Facts About Armored Mercedes-Benz Vehicles You Didn’t Know

Jun 14, 2023 | Blog

Facts About Armored Mercedes-Benz Vehicles You Didn’t Know

Jun 14, 2023 | Blog

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their sophisticated and timeless design, making them a top choice among VIPs and celebrities. However, their appeal goes beyond mere luxury. In life-threatening situations, these armored vehicles become lifesavers. By combining the exceptional design and performance of high-end Mercedes-Benz cars with advanced armoring features, the result is a luxury vehicle that ensures a secure and protected journey.

Throughout history, Mercedes-Benz vehicles have not only served as status symbols but also as shields of protection for artists, politicians, and businesspeople against potential attacks. Today, the industry has evolved, offering innovative features that provide unparalleled security. With modern advancements, an armored luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle can withstand rifle fire and simultaneous explosions of up to two hand grenades, offering advanced protection for its occupants.

The first armored Mercedes-Benz car

In 1928, Mercedes-Benz made history by introducing the world’s first armored car, the Nürburg 460. This luxury vehicle boasted exceptional performance capabilities for its time, covering a distance of 20,000 kilometers in just 13 days.

One notable owner of the Nürburg was the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. Although it was recognized as the first armored car ever created, specific details about its armoring features were not extensively documented.

In 1930, the Nürburg was repurposed as the first PopeMobil and is currently housed in the Vatican. It holds a prestigious position among the top 10 most expensive cars in the world.

The Pullman series, introduced in 1931, marked the first documented information about Mercedes-Benz’s armored vehicles. These luxurious armored limousines provided VIPs with the utmost comfort and safety. Equipped with sliding steel panels, they could shield the windows and windscreen, deployable from the inside. Following the Pullman series, Mercedes-Benz took a hiatus of 70 years in armored vehicle production.

The most expensive publicly-announced armored Mercedes-Benz that was ever made

In 2018, INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing made headlines with the introduction of a special commission: the Armored Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG Limousine. At the time, it stood as the most expensive publicly announced armored Mercedes-Benz ever created. Priced at a remarkable $1.2 million, this vehicle boasted sophisticated armoring features for unrivaled protection, along with a stretched cabin and numerous luxurious appointments.

Only a select few companies worldwide specialize in ultra-VIP armored luxury vehicles, and INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing is among them. Based in Canada, they are renowned for their state-of-the-art armoring expertise applied to various luxury cars. Their team of experts equips luxury SUVs with cutting-edge features such as multilayer bulletproof glass and complete 360-degree ballistic protection.

When armored to B6 level standards, the mighty G63 Limousine is capable of withstanding assault rifle fire and even explosions from two hand grenades. Despite its advanced armoring, the vehicle still retains an OEM-like feel when driven. The skilled professionals at INKAS® Armored successfully merged high-security measures, durability, performance, and aesthetics to create a comfortable ride for up to four passengers, akin to a private office environment.

Celebrities who drove an armored Mercedes-Benz

A large segment within the armoring industry belongs to celebrities and UVIPs alike, who often need additional protection while being transported publicly. These vehicles are required to both deliver in terms of luxury and style, as well as bulletproof protection for all occupants. Even though many celebrities have an impressive car collection, in many cases they own at least one armored vehicle that guarantees a safe ride.

Many royalty, politicians, musicians, actors, and business owners rely on their armored Mercedes-Benz to remain safe during their everyday commute.

For example, Elvis Presley was one of the proud owners of a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousine. Also referred to as the Grand Mercedes, it was the most luxurious car worldwide at the time, with Rolls-Royce as its only competitor. The special additions to this vehicle lineup included a convertible version, jump-seat limousines, and a special edition coupe. Other famous people that owned a Pullman limousine were Fidel Kastro, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, and George Harrison.

The trend of having armored Mercedes-Benz vehicles remains among celebrities today. It is rumored that Arnold Schwarzenegger drives his armored Mercedes-Benz G550 when needed.

Mercedes Models that are currently popular for armoring

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Armored S-Class offers unparalleled luxury and comfort. Even with cutting-edge armoring features, the sedan maintains its original extravagant design.

When equipped with thick bulletproof glass, the vehicle provides protection from 7.62mm assault rifle fire. The armoring features such as bulletproof glass and ballistic armor will add weight, so the vehicle’s structure is reinforced to support it.

Mercedes-Maybach Sedans

The Maybach is a high-end sedan with advanced assistance systems and an elegant exterior. With state-of-the-art technology, INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing has managed to provide supreme protection while not affecting the outstanding performance of this vehicle. The multilayer bulletproof glass with a CEN 1063 BR6 ballistic rating makes the Maybach resistant to fire from 7.62mm ammunition.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Due to proprietary armoring technologies, the INKAS® armored G-Wagon looks and drives very similar to its unarmored, or “soft-skin” counterpart. The Armored Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG is manufactured to meet CEN 1063 BR6 ballistic standards and offers 360-degree protection from high-power rifle ammunition as well as the simultaneous detonation of two hand grenades below the vehicle’s floor.

Final Thoughts

Business owners and VIPs place utmost importance on safety and security. In critical situations, having an armored vehicle can serve as the initial defense.

INKAS® Armored Vehicle Manufacturing is actively involved in the production of the latest generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and G-Class models. These ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Benz vehicles are highly sought-after for armoring purposes. Their exceptional performance and sophisticated design make them a popular choice among VIPs who seek a perfect blend of unparalleled protection and style.