14 DAY TRIAL // In a world where the threat of terrorism is almost everywhere, the richest and most powerful people need to feel safe when traveling in a car. Civilian armored cars are either factory produced, such as the BMW 7 Series High Security and the armored Audi A6 and A8 cars, or retrofitted versions of series cars.
Probably the most impressive armored cars are produced by Mercedes-Benz, as they offer a long-standing tradition in automotive industry, protection from most used weapons, and a sense of class and style that only a Mercedes can produce.
Scheduled to enter production in 2008, the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman Limousine is continuing the carmaker's long tradition of building large state carriages with factory-integrated special-protection features.
Based on the long version of the S 600 flagship, with a substantially extended wheelbase length, it will be used by governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The most important markets for this car will be the Middle East, South East Asia and South America.
Having an extremely large passenger compartment in the rear, this car is a tank on the outside and a fully equipped mobile office on the inside. It will not only provide all the communication and entertainment equipments, but it will also offer a comfortable space for discreet meetings.
The technical specifications are truly impressive. The car will have a smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cc, an output of 380kW/517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm. Acceleration and top speed have not yet been provided, but they were never a shortcoming for the Mercedes limo.
The installation of the heavy special-protection components requires a solid design basis, with the help of the latest technological achievements. At a resistance level of B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organizations, the car resists military-issue small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices.
Of course, no armored limo would be complete without run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system, so practically nothing will be able to stop this car in her tracks, once you have an expert driver behind the wheel.
As the ultimate proof of the quality of this vehicle, no famous assassinations attempts succeeded when the target was riding in a Pullman Limousine and that pretty much says it all.