Car premieres

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz-S-680-GUARD-4MATIC

The new Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC meets the highest ballistic test requirements for civil vehicles and is also highly resistant to explosives (protection class VPAM VR10). Certification by the Beschussamt Ulm (ballistic testing authority) was carried out for the first time using so-called biofidel dummies. Thanks to structures resembling bones and soft tissues, they allow a particularly realistic imitation of the human body. The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is the first Mercedes GUARD sedan with all-wheel drive. It is powered by the well-known V12 engine (M279) with 450 kW (612 hp).

Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

The world premiere of the S 680 GUARD 4MATIC will take place at the Munich Motor Show in September.

“The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is one of the most customer-focused vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. This is because, as a special armored variant, the focus is on people and their safety,” said Dirk Fetzer, S-Class Product Management Manager. At the same time, thanks to extensive development and testing, its quality and durability are at the serial level.”

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz has been building armored vehicles since 1928, i.е. for over 90 years. Now buyers of the new S-Class 680 GUARD 4MATIC can benefit from this many years of experience. The Integrated Security System (iSS) represents an unprecedented level here: while previously the necessary protective materials were combined with the standard body of the GUARD limousine, this time a special GUARD body was developed with integrated protection elements. A self-supporting protective structure forms the core of the iSS, with an aluminum bodywork serving as its visual cover for an unobtrusive appearance. In addition to armor, the iSS system includes adaptations of the suspension, engine and gearbox to achieve almost the same handling as a production car. The development process, parallel to the standard versions, means that the durability of GUARD vehicles reaches the level of production vehicles.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

An integral and important part of the protective concept, in addition to invisible armor elements, is the hull glazing. The material and thickness of the laminated glass sandwich meet the high requirements of VR10 safety class. The internal surfaces of the glasses are covered with splash-proof polycarbonate. Despite the protective function, the glasses provide excellent visibility, and their reinforced structure is not visible at first glance - this is another advantage of the integrated protection system.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

The cabin also benefits from an advanced iSS concept – dimensions in terms of comfort are largely those of the long-wheelbase S-Class. As with the production version, body gaps are kept to a minimum in keeping with the fluidity of the Mercedes-Benz design language. S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is available in 4- and 5-seater versions; both are not inferior to their serial counterparts in terms of luxury. Buyers can choose from over 80 customization options, from active backlighting and an OLED operating system display to a First Class package and a rear airbag. There are practically no restrictions on finishing elements or color combinations. However, there are no available accessories that defeat the protective purpose, such as an opening glass roof.

The highest class of civil protection in ballistics

The new Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is certified according to the VPAM (Association of Testing Centers for Impact Resistant Materials and Structures) directives. Members of the VPAM are independent (neutral) control bodies and institutions.

Vehicle testing was carried out by Beschussamt Ulm, the only body for testing and certifying weapons, ammunition and safety equipment in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. It is one of the most modern such institutes. The new S Class GUARD meets the requirements of the highest protection class for civil vehicles - VR10 - according to the VPAM BRV standard in the third version (bulletproof vehicles). For this test, the body and windows must withstand fire from an assault rifle fed with anti-tank ammunition. The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC also meets the requirements of the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

Protection against explosive attacks is confirmed by compliance with the latest version of the VPAM ERV (Explosion Proof Vehicles) standard. The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC was not only the first car to pass the current tests, but also achieved top marks in all three tests (roof, floor and side), earning three out of three stars. Test result: "no damage" to dummies and indicators on the VPAM ERV scale.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

For the first time, tests of the so-called biofidel dummies were included in the VPAM ERV certification. Damages were taken into account for dummies resting on all seats of various designs (depending on the test option). The Primus model used here was developed by CTS in collaboration with the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and the University of Applied Sciences Dresden (HTW Dresden) based on research findings from the Charité Clinical Hospital in Berlin. Primus is perfect for this unusual role: the mannequins accurately reproduce the density and structure of human bones. Aluminum epoxy powder is used as a bone substitute, and propylene tapes are used for ligaments and tendons. The tissues and internal organs of the biofidel mannequin are made of silicone and acrylic. Due to the human-like structure, injuries are easily recognized from the outside. The rating was based on the dummy with the most injuries. Fun fact: The Primus CTS biofidel consists of 42 bones (that's about 1/5 of the human skeleton) and 12 soft tissues and internal organs.

Other technical improvements: new door cylinders and hydraulic windows.

The GUARD concept is the highest level of protection combined with the highest possible comfort for passengers and staff. This can be illustrated with two examples. The S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is equipped with new door operators. Although the door armor is very heavy, the electromechanical system means that only a small amount of force is required to open and close the door. This also applies when the vehicle is on a slope. In this situation, the stepless blockade of the doorway is also effective. The sensor technology determines when and how the door needs to be moved or stopped based on human robotics algorithms (cobots). This solution makes the work of the guards especially easy, as they do not need to use both hands to operate the door.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

Intelligence also distinguishes hydraulically controlled windows - their emergency operation is possible even in the event of a power outage (closing in the event of an attack). Each door has a corresponding unit consisting of a compressor and a valve unit with a pressure accumulator.

Special equipment designed for the S 680 GUARD 4MATIC includes an automatic fire suppression system and an emergency fresh air supply that protects passengers from smoke or irritating gases and provides them with fresh air. Special GUARD options include a wide range of items for government employees such as a siren, flashers and radio, as well as an alarm system.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

The limousine comes standard with Michelin PAX run-flat tires, which allow it to leave the danger zone even after damage for a distance of up to 30 km.

The luggage compartment volume of the S 680 GUARD 4MATIC is approx.

Powertrain: the first GUARD sedan with 4MATIC drive

The M279 V12 bi-turbo engine has been extensively upgraded for use in the new generation S-Class. Modifications included turbochargers, exhaust manifold and air ducts. Also new is the closed particulate filter. The V-shaped "Dozen" develops a power of 450 kW (612 hp) and a working volume of 5980 cm3. The maximum torque is 830 Nm and is available from 2000 rpm. Distinguishing engine features include an all-aluminum crankcase, one-piece chain drive, high quality hardened and tempered forged crankshaft, forged pistons and twelve dual coil multi-spark ignition system.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

For the first time, all-wheel drive is combined with a 12-cylinder engine, which is characterized by its low system weight and optimum traction. The result: a high level of safety, comfort and driving dynamics. The standard torque distribution for this model is 31 % front and 69 % rear. The all-wheel drive has been adapted, among other things, to the higher vehicle weight of the GUARD version, using reinforced cardan shafts. Due to the vehicle's weight, its top speed is electronically limited to 190 km/h.

Experience: Mercedes-Benz has been making armored vehicles for over 90 years.

It all started with the 1928 Nürburg 460, when Daimler-Benz was the first company to introduce factory-built limousines with special features to protect passengers from projectiles and explosives. Mercedes-Benz also developed armored versions for other luxury vehicles such as the 770 "Grand Mercedes" and 500. Emperor Hirohito of Japan chose the armored version of the "Grand Mercedes" as a vehicle for his own use. It was delivered in 1935.

New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC

Following the example of the emperor, many politicians and heads of state entrusted their security to armored Mercedes. Since 1965, the manufacturer has offered many armored models - in addition to the legendary 600 limousines, these were, among others, the S-Class V8 versions of the 70s and 80s

In 2016, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard debuted, the first model to meet the highest level of protection for civilian vehicles, with a stability class of VR10.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

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Новый Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC
New Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC