X

Mercedes reveals an armored limo for dignitaries, dictators

Mercedes-Benz reveals the latest in its tradition of armored vehicles, the S600 Pullman Guard limousine.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
See full bio
Antuan Goodwin
2 min read

M-B S600 Pullman Guard
Mercedes-Benz

Let's say you're a powerful dictator dignitary of a nation in turmoil. You obviously want to ride in style, and you probably won't be driving yourself around; but security is paramount, being a dictator dignitary and all, and you may occasionally find yourself the target of assassination attempts. So what's an iron-fisted ruler to drive? Well Mercedes-Benz may have the answer for you with the company's newly unveiled S600 Pullman Guard limousine.

bullet proof glass on the G-Class Guard.
The S600 Pullman Guard uses the same super-thick bulletproof glass as the G-Class Guard (pictured). Mercedes-Benz

The S600 Pullman is the latest in Mercedes' 80-year tradition of armored vehicles and is essentially a stretched wheelbase version of the of the standard S600 sedan. The vehicle is able to protect passengers from military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments 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 roof frame struts, door locks, door gaps, and exterior mirror mountings, while fitting some seriously thick bulletproof glass.

Making the S600 Pullman Guard as tough as a tank predictably results in a very tank-like weight. Mercedes compensates for this extra weight with an up-rated suspension and top-of-the-line 5.5-liter biturbo V-12 engine, outputting 517 hp with an impressive 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.

Interior of the S600 Pullman Guard
VIPs will be sheltered from the bullets and pampered by luxurious materials and tech. Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz also offers the standard wheelbase S-Class Guard, the E-Class Guard, and G-Class guard vehicles. Pricing isn't published. This, of course, means that if you have to ask, then you probably can't afford it.