Following last week’s preview, Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the latest generation of the safest S-Class model, the armored S 600 Guard.

The limousine complies with the highest ballistic protection (resistance class VR9), both in transparent and non-transparent areas, and features specific reinforcement of the base structure.

Mercedes-Benz says protective components of special steel are integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin, with special aramide and PE components providing additional splinter protection. The glass areas, typically the most sensitive of an armored car, are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection. Furthermore, the underbody of the car is almost entirely covered with armoring.

Hence, the S 600 Guard provides not only ballistic protection, but also protection against explosive devices. Not that one would realize it, as the car looks exactly the same as the “civilian” version of the S 600. For the first time, the S 600 Guard is available both as a four-seater and as a five-seater, with a boot capacity of 350 liters (12.3 cu-ft).

Despite being heavier than the regular S 600, the S 600 Guard is powered by the same 523hp (530PS) 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine mated to a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph) “for weight reasons.”

The armored limousine rides on a standard Airmatic air suspension with reinforced suspension components and adapted control functions such as ESP or ASR to cope with the increased vehicle weight. Brakes are larger too and the car is fitted as standard with Michelin PAX run-flat tyres with an additional tyre pressure monitoring system which allows an escape from a danger zone up to a distance of 30 km (18.6 miles) even with damaged tyres.

Other Guard-specific features include heated windscreen and side windows, fire extinguisher system with automatic activation, emergency fresh air system protecting occupants from the ingress of smoke or irritant gases and hydraulic power for the heavy side windows.

Arriving later this year

A barely disguised prototype of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class "Maybach" has been spied undergoing final testing around the Nürburgring.

In terms of design there's not much to talk about since the longer S-Class rumored to receive the Maybach nameplate will look virtually the same as the standard models with the exception of the stretched wheelbase. The bigger distance between the two axles will command longer rear doors while the third side windows camouflaged on this prototype will be positioned after the rear doors.

The vehicle is believed to be 5600mm long with a 3665mm wheelbase granting additional legroom for rear passengers. It will be offered at least in S600 and S65 AMG guises but most likely other engines will be available as well.
According to the latest report, the Mercedes-Benz S600 Maybach will be introduced at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China in November.

Should be introduced sometime next year

A rainy day couldn't keep the S-Class Cabrio away as our spies have snapped new pictures of the model undergoing testing in Germany.

Destined to become one of the most luxurious convertibles on the market, the S-Class Cabrio follows in the footsteps of the S-Class Coupe but adopts a retractable soft top and a slightly revised rear end. The model should also feature an assortment of Cabrio specific modifications such as airscarf seats and new controls to operate the roof.

Engine options will carryover from the S-Class Coupe so choices will include:
A twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with 455 PS (335 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque
A twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 with 585 PS (430 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque
A twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 with 630 PS (463 kW) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque

Mixing the S-Class Coupe with the sort of V8 potency pumping out of AMG’s mad scientist laboratories is a great way to polish off fossil fuel, but what if the idea of eight cylinders seems pedestrian or even vulgar?

Believe it or not, that’s the case occasionally and also the reason Mercedes-Benz also offers a 12-cylinder version. Of course we’re talking about the new S65 AMG Coupe that made it online debut earlier this summer but is waltzing out in person here at the Monterey Car Week. As you might remember, the large two-door is powered by the brand’s 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine producing a prodigious 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque sent through a seven-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough to tug the beastly barge to 60 mph in about four seconds or to a 186-mph top speed. Velocities like that in cars like this are probably best left to the brochure outside of the Autobahn, but that really isn’t the point. In this case, it’s all about having access to opulence, power and power in the smoothest fashion possible.

While such a smoking hot car would probably stop people in their tracks elsewhere, it seems almost commonplace at Monterey Car Week. But once the swarms Veyrons vanish, anyone who actually buys leases an S65 AMG will be treated to luxuries including the company’s Magic Body Control suspension, a Burmester stereo with 3D sound and yards of interior upholstery that you would expect to see wrapping fine furniture.

Pricing still hasn’t been announced for the new uber coupe, but Mercedes says it will start arriving in showrooms here late in the year.