Mercedes is all set to launch the armoured variant of the new S-class called the S 600 Guard in India on May 21, 2015. At first, the S 600 looks like the standard car but under the paint and body shell are layers of armoured protection of the highest level.
The S 600 Guard offers VR9-level ballistics protection to its occupants, as per the BRV 2009 guidlines. The VR9-level certification, one of the highest certification levels for civilians, means that the car can withstand 7.62x51mm rifle rounds on multiple areas of the body from various angles. The S 600 Guard features protective components milled from special steel in various cavities between the body structure and outer shell, along with the use of heat-resistant synthetic fibres to protect occupants from projectiles. Other features include an automatic fire suppression system, emergency fresh air system in case of ingress of smoke, and hydraulic actuated side windows.
The windows of the car feature thick laminated glass with polycarbonate coating to provide better ballistics protection. The under body is also armoured to prevent injury to the occupants from explosive devices.
Inside, the S 600 Guard provides all the features and luxuries of the regular S-class and comes with an option of a four or a five-seat layout.
Under the hood, the S 600 Guard is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 generating 530bhp and 84.63kgm of torque mated to Mercedes’ 7G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. Top speed though is restricted to 210kph because of the weight of the car. To manage the weight the AIRMATIC suspension is also beefed up with stiffer and reinforced dampers.
In addition to the S 600 Guard, another S-class model heading to India is the S 63 AMG. Featuring additions like the AMG body kit, bespoke AMG wheels, AMG interior detailing and exhausts, the S63 is the sportier avatar of the luxury saloon. Under the hood, the S 63 AMG will get the Mercedes-AMG 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 generating 577bhp and 91.77kgm of torque mated to the AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the S 63 AMG sprints from 0-100 in a claimed 4.4 seconds; a quick scramble considering the car weighs about two tonnes and a top speed limited to 250kph.
The S 600 Guard's India launch is expected to be followed by the launch of the S 63 AMG performance sedan later this year.