In a strategic move to expand its new special-protection variant vehicles to the SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz India unveiled the latest addition to the extensive Mercedes-Benz Guard family – the M-Guard. Common to all the Guard models, the armored version of the M-Class luxury SUV follows the brand-typical integrated special protection design principle. The Guard Programme now currently includes vehicles of the S-, E-, G- and M-Class. With a total of three models, Mercedes-Benz India has one of the most comprehensive special-protection ranges. The new M-Guard meets the requirements of protection level VR4 according to testing guidelines BRV 2009 for special-protection vehicles with bullet resistance (according to Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009).
In spite of the increased weight caused by its armour, the M-Guard achieves the impressive ride comfort, great agility and extraordinary active safety of its series-production counterpart. The special-protection variant features as standard, an AIRMATIC air suspension system with Adaptive Damper System (ADS) specifically adapted to the vehicle’s special protection features. Stronger axle components compensate for the increased weight of the M-Guard superbly, Guard-specific torsion bars at the rear axle optimize roll behavior in fast curves and when taking evasive action. Apart from the specific ballistic tests carried out by the Ballistics Bureau in Ulm, the M-Guard has to pass a detailed test programme just like its series-production counterparts. These trials mimic everyday operating conditions, exceeding these parameters by a large factor in many cases.
ML 500 GUARD SPECIFICATIONS: V8 4663cc petrol | 408hp power | 600Nm torque | 0-100kmph in 6.5 seconds | 210kmph top speed | 7G-TRONIC Transmission | 8.19kpl combined fuel consumption | 4804mm length | 1796mm height | 2785kg kerb weight | 11.80m turning circle
PRICE: Rs.2.49 Crores ex-showroom Delhi.
