You know that old joke about Mercs being built like tanks? Well, here's one that really is - the S 600 Guard. This is the latest in a long line of luxury personal protection vehicles from Mercedes, and also the newest spin-off of the current S-Class.
Exterior
At VR9, the S 600 Guard is designed to withstand rifle fire from military weapons, as well as offering resistance to splinters from hand grenades and explosive charges. This applies to both the body and the glasshouse area, thanks to reinforcement of the base structure of the S-Class, integrated into the body shell at the production stage. This includes aramide and polyethylene components in the body, with the laminated-structure glass coated in polycarbonate.
It is almost fully armoured underneath, which is what elevates it into that exalted VR9 grouping, and Merc claims the Guard can withstand a splintering explosive charge fired at it from close range. But if you're squinting at it, thinking it looks just like a normal S-Class, that's whole idea. Discretion is the key, the armoured S 600 even benefitting from LED lights front and rear. Although Merc doesn't say what this thing weighs compared to a 'lightweight' S-Class.
Interior
The S 600 Guard has a spacious and luxurious interior befitting of any limo, which can be specified as either a four- or five-seater. It has a 350-litre boot and Mercedes says it retains the 'first-class ambience' of the S-Class saloon. So you can spec things like the Chauffeur package, an executive seat in the rear, a 'First-Class' (that phrase again) rear suite with continuous business console, business telephony, a Warmth Comfort pack - which gently heats all surfaces with which passengers come into contact - and improved air filtering, fragrancing and ionisation.
However, it's all the optional extras that sound like they're out of a James Bond film that we like. Some of them can be fitted to a normal S-Class, such as Night View Assist Plus, an intelligent LED light system and a 360-degree camera. But go full paranoia-spec when ordering and you can add opaque roller blinds all round in the rear; an 'easily operated' panic alarm system; a fire extinguisher with automatic activation; an emergency fresh air system to protect occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases; hydraulic power for the heavy side windows, which can also be heated if you'd like; and the ominous-sounding 'special cooling compartment' in the rear. Exactly what needs 'special cooling', we don't like to ask.
Mechanicals
This armoured limo is fitted with a 530hp, 830Nm V12 engine driving through a 7G-tronic automatic transmission. It is said to have impressive acceleration for a 'rapid escape from the danger zone when under threat', although top speed is limited to 209km/h thanks to its weight. It also has Airmatic suspension with variable damper control and larger brake discs than the standard model, with six-piston callipers up front. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin PAX run-flat tyres, allowing 31km of driving on damaged rubber. You can also spec the Guard with the usual driver assist technologies you'd expect on a top-ranking executive saloon like this.
Anything else?
It carries the full manufacturer's warranty and can be serviced, maintained and repaired at any Mercedes-Benz dealer worldwide. The S 600 is both the latest variant of S-Class and it also joins a wider range of Guard vehicles from Mercedes. If you don't fancy the big S, you can have the Guard option in M-, G- and E-Class models too. The two SUVs are at VR6/7 and the E at VR4; but that still means all Guards can withstand at least large-calibre revolver ammunition.