-Benz Guard models are already integrated into the body shell, they not only offer
extremely effective protection, they are also inconspicuous in everyday life. Nobody actually sees the hard core that
lies within.
|