Home | News | Road Tests Mercedes-Benz Presents its Latest Armoured Business Suit: the New E-Guard An armoured car in the guise of a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Home > News > Mercedes-Benz 12th February, 2009 Shortly after the European market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class next month, the German brand will offer the world's most successful business saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model. This unique version of the E-Class sedan is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelligently conceived protective features made from special steel, which are invisibly integrated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes all-round polycarbonate glazing. As a result the new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the risk of criminal attack. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection vehicles. As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the unique requirements for the special protection version of the E-Class were already taken into consideration by the engineers at the specification stage of the new E-Class’s development. The new E-Guard is subject to the same body shell processes as the regular production model, which means that structural strength, dimensional accuracy, corrosion protection and outstanding paint quality are guaranteed to series production standards. All-road protection against criminal attack in the street During the next stage, highly experienced and specially trained experts install the precisely formed protective elements, which precisely fit the contours of the body shell without encroaching on the interior space. The result is a comprehensively protected passenger cell of special, high-strength steels and aramide components, which are complemented with highly resistant polycarbonate glazing. All these measures are invisible to the naked eye. The extremely stringent Mercedes-Benz guidelines are applied by the production specialists to ensure complete quality control at all times. Despite the high level of special protection, the comfort-related advantages of the new 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. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more 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 new E-Guard features the numerous, innovative driver assistance systems of the new E-Class. The new E-Guard meets the stringent requirements for High-Protection according to protection class VR4 (formerly B4) and more. This means that the vehicle is able to withstand hand gun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in calibre - at random angles of fire, to provide the most realistic protection possible. The E-Guard therefore offers outstanding protection against criminal attacks in the street, as has been verified and certified by an internationally recognised test institute. Under body armour is also available on request. This makes the entire underfloor area of the passenger cell resistant to attack with a DM51 hand-grenade. Modified suspension plus adapted control and restraint systems The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight produced by the addition of 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 compared to the standard model. Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more 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 50 kilometres at a speed of 80 km/h to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of an attack. Extensive test marathon Like all the series-production vehicles, the new E-Guard Saloon was subjected to extensive testing under tough conditions during its development. This included endurance testing on simulated rough tracks, braking tests on Europe's Alpine passes, climatic tests at extreme temperatures, long-term corrosion tests and crash tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz Guard models, the E-Guard is covered by the full Mercedes-Benz warranty and service terms. In addition to the integrated, ex-factory protection, this is another important advantage over vehicles with retrofitted special protection. Family friendly saloon with special protection The new E-Guard is available in three engine variants, with an option of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line. The V8 E 500 and V6 E 350, as well as the turbo diesel V6-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. The High-Protection package for the Mercedes-Benz E-Guard costs €45,000 (German list price excluding VAT). The new E-Guard can be ordered from April 2009. More Mercedes-Benz News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.