New S-Class Guard gets VR10 protection, 612hp

While there aren’t many of us (well, hopefully not many of us) that have the need for an armoured car, there’s still something very cool about the technology that goes into bombproof, bulletproof, basically indestructible cars. And Mercedes, having made armoured cars for 90 years, knows a thing or two about building them. This is the latest, the S-Class Guard of the recently updated W223 generation, offering ‘unparalleled protection’. That means an officially certified VR10 protection level, the highest civilian protection level and the only series production limo currently available with that sort of status. 

What does VR10 mean? It means little short of an invasion is going to stop you in an S-Class. It can withstand Dragunov sniper rounds and multiple Kalashnikov bullets. It was tested with ‘human-realistic, biofidelic dummies’ to assess damage from explosives, with the maximum rating for all. Tested by the German VPAM (which translates as the ‘association of test centres for attack-resistant materials and structures’), the S680 Guard ‘meets the highest civilian requirements for ballistic and blast protection.’ So if you are at risk of assassination (again, hopefully nobody is, but such is the world), there’s no safer place to be on the move than this Mercedes. 

How does it achieve this level of protection? Mercedes’ Integrated Protection System is key, a ‘discreet aluminum protection skin’ on top of the body to serve as armour. The glass is thicker, the underside is stronger, the roof is impenetrable – it’s a V12-powered tank, on steel-reinforced Michelin runflats. It means this seemingly innocuous-looking S-Class actually weighs 4.5 tonnes. But if discretion is the name of the game, if you need to get around under the radar but beyond any threat, what could be better?

The powertrain is notable here, in fact, as the Guard is the first armoured S-Class made by Mercedes with the 6.0-litre V12. There’s 4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time also, with a 31:69 front to rear torque split, which whoever is behind the wheel will surely appreciate. But while the engine in a recognisably potent spec – 612hp and 612lb ft – that weight most certainly takes its toll: when was the last time an S-Class could claim an 8.3-second 0-62mph time? 

So the getaways won’t be scorchingly rapid. The top speed is limited to 130mph. The standard Michelin PAX tyres ensure up to 30 miles of driving pretty much regardless of what’s happened, and cost thousands of euros each. The onus, needless to say, is on survivability. And beyond that, usability: Mercedes suggests that its latest MBUX rear-seat infotainment system includes productivity features such as seamless video conferencing, which means the Guard can operate as a ‘secure, fully connected business lounge’. 

Only this lounge features fire extinguishing and emergency fresh-air systems, external communication and servo-assisted doors – oh and there are hydraulically operated window lifters which are designed to operate even in the event of total power failure. All manner of flashing lights and sirens are available as options, allowing the car to be configured for ‘government duties and other highly specialised roles’. Which is appropriate when you consider that the Guard returns around 15mpg on a good day. No word on how much one costs, but if you have to ask you’re probably not the sort of oligarch it’s intended for…