The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S680 Guard is not just a luxury sedan; it’s a mobile fortress. This armored vehicle, equipped with a powerful twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 603 horsepower, offers VR10 ballistic protection – the highest level of civilian protection available in a production car.
Unrivaled Security Features
The S680 Guard stands out as the only series-production sedan certified to withstand high-caliber gunfire and even certain explosions. This isn’t just about stopping bullets; it’s about surviving an attack. The car includes features like reinforced glass, armored body panels, and an onboard fire-extinguishing system that can deploy even under the vehicle.
Beyond ballistic resistance, the Guard model provides survival features like a compressed-air emergency system to filter out toxic gases and hydraulic window lifters that function even if the electrical system fails. Michelin PAX run-flat tires allow for up to 19 miles of travel after a puncture, ensuring escape even with compromised tires.
Engineering and Performance
Despite its added weight (approximately 9,259 pounds), the S680 Guard maintains a respectable electronically limited top speed of 118 mph. The V12 engine delivers 612 lb-ft of torque, ensuring the car remains responsive despite its heavy armor. Mercedes has made over 2,700 changes to the W223 sedan platform.
The significance of this level of protection is not merely for comfort but for necessity. In regions with high security threats or for high-profile individuals, the S680 Guard provides a mobile safe room. The outgoing model started at over €547,000 in Germany, making it significantly more expensive than even the Maybach S-Class.
The Future of V12 Engines
Mercedes is one of the last manufacturers to keep V12 engines alive. While other brands like Bentley and Audi have discontinued them, the S680 Guard and upcoming Maybach models will continue to offer this engine option. The engine is also supplied to Pagani for their Utopia model, ensuring its legacy endures.
The preservation of the V12 is a deliberate move. At a time when electrification and downsizing dominate the automotive industry, the S680 Guard represents a defiant statement of luxury and uncompromising engineering.
The Mercedes-Benz S680 Guard remains a unique proposition: a bulletproof, twelve-cylinder statement of automotive excess. The car’s continued existence highlights the enduring demand for ultimate security and performance, even in an increasingly volatile world.
