Rapper's Delight: Mercedes introduces armored E-Class
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Guard
A Mercedes should isolate its occupants and be built like a tank, and the new Mercedes-Benz E-Guard fulfills both requirements to the letter. The E-Guard is the latest addition to the automaker's line of armored vehicles, based on the standard E-Class and upgraded with an array of security measures.
Mercedes installs body armor right into the chassis, replaces the windows with bulletproof polycarbonate, a blast-proof floor and run-flat 17-inch tires. The result is virtually indistinguishable from a standard E-Class, making the E-Guard less of a target for would-be assassins and carjackers in the world's less friendly locales. To help cope with the added weight, Mercedes has fitted a special Level II air suspension, while the standard engines from the E350, E500 and E350 CDI pull the extra duty. While some may say it's impossible to put a price on safety, Mercedes begs to differ, charging a 10,000 euro premium for the armored E while politely reminding you that you're not paranoid if they're actually trying to get you. Details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Guard
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
PRESS RELEASE
New E-Guard models from Mercedes-Benz: Original bodyshell with a network of protective features
STUTTGART, Germany – February 9, 2009: Shortly after the market launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the world's most successful business saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model. This is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelligently conceived protective features of special steel, which are invisibly integrated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes all-round polycarbonate glazing. Accordingly the new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal attack in the street. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection vehicles.
As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the special requirements for the special protection version of the E-Class were already taken into consideration by the developers at the specification stage. The new E-Guard is subject to the same bodyshell processes as a regular production model, which means that structural strength, dimensional accuracy, corrosion protection and outstanding paint quality are guaranteed to series production standards.
All-road protection against criminal attack in the street
During the next stage, highly experienced and specially trained experts install the precisely formed protective elements, which exactly fit the contours of the bodyshell without encroaching on the interior space. The result is a comprehensively protected passenger cell of special, high-strength steels and aramide components, which are complemented with highly resistant polycabonate glazing of attractive visual appearance. All these measures are invisible to the naked eye. The extremely stringent Mercedes-Benz guidelines are applied by the production specialists to ensure complete quality control at all times.
Despite the high level of special protection, the comfort-related advantages of the new E-Class are fully retained. This applies equally to the generous spaciousness of this fully-fledged five-seater, the spatial acoustics, the sun protection and the lighting/control functions. The rear window is heated, and the power windows on the driver and front passenger sides are fully retractable. Efficient power windows are also available for the rear. Optional extras include an emergency alarm system that causes the headlamps to flash and sounds an alarm at the touch of a button in the event of a threat. An intercom system allows communication between the protected passenger cell and the outside world. In addition the new E-Guard features the numerous, innovative assistance systems of the new E-Class.
The new E-Guard meets the stringent requirements for High-Protection according to protection class VR4 (formerly B4) and more. This means that the vehicle is able to withstand handgun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in calibre -- at random angles of fire, to provide the most realistic protection possible. The E-Guard therefore offers outstanding protection against criminal attacks in the street, as has been verified and certificated by an internationally recognised test institute. Underbody armour is also available on request. This makes the entire underfloor area of the passenger cell resistant to attack with a DM51 hand-grenade.
Modified suspension plus adapted control and restraint systems
The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight caused by the protection features. The E-Guard is equipped with a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. The electronic control and restraint systems that assist the driver in critical situations have been specifically adapted to suit the different parameters versus the standard model. The car is fitted with 17-inch wheels and run-flat tyres designed for a maximum speed of 240 km/h as standard. With the tyres deflated, the vehicle is still able to cover up to 50 kilometres at a speed of 80 km/h to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of a corresponding attack.
Extensive test marathon
Like all the series-production vehicles, the new E-Guard Saloon was subjected to extensive testing under tough conditions during its development. This included endurance testing on simulated rough tracks, braking tests on Alpine passes, climatic tests at extreme temperatures, long-term corrosion tests and crash tests.
Like all Guard models, the E-Guard is covered by the full Mercedes-Benz warranty and service terms – in addition to the integrated, ex factory protection, this is another important advantage over vehicles with retrofitted special protection.
