The Mercedes-Benz S680 GUARD 4MATIC has passed tests no other car has passed before.
The all-new W223 S-Class is already being launched around the world and many business owners are getting excited at the prospect of owning one. But what if you’re a politician who’s a little bit afraid for your safety? Well, then you might want to consider this instead – the S680 GUARD 4MATIC.
This armoured version of the S-Class may look like a regular vehicle on the outside, but for the first time, a GUARD-specific bodyshell has been developed for this variant of the S-Class. Underneath that aluminium skin is a self-supporting protective cell that forms the core of the Integrated Protection System.
Mercedes-Benz developed this variant alongside the standard S-Class and the Maybach variant and adapted the suspension, engine and transmission to ensure all variants had similar driving dynamics.
Powering this variant is a 6-litre biturbo V12 with 612 horsepower and 830Nm of torque. This engine has been revised with new exhaust gas turbochargers, a new exhaust manifold, air ducting, a new closed-loop particulate filter, an all-aluminium crankcase, a one-piece chain drive, a forged crankshaft, forged pistons and a multi-spark ignition. All-wheel drive debuts on the GUARD model for the first time, adapter here with stronger side shafts to deal with the added weight.
How Bulletproof is the 2022 S680 Guard?
The Mercedes-Benz S680 GUARD 4MATIC has enough armour to withstand fire from an assault rifle using armour-piercing ammunition and blast attacks according to the latest VPAM ERV standards, and was the first vehicle to be complete this latest revision of tests, scoring top marks for roof, floor and side protection.
They used human-like “Primus” dummies that indicated no damage despite all the tests carried out. These ‘bio-fidelic’ dummies have fake bones, ligaments, tendons and organs too.
How was this achieved?
Under the aluminium skin of the S-Class, the S 680 Guard’s structure is many, many times tougher than the standard model’s. However, Mercedes-Benz did not disclose just what materials and where the materials were distributed for obvious reasons.
However, they did share the fact that they developed new electro-mechanical door actuators to counter the weight of the doors. They’re also using hydraulics for the window lifters, which allows the windows to be opened or closed even if on-board power fails. The windows are constructed of a multi-layer glass sandwich with polycarbonate inner surfaces.
The S680 GUARD 4MATIC also has a fire extinguishing system with automatic triggering, an emergency fresh air system, a siren, flashing lights, radios and a panic alarm system. Finally, the cars are shod with Michelin PAX run-flat tyres.
The cost of all this? Mercedes-Benz is asking for €457,100 before duties and taxes. Well, worth the investment if you think there’s a price on your head or an angry mob brewing!
