Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman

Mercedes-Benz is proud to present a prestigious new luxury limousine for use by government leaders, captains of industry and royalty – the S 600 Pullman Guard with integrated Highest Protection. The latest in a long and unique tradition of large, armoured, prestige limousines from the world's oldest automaker, this model also marks a special anniversary for the Stuttgart-based firm: 80 years of manufacturing vehicles with factory-integrated special protection.

The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be built with factory-integrated special protection was a Pullman limousine version of the "Nürburg" 460 (W08) series which was introduced in 1928. At the beginning of the 1930s, this was followed by the 770 (W07) "Grand Mercedes" (which provided protection befitting the status of Japanese Emperor Hirohito, to name but one prominent user) as well as by the special-protection variants of the 500 (W08) and 770 (W 150) model series. In the 1960s, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 took on the mantle of state limousine for a period of almost thirty years which saw it serve as an official vehicle not only for the German government, but also for many other countries' leaders and ruling houses. Further special-protection Pullman versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard followed their distinguished predecessors – the very latest being the new S 600 Pullman Guard.

Like the famously luxurious and spacious open-plan Pullman railway coaches after which it is named, the new S 600 Pullman Guard treats its occupants to a travelling environment characterised by generous accommodation and the highest comfort. The vehicle owes its remarkably spacious interior to its 4315-millimetre wheelbase (115 centimetres longer than that of the long version of the special-protection S-Class). Indeed, with an overall length of 6356 millimetres, the S 600 Pullman Guard is a vehicle of truly majestic proportions which offers its passengers not only a maximum of comfort, but also a superbly appointed setting for discreet meetings, equipped, of course, with all the key communications and entertainment systems. This ensures they are always able to remain fully in touch with the rest of the world while enjoying the luxury and comfort of their own very special place in it.

[b]Developed as a new vehicle on the basis of the S 600[/b]
The technical basis for the new Pullman limousine is provided by the S 600 Guard, the top of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. It is powered by a superbly smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cubic centimetres and an output of 380 kW/517 hp with an impressive 830 Nm of torque.

The suspension and basic vehicle structure have been modified as it would be impossible to guarantee the long-term overall stability of the vehicle with its extra-long wheelbase if the lengthening process consisted of simply inserting an additional body section. The modifications also provide a solid foundation for the integration of the heavy special-protection elements. Furthermore, the new state limousine is equipped with a higher rear roof for easier access and greater headroom. Four passengers can be accommodated in the rear compartment behind the partition — in comfortable seats whose face-to-face arrangement recalls the great Pullman tradition.

[b]Integrated special protection for outstanding safety[/b]
What's more, the new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard offers its demanding passengers extremely effective protection from terrorist attacks. Its Highest Protection status means that it has been engineered to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations, and also meets additional requirements which go beyond those laid down in the standard but which are tested by public and independent organisations. Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.

In order to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding protection, specialists with many years of experience in this field apply the principle of integrated special protection to the Pullman limousine. In effect this means that, rather than retro-fitting 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 in a dedicated production process. This effectively creates a coat of armour around the entire passenger cell. Even the roof frame struts, door locks, door gaps, exterior mirror mountings and other components are incorporated into this security concept.

The resulting vehicle offers hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection characteristics, even in those areas where retrofitting would be all but impossible.
A further advantage of integrated special protection is that the protective features actually reinforce the body structure rather than exerting extra strain. In addi-tion, Mercedes-Benz' integrated design approach means that any body-structure reinforcements required due to the weight of the protective elements can be integrated right from the very start. The result is extraordinary longevity and the same exceptional quality all round that distinguishes Mercedes-Benz standard-production models.

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Credits: Jarvis