Posted Date: September 24, 2008

Let's say you're an authoritative VIP or dignitary of a country in turmoil. You obviously want to ride in fashion, and you probably won't be driving yourself more or less; but security is supreme, being a VIP dignitary and all, and you may occasionally find yourself the intention of assassination efforts. So what's an iron-fisted monarch to drive? Well Mercedes-Benz may have the respond for you with the company's newly unveiled S600 Pullman Guard limo.

The S600 Pullman is the newest in Mercedes' 80-year custom of armored automobiles and is fundamentally a stretched wheelbase adaptation of the of the standard S600 sedan. The vehicle can defend passengers from military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides defense against wreckages from hand grenades and other explosive charges. It does so by fully integrating armored panels into the body shell during the production process and reinforcing top frame struts, door locks, door gaps, and exterior mirror mountings, while fitting some sincerely thick bulletproof glass.

Making the S600 Pullman Guard as strong as a tank predictably is in a very tank-like heaviness. Mercedes gives for this additional heaviness with an up-rated postponement and top 5.5-liter V-12 engine, outputting 517 hp with a remarkable 612 pound-feet of torque. With run-flat tires, a self-sealing gas tank, and gobs of power on tap, you should have no problem getting out of all but the stickiest of situations.

Mercedes-Benz also gives the standard wheelbase S-Class Guard, the E-Class Guard, and G-Class guard vehicles. Pricing isn't displayed. This, of course, means that if you have to inquire, then you almost certainly can't afford it.