The new Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard comes with maximum standards of protection prescribed for non-military vehicles while providing utmost luxury and comfort.
Mercedes is enjoying the best time in the Indian market while sales are hitting record highs. The German automaker has planned 12 new vehicles for the Indian market in 2016 while the first one was the GLE450 AMG launched in January and it has now launched the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard at a price of Rs. 10.50 crores onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi). The protected limousine comes with the maximum safety standards prescribed for a non-military vehicle. So we are here with everything you need to know about the latest Merc, in case you are planning to play it safe.
Design – The Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard looks like a proper limousine while its wheelbase is 207 mm longer than the long-wheelbase model of the regular S-Class. The front fascia looks similar to that of the regular S-Class while the thick materials used are evidently visible and differentiates it from the regular luxury saloon. The limousine has a layer of a special steel between the structure and outer skin while vulnerable openings such as door seals, engine bonnet seals and seals between the door and glass have been reduced using an overlapping technology.
The windows are another special feature of the S600 Guard which are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for reinforcement and are operated hydraulically. The fuel tank is not armoured but it has a layer of special woven fabrics and elastomers which are triggered during an attack and seals up the fuel tank. The S600 Guard is claimed to provide a driving experience similar to that of the regular S-Class while the entire mechanism is tweaked to handle the extra weight.
Interior – The interiors of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard are perfectly luxurious while the added wheelbase provides more spacious rear seats which comprise of two executive seats. These seats are claimed to be the quietest rear seats by the automaker and can be separated from the front seats with a partition. There are wooden accents at a number of places while it has an IWC-badged clock with individually milled numbers.
The cabin is provided with fibre-optic ambient lighting while the rear passengers get individual infotainment system mounted on the front seats. The audio system consists of 3D Burmester surround sound with tweeters on the rear door and the speakers have chrome plated grille. Other luxuries include electrically adjustable backrest for rear passengers seats which are equipped with massage function and power operated calf support.
Engine – The Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard is powered by a 6.0-litre, Bi-Turbo, V12 engine that produces 523 PS of power and 829.8 Nm of torque, this powerplant also does duty on the non-protected S600. The limousine is claimed to be able to accelerate up to 100 km/hr from a halt in 5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/hr.
Safety – This is the zone of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard, it is developed for a sole purpose of providing safety to the occupants. The standard safety features include ABS, EBD, seat-belt mounted airbags, etc. The luxury limousine comes with VR10 level of Bullet and Blast protection which makes it capable of sustaining bullets from rifles and rocket-propelled bombs. It is also certified as an Explosive Resistant Vehicle according to the guidelines prescribed in 2010.
