Emirates Motor Company launches new high protection S-Class

Violent crime is big business. Too big to let a few car occupants get in the way. This is borne out by statistics which show an increase in gang-based crime, armed robberies and carjacking. For many years now, heads of state, leading diplomats and top managers have only ventured out onto the road in armoured cars. Even motorists who are far less in the public spotlight admit to feeling unsafe at times.

Mercedes-Benz Guard models are designed to defy acts of violence. Further vehicles with factory-integrated special protection include the E-Guard and the G-Guard. Depending on requirements, the armoured versions can withstand revolver fire or other gunshots and even hand grenades or explosives. Yet they still provide their occupants with the ultimate in comfort and everyday practicality.

The Mercedes-Benz Guard models with factory-integrated special protection are held in particularly high esteem and the trust people place in them is the product of many years of hard work.

"We take our customers' requirements seriously and have been developing our special-protection vehicles on an almost permanent basis since way back in 1928", says Dr. Rainer Gärtner, head of Mercedes-Benz Guard.

The basis for this is long-standing, close co-operation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. This ensures that the Mercedes specialists are always fully briefed on the latest security requirements and are able to consolidate their position at the leading edge of vehicle protection technology and ballistics.

Mercedes-Benz also uses this know-how acquired over a period of several years to provide answers to different threat scenarios, offering Mercedes-Benz Guard models with various resistance levels in accordance with the European standard:

High-Protection vehicles, engineered to European B4 resistance level, can resist large-calibre revolver ammunition and offer effective protection against the increasing threat of drug-related and violent street crime

Highest-Protection vehicles, engineered to resistance level B6/B7, provide effective protection against the threat posed by terrorist attacks. Their armour is designed to resist military-standard small-arms projectiles which have a velocity almost twice that of bullets fired from a revolver. They also offer protection against fragments from hand grenades and explosive charges

The Mercedes models in both protection categories have been developed in accordance with internationally recognised security standards and have successfully undergone both testing and certification by independent state organisations.

S-Guard
The new S-Guard provides a unique level of protection against attacks and threats posed by violent crime. It is initially available in Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard guise, with a twelve-cylinder engine and a long wheelbase.

This new Guard model is produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, by highly experienced craftsmen working on the principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell on a dedicated production line.

All the body-structure reinforcements required due to the extra weight of the protective elements can therefore be incorporated right from the start. The resulting vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where post-production access would be all but impossible.

The S-Class interior space concept remains virtually unaffected. Furthermore, generously dimensioned chassis components and twin-calliper front brakes lend the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard Saloon traditional Mercedes handling qualities.
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard is a twelve-cylinder bi-turbo engine developing 517 hp, whose scintillating performance capability allows the luxury saloon to escape from dangerous situations with breathtaking speed.

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard has been engineered to resistance level B6/B7. Its armour can resist military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

Yet the Highest Protection that underpins the new Guard Saloon is scarcely noticeable from the outside.

"Prominent personalities in particular like to travel incognito, wherever they happen to be, and the new Mercedes-Benz S-Guard gives them this option," said Monzer Al Rifai, General Manager, Emirates Motor Company.

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard is equipped with the same technical innovations that have made the flagship Mercedes S-Class the Middle East's best-selling luxury saloon.

These include important new developments such as Brake Assist PLUS and the PRE SAFE® brake in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS, night view assist and the enhanced PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system.

On top of all this, the outstanding level of interior comfort and extremely agile handling make for an effortlessly superior driving experience.

Each Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard displays its own unique brand of styling thanks to an extensive range of appointments similar to that available for the standard-production S-Class, including a choice of paint finishes, leather upholstery and wood trims.

The designo range is also available to give the S 600 Guard an even more personal touch. Plus the interior can be fully tailored to the most specific of requirements with a business console, rear entertainment package or a mobile fax machine, enabling the creation of a relaxed and comfortable environment in which the owner can work on the move or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

It goes without saying that all Mercedes-Benz Guard Saloons can be serviced or repaired at any Mercedes-Benz service outlet - a key component of our comprehensive, uncomplicated, high-level service concept.

Service also includes one-to-one assistance and support for those looking to buy a Mercedes-Benz Guard vehicle. As well as giving buyers tailored advice and a detailed explanation of the vehicle and its functions, Mercedes-Benz offers intensive chauffeur training so that S-Guard drivers can get to know the vehicle inside out.

Topics covered by these courses for the chauffeur elite include the right response when faced with threats, lessons in driving physics and active training sessions in which drivers learn how to master control of the heavier car in tricky situations.

Key markets
The Middle East is one of the key markets for Guard vehicles. However, demand for special-protection vehicles is currently especially high in Latin America, South Africa and Southern Europe. In these regions, most buyers opt for High-Protection vehicles (resistance level B4). In Central Europe and the former Soviet states, however, Highest-Protection Guard models are more then norm (resistance level B6/B7).