Mercedes’ new S-Class Guard weighs 4.2 tons and quite literally stops bullets

The brand-new Mercedes S-Class S680 Guard is a pretty big deal in more ways than one.

For one thing, the sedan weighs 4.2 tons.

It’s also kitted out with the ability to stop bullets if you’re caught in the firing line.

The new variant of the S-Class represents the highest level of civilian protection available from the brand.

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Mercedes shows off new S-Class S680 Guard

Getting a new S-Class from Mercedes is always quite a big deal.

But this version of the luxury sedan is possibly the biggest deal imaginable.

Mercedes recently launched a heavily-updated version of the S-Class, with more than 2700 new parts.

That meant that a new Guard version was always likely to pull up to the party as well.

For decades, Mercedes’ premier luxury saloon has been associated with the elite.

Heads of state, business magnates, and royalty alike utilise the Guard version of the luxury sedan.

And now, the newest, updated model has officially landed.

So what are the highlights of this 4.2-ton beast?

Armor fit for a king – and the rest of us

Let’s get straight to the party piece – the armor.

Mercedes claims that the S680 Guard is the only civilian vehicle to come from the factory with VR10-level armoring.

That, for those who are unaware, is the highest level of civilian armor available.

The VR10 armor is designed to withstand armor-piercing and incendiary ammunition.

It will also withstand high-caliber bullets, as well as some .50 caliber bullets.

As if this weren’t enough, the S680 Guard can also withstand explosions from grenades.

Mercedes neglected to mention how exactly it has armored the 4.2-ton behemoth.

The vehicle is most likely layered with multiple rounds of ballistic panels, a wealth of Kevlar, and glass thick enough to shrug off bullets.

Luxury still abounds in Mercedes flagship

So what else does this S-Class come with?

Well, it’s still an S-Class – albeit one more akin to a tank rather than a luxury sedan.

But the luxury DNA is still evident throughout the vehicle.

There are acres of wood, leather, and high-end materials to be found within.

Remember how we mentioned that 4.2-ton weight figure?

Well, the S-Class Guard needs some serious power to haul all of that armor.

Powering the car is the biturbo 6.0-liter V12 powerplant, producing 604hp.

It also produces a very necessary 612lb-ft of torque.

Power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The S-Class S680 Guard is certainly a deceptive vehicle.

All of the luxury visible hides an armored tank on wheels below.