Mercedes has quietly unveiled its new armoured S-Class

If you’re reading this with the intention of buying a new armoured limo, may we suggest you think about your life choices for a second?

Not that we meant to tell you how you should live your life, but if you need a V12-engined Mercedes S-Class with VR10 levels of protection (that’s the highest possible for a passenger car and enough to stop a hefty TNT blast, the detonation of two hand grenades on the roof or a round of ammo fired from an assault rifle), then perhaps a more gentle way of life beckons.

Anyhoo, this is the new Mercedes S680 Guard 4Matic, which the Germans quietly unveiled recently. The lack of fanfare is understandable in this case.

As well as that VR10 protection, the S680 gets special Michelin tyres that can run for 19 miles even after they’re punctured, and the glass in the windows is 10cm thick to stop gunfire. Customers can also spec a fire extinguishing system and an emergency fresh air system.

The Guard only comes in long wheelbase S-Class form – you can’t have it as an even longer Pullman – but it does get the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 making 604bhp and a slightly detuned 612lb ft of torque. Apparently the gearbox and steering have been recalibrated to deal with the extra weight, with the Guard sitting at somewhere around four tonnes. Yep, FOUR TONNES. 

Prices will reportedly start at just over €547,000 (which shouldn’t be an issue for those in need) and it’s worth noting that top speed is limited to just 118mph.