No tanks necessary: Russian luxury personnel carrier

Is the armored Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard not enough? How about a luxury tank?

This amphibious Russian combat reconnaissance/patrol vehicle was purchased by a Russian oligarch and retrofitted with a host of luxury equipment including a full leather interior with wood trim, plus night-vision, hi-fi stereo system, sat-nav and television with DVD player.

Being an amphibious vehicle, it can go in the water too, and has a periscope mounted to the roof to help the driver see where he's going and sonar to see what lies beneath. Get stuck on land? It's got extra wheels hidden underneath that can be deployed as needed. The thing ways weighs a few tons, and is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 diesel.

And here you thought the Hummer and G-wagon were the ultimate in luxury paramilitary vehicles. Park it next to your Aston Martin and you've got your own little James Bond flick goin' on.

(Follow the jump for more images.)

[Source: English Russia via Luxist]