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Mercedes unveils an S-Class built like a luxury tank
Mercedes-Benz has introduced the S680 Guard, an armored variant of the flagship S-Class designed for heads of state, royalty and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Unlike aftermarket conversions, this is a factory-built protection model that the company says is the only production car in the world to meet non-military VR10 ballistic protection standards.
Why VR10 matters
The VR10 rating tells a clear story: the bodywork and glazing are engineered to withstand armor-piercing rounds, incendiary ammunition and high-caliber sniper fire. Mercedes hasn’t disclosed every technical detail, but the build almost certainly combines multiple ballistic panels, extensive Kevlar layers and extremely thick laminated glass. Ordinary rounds that would penetrate a regular car are reduced to harmless ricochets against this armored shell.
Survival systems beyond armor
Beyond heavy-duty steel and ballistic glass, the S680 Guard includes internal fire suppression, an independent emergency air system for protection against chemical attacks, and power-assisted door mechanisms because the armored doors are significantly heavier. Optional fittings such as sirens, rotating beacons and flag mounts can be specified for official convoys.
- VR10 factory-rated ballistic protection
- Internal fire suppression system
- Emergency fresh-air supply for CBRN scenarios
- Power-assisted heavy doors and convoy equipment options
Luxury and connectivity remain intact
Under all that armor, Mercedes has kept the S-Class’s signature luxury: premium leather, fine wood trim and the MBUX infotainment suite. The automaker has also emphasized rear-seat video conferencing and communications features so occupants can continue secure high-level meetings on the move—even in hostile environments. In short, the S680 Guard aims to combine limousine-level comfort with maximum survivability.
Performance to move the protected VIP
To shift the considerable mass of additional armor, Mercedes equips the S680 Guard with a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing around 612 horsepower. Torque is routed through the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system to ensure traction and the ability to escape dangerous situations quickly. Exact performance figures and mobility specs aren’t the headline — survivability and reliable extraction are.
Positioning and price expectations
Sedans like the S-Class remain a staple in presidential motorcades even as armored SUVs grow in popularity. By offering a factory-armored VR10 model, Mercedes reinforces the S-Class’s role as the default symbol of state power and prestige. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but based on previous Guard models and the level of factory protection, a realistic estimate is in the €450,000–€550,000 range.
Whether used by governments, diplomats or the very wealthy, the Mercedes S680 Guard is designed to deliver peace of mind: a mobile sanctuary that prioritizes occupant safety without sacrificing the refinement expected of an S-Class.
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