Family-friendly saloon with special protection
The new E-Guard is available in three engine variants, with an option of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line. The E 500 and E 350, as well as the diesel-powered E 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY, are designed as five-seaters with a boot capacity of 540 litres and a high payload of up to 550 kilograms, which means they are fully suitable for day-to-day and family use.
The High-Protection package for the E-Guard costs 45,000 Euro (German list price excl. VAT). The new E-Guard can be ordered from April 2009.
New E-Guard models from Mercedes-Benz: Original bodyshell with a network of protective features
STUTTGART, Germany – February 9, 2009: Shortly after the market launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the world's most successful business saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model. This is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelligently conceived protective features of special steel, which are invisibly integrated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes all-round polycarbonate glazing. Accordingly the new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal attack in the street. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection vehicles.
As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the special requirements for the special protection version of the E-Class were already taken into consideration by the developers at the specification stage. The new E-Guard is subject to the same bodyshell processes as a regular production model, which means that structural strength, dimensional accuracy, corrosion protection and outstanding paint quality are guaranteed to series production standards.
All-road protection against criminal attack in the street
During the next stage, highly experienced and specially trained experts install the precisely formed protective elements, which exactly fit the contours of the bodyshell without encroaching on the interior space. The result is a comprehensively protected passenger cell of special, high-strength steels and aramide components, which are complemented with highly resistant polycabonate glazing of attractive visual appearance. All these measures are invisible to the naked eye. The extremely stringent Mercedes-Benz guidelines are applied by the production specialists to ensure complete quality control at all times.
Despite the high level of special protection, the comfort-related advantages of the new E-Class are fully retained. This applies equally to the generous spaciousness of this fully-fledged five-seater, the spatial acoustics, the sun protection and the lighting/control functions. The rear window is heated, and the power windows on the driver and front passenger sides are fully retractable. Efficient power windows are also available for the rear. Optional extras include an emergency alarm system that causes the headlamps to flash and sounds an alarm at the touch of a button in the event of a threat. An intercom system allows communication between the protected passenger cell and the outside world. In addition the new E-Guard features the numerous, innovative assistance systems of the new E-Class.
The new E-Guard meets the stringent requirements for High-Protection according to protection class VR4 (formerly B4) and more. This means that the vehicle is able to withstand handgun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in calibre -- at random angles of fire, to provide the most realistic protection possible. The E-Guard therefore offers outstanding protection against criminal attacks in the street, as has been verified and certificated by an internationally recognised test institute. Underbody armour is also available on request. This makes the entire underfloor area of the passenger cell resistant to attack with a DM51 hand-grenade.
Modified suspension plus adapted control and restraint systems
The suspension and brakes are adapted to suit the increased weight caused by the protection features. The E-Guard is equipped with a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system as standard. The electronic control and restraint systems that assist the driver in critical situations have been specifically adapted to suit the different parameters versus the standard model. The car is fitted with 17-inch wheels and run-flat tyres designed for a maximum speed of 240 km/h as standard. With the tyres deflated, the vehicle is still able to cover up to 50 kilometres at a speed of 80 km/h to enable its occupants to escape from the danger area in the event of a corresponding attack.
Extensive test marathon
Like all the series-production vehicles, the new E-Guard Saloon was subjected to extensive testing under tough conditions during its development. This included endurance testing on simulated rough tracks, braking tests on Alpine passes, climatic tests at extreme temperatures, long-term corrosion tests and crash tests.
Like all Guard models, the E-Guard is covered by the full Mercedes-Benz warranty and service terms – in addition to the integrated, ex factory protection, this is another important advantage over vehicles with retrofitted special protection.
Family-friendly saloon with special protection
The new E-Guard is available in three engine variants, with an option of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line. The E 500 and E 350, as well as the diesel-powered E 350 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY, are designed as five-seaters with a boot capacity of 540 litres and a high payload of up to 550 kilograms, which means they are fully suitable for day-to-day and family use.
The High-Protection package for the E-Guard costs 45,000 Euro (German list price excl. VAT). The new E-Guard can be ordered from April 2009.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tomguptill 2:39PM (2/10/2009)
Doesn't the press release imply a 45000 euro premium, not 10000?
