There’s a new bulletproof and grenade-proof Mercedes-Benz S-Class in town, courtesy of a tuning company based out of Toronto called Inkas.
They’ve gone all in on this one, with a multi-layer bullet resistant glass, fire suppression systems, night vision, an oboard oxygen supply, body armour and of course run-flat tyres.
Various bulletproof versions of the S-Class have often been used by heads of state and government officials, but they’ve also been used by celebrities and rappers who just want to show off.
The owner, who’s ideally sitting in the back, isn’t necessarily expecting to need these protections – and is certainly hoping they won’t need them – but it feels good to know they’re there if need be.
Apart from the BR6 protection for the body panels (up to 7.62 mm caliber and DM51 grenades), the thermal night vision is the party piece here.
According to Inkas, it “increases visibility by four times at night and ensures the vehicle can operate through dark, dust, smoke and fog.”
The Inkas S-Class is based on the S 580, and the 496-hp 4.0-litre V8 under the bonnet hasn’t been modified at all, which is interesting because the safety modifications have undoubtedly made the car a lot heavier, and therefore slower.
To be fair, Mercedes-Maybach itself offers a bulletproof S-Class (based on the 680), which is even more sophisticated than this and more powerful, but also probably more expensive.
And while you’re here, check out this bulletproof G Wagen by Brabus:
