Less than one week later, Mercedes unveiled this monster below, the S600 Pullman Guard - an armoured limousine for those who are either too affraid to die, or have not only too much money but also too many enemies. This bullet and bomb proof car is fitted with sufficient armour to withstand projectiles from small military arms and fragments from hand grenades. It also features additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system, and get this - an emergency air supply in case terrorist tries to gas you out with poison gas!
But first, back to the S400 BlueHYBRID. It features the usual hybrid advantages including engine start-stop function and renegenerative braking (funny that Mercedes calls it "recuperation" in its press release instead).
The only main differences between them worth mentioning are the transmission and hybrid battery used - Lexus uses a CVT, with a fancy name from Toyota (Dual-stage Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) while the Merc uses a modified version of its regular 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic, but with a 3-phase AC Motor added within the transmission housing. The Lexus LS uses NiMh batteries made by Panasonic EV Energy while the Mercedes uses lithium-ion pack manufactured by German automotive parts giant Continental AG (which was recently bought over by another parts supplier giant Schaeffler Group KG).
Unlike many hybrid cars, the hybrid battery pack is stored at the front right wheel arch corner. The regular 12V battery is stored in its regular location - at the boot.
At idle. Engine shut is shut down.
Electric motor provides assistance to the petrol engine during acceleration.
Recuperative mode recovers kinetic energy lost during braking to recharge the battery.
For further read and Mercedes-Benz's press release, visit eMercedesBenz.com.
At the other end of the spectrum, is the S600 Pullman Guard. The Pullman name originated from the American Pullman Palace Car Company, a rail coach manufacturer back in the roarings 1920s. Mercedes soon began adopting the Pullman badge for all its stretch limos.
The "Guard" armoured models have their history traced all the way back to a 1928 model Nuburg 460 (below). The car is no longer in existance and details are sketchy. Japanese Emperor Hirohito was one of the more famous owner of early model Guard Mercedes, but I am not sure which particular model did he owned.
Not anyone with cash is allowed to buy a "Guard" Mercedes. Due to its high security features, which can be easily misused by baddies, all potential customers must be vetted by Mercedes-Benz and all major security organizations in the world. Once a profile check shows that you are clean, only are you allowed to place an order. Also, the car cannot be resold as a used car. All Guard specs Mercedes models must be returned to Mercedes-Benz at the end of their lifespan, to ensure it doesn't fall into the hands of Al-Qaeda and the likes.
Below is a promo video of Mercedes Guard, featuring a "regular" S600.
But seriously, when you need a multi-million dollar armoured car to travel around just to preserve your life, is such a life still worth living? I have a counter-proposal, I've always wondered why these people don't opt to travel in a regular unassuming car in the first place? Who the hell wants to car-jack / notice anyone in a VW Polo?! Better still, the ultimate spycar - Skoda Octavia! The best defence is an invisible one. And Skodas are invisible to the public.
For further reading, visit eMercedesBenz.com.
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