Reply
car-techie 3:16PM (2/10/2009)
Absolutely. The add-on price for the package is Euro 45,000. At Euro 10,000, it would be a bargain. In fact, Euro 10,000 would be so low that, at that price, the E-Guard should be the ONLY E-class available to buy!
:-)
the vegas style guy 2:42PM (2/10/2009)
"Rappers delight"!
That was clever! I've noticed that somewhere on your staff of bloggers there is evidently a "strong Black woman"!
Keep the puns and inside jokes coming!
Reply
JDMlover 3:44PM (2/10/2009)
Anything about a race is not funny.
the vegas style guy 4:01PM (2/10/2009)
I appreciate your concern, however, race is often very funny. Ask Richard Pryor or Kat Williams or Lisa Lampenelli.
Racism is never funny. Ask Micheal "Kramer" Richards.
"Strong Black Woman" is a riff on all of the Oprah/Tyra type of talk shows that permeate the airwaves. You know, "you go gurl" or "Dump the zero, get yoself a hero" that kind of stuff.
"Rappers Delight" is the first big Hip Hop record to go mainstream. Someone at AB has a total appreciation for hip hop culture and makes a funny now and then. Actually, a lot!
Thanks AB!
Now, "school's out for summer!' (Alice Cooper)
big J 10:10PM (2/10/2009)
does autoblog EVER not refer to stereotypes? there are tons of non gun toting/promoting rappers.
give me a f'in break man it's like you guys promote this kind of BS, I don't see you guys referring to pickup trucks as hillbilly's delight.
notYou 2:46PM (2/10/2009)
AB: "while politely reminding you that you're not paranoid if they're actually trying to get you. "
And, just a friendly reminder: just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they aren't actually out to get you.
Oh, they're coming for you m'friend... yes indeed, they are.
Reply
Jared 3:08PM (2/10/2009)
Only rated for handguns? It simply isn't armored well enough for use in many markets. If the Zetas try to kidnap you in Mexico City, they'll have AKs that would make Swiss cheese of that car.
Reply
swisslexus 3:19PM (2/10/2009)
It's B4-class protection. If you need more, there is always the possibility to opt for the S/G-Guard with B5/6-class protection.
Tim 2:27AM (2/11/2009)
Much better off buying a used third-party armored vehicle with B6 protection which will stop 7.62/5.56 - plus they're much cheaper. Why pay a ton of money for a B4 Mercedes if some banger with an AK can still kill you?
Michael 3:30PM (2/10/2009)
It's really too bad it's not 10,000 euros. It'd be a bargain at that price!
Reply
Noah 3:47PM (2/10/2009)
This is ridiculous! Everyone knows that a rapper will accept nothing less than an S550 (except for 50, he'll take a Pontiac G6). It should be the S series that they are up-armoring.
However, the E320 CDI (E350 cdi wtf?) would be a good economical engine with plenty of grunt for that car.
Reply
kevinm 4:12PM (2/10/2009)
The S-Guard is already available.
Justin 4:22PM (2/10/2009)
How is this to a rapper's delight?
A pimped out AK47 proof Escalade, now that would be to a rapper's delight.
Don't forget to add secret compartments to store cocain or weed so that cops wouldn't know where to look for.
If Mercedes have a GL class version of this, the it might just be acceptable to rappers.
Reply
Visnick 5:01PM (2/10/2009)
For that extra protection when flipping people off.
I could do with one
Reply
conor 5:31PM (2/10/2009)
Want, my 150 body guards usually travel in modified suburbans, but we do have and armored Porsche to drive for fun. /sarcasm/ I wish
Reply
P.V. 6:22PM (2/10/2009)
Wait: is it a 50000 euro premium, or a 10000 euro premium? In any case, it's a relative bargain (especially compared to the S-Guard vs. the normal S-Class (I think)).
This car still isn't doing it for me, though.
Reply
P.V. 8:45PM (2/10/2009)
While we're at it: FlashPoint, come out now!
hoov23 8:45AM (2/11/2009)
practical thought - i wonder how much the added weight and reinforced body improve on crash safety...
Reply