Dubai - Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state.
"The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine will provide a level of roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office," said Mario von Glahn, Regional Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Guard, Middle East.
The Stuttgart-based manufacturer is the only carmaker that has for over eight decades built impressive Pullman limousines with special protection, primarily for the official engagements of heads of state and monarchs.
Experienced specialists will equip the Pullman Limousine in Sindelfingen, working on the principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall, etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell.
The resulting vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where retrofits would be all but impossible. The basis for this is long-standing, continuous and close co-operation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. Over a period of decades, this collaboration has ensured that the production and development expertise of the Mercedes specialists has continued to grow. Their vast experience in the fields of protection technology and ballistics enables them to react to changing requirements in the most effective way possible.
"The new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman continues an impressive tradition and, as before, will offer the very highest levels of protection, comfort and prestige," added von Glahn.
The new Pullman Limousine is based on the Mercedes Benz S 600 L Guard model. Power comes courtesy of a smooth twelve-cylinder 5513 cc biturbo engine with an output of 517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm.
Both the chassis and the body are new developments and provide the solid design basis for the installation of the heavy special-protection components. In addition, the new State Limousine features a rear entrance with increased headroom. Behind the partition, there is space for four passengers in the rear compartment with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honoured Pullman tradition.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman also offers its discerning passengers the highest possible degree of protection against terrorist attacks. The Highest Protection specified for this car is equivalent to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations.
Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.
"Every new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman will display its own unique brand of styling thanks to an extensive range of appointments options including a choice of paint finishes, leathers and woods. Even the most unusual of customer requests can be met," concluded von Glahn.
The first of the new Mercedes-Benz State Limousine is due to be delivered in the first quarter of 2009 and can be serviced at any Mercedes-Benz service outlet world-wide - a key aspect of the comprehensive, uncomplicated high-level service concept.
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Editors' Note
The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be factory-fitted with special protection was a long Pullman version of the W 08/460 Nrburg model produced in 1928. Eventually, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 assumed the mantle of state carriage, holding it for almost thirty years. As well as being used by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for official business it was the preferred vehicle of governments from numerous other countries and many prominent dynasties.
Originally, Pullman cars were railroad sleeping cars with luxurious appointments, produced by the American Pullman Palace Car Company. However, it was not long before the name "Pullman" also came to describe Mercedes-Benz cars with an extra-long wheelbase and an extremely large passenger compartment in the rear. Separated from the front compartment by a partition, the rear compartment housed four individual face-to-face seats, allowing four passengers to sit opposite each other in truly grand style.
© Press Release 2007
