With the introduction of the BMW 7-Series Security Vehicle in 1978, BMW has more than 40 years of experience producing armoured vehicles. Up to the 2004 release of the BMW X5 Security, two more generations of the 7-Series would go on to be used as security cars. Since then, the 7-Series and X5 have both remained in the company’s lineup of armoured vehicles.
The new BMW 7-Series Protection is the first armoured version of the current generation of the 7-Series. There is also a protection model for the electric BMW i7. The doors, underbody, and roof of each model are strengthened by the addition of an armoured steel body known as the BMW Protection Core.
BRABUS is well known for its high-performance upgrades to Mercedes-Benz models and while that forms the bulk of its business, the company can also do special protection vehicles for customers who need protection from more than just accidents.
The company produces an innovative variant of the current Mercedes-Benz G-Class armoured in accordance with the VR6 Plus ERV standard, known as the INVICTO. The all-terrain vehicle comes in three different versions: PURE, LUXURY and MISSION.
In order to provide the occupants with maximum protection against small arms fire and explosives, the engineers from BRABUS developed the ‘INVICTO Shelter Cell’, a self-contained, self-supporting and bolted-down protective cell. In addition, there are further protective elements that are in part produced using a special 3D printing process and, of course, all-around extremely tough bulletproof glass.
After extensive ballistics and explosives testing, the protection levels of the INVICTO are confirmed to meet high industry standards. The armoured SUV can resist not only 7.62 x 39 calibre rounds (used in automatic weapons such as the AK-47), but also hand grenades and 12.5-kg explosive charges.
However, the high level of protection remains largely unseen from the outside. It’s all ‘under the skin’ with high-tech materials used. A common feature of all three INVICTO models is the innovative special protection package developed specifically for the body of the G-Class. The doors and the hatch are fitted with newly developed protective elements, including extremely tough bulletproof glass.
In order to fit them into the body of the G-Class, the engineers developed an innovative structure for the upper windshield frame. It is the first time anywhere in the world that protective elements are used which are made in a 3D printer using additive manufacturing processes.“ .
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Unlike vehicles where the armour is retrofitted, the individual elements of the protection system by BRABUS is not welded separately into the bodyshell of the vehicle. Everything is bolted-down as a unit. To this end, the company manufactures precise-fit, hot-rolled steel armour plates and additional protective elements made from materials such as carefully selected fabric and fibre structures as well as from ceramic and metal composite materials.
Among the many special constructive features of the INVICTO Shelter Cell is the fact that there is no narrowing of the door openings whatsoever. Getting in and out of the vehicle comfortably is crucial for many owners of a G-Class. In addition, the protective cell has a zero-gap design. This means that the individual components of the armour are installed without any gaps between them. This is of elementary importance for providing maximum security under small arms fire or an explosive attack.
But active safety is not overlooked either and the engineers revise suspension settings and also components to match the increased weight as well as maintain safe handling. There’s also a high-performance braking system and 20-inch INVICTO wheels with special run-flat tyres.
In addition, the vehicle frame was reinforced in the area of the side members and the strut towers were reinforced as well. Despite the outstanding level of protection added, the weight increase is only about 1,000 kgs, which is relatively little in comparison.
The INVICTO can be ordered with various petrol engines available for the current G-Class models. The cost of the protection packages start at 354,600 euros, which is equivalent to about RM1.7 million. If you are someone who needs such protection, chances are the cost will not be an issue!
Mercedes-Benz customers cover a broad spectrum of society and there’s no denying that a large number are the rich and famous in the upper strata as well as corporate and government leaders. While government leaders and heads of state can have the protection of the police or army when they travel in their cars, other customers would not have such privileges.
As the German carmaker has always strived to meet the needs of its customers, it has also offered specialised vehicles with protective measures and features. This part of the business – known as Mercedes-Benz Guard or M-B Guard – has been going on for more than 90 years, starting the Model Nurburg 460 of 1928.
In 1935, Emperor Hirohito of Japan was one of the first heads of state to use a Mercedes Pullman Saloon which was specially armoured by the carmaker.
It was the first company to start equipping its saloons with special protection ex-factory, so as to effectively protect the occupants from attacks using firearms and explosive devices. Emperor Hirohito of Japan chose an armoured Grand Mercedes as a personal car befitting his status (the Pullman Saloon, delivered in 1935, is now displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart). Many heads of state and government leaders followed the emperor’s example in using cars with additional protection and they entrusted their safety and security to M-B Guard.
The production of M-B Guard’s special protection vehicles has a unique history of innovations. This is because the protective features are always developed for specific models (unlike independent companies which can also ‘fortify’ a car with basic measures). The engineers also keep pace with technical advances to provide the best possible protection.
In September 1963, for example, after the legendary Model 600 was launched, the German government approached the company with a request for an armoured version. When a large demand for special protection vehicles arose in Latin America in 1970, the armoured 280 SEL 3.5 became a popular choice. Mercedes-Benz also produced special protection versions of the 8-cylinder W 116-series models and delivered them to selected customers in Europe and overseas.
Since 1980 and without exception, all generations of the S-Class (W126, 140, 220, 221) and the current model (W222 series) have always also been available in special protection versions. The current M-B Guard models provide maximum protection up to Class VR10, and are highly sophisticated products at the highest technical level.
M-B Guard has offered armoured versions of most models, including SUVs like the G-Wagen and also the M-Class. From the outside, you would not be able to tell the difference from a non-armoured model.
Occupants in armoured M-B Guard vehicles do not have to feel like they are in a tank. They enjoy the same luxury and comfort as the unprotected models.
Fortifying a car to resist bullets and explosives can be easily done by just using thicker metal panels and glass but this would turn it into a ‘tank’ and it would feel like one on the move too. The M-B Guard models are engineered to the highest protection standards available for civilian vehicles but also offer the same levels of luxury and comfort for the occupants as the standard models sold
Integrated special protection makes this possible. For example, all the protective elements for the doors, rear wall, side components, roof and firewall are not subsequently installed in an already finished vehicle but are integrated into the bodyshell in a separate production process right from the start. This means the models in the Guard family are conceived and developed together with the unprotected variants from the time a new model is developed. Potential weaknesses are identified by extensive tests during the development process and verified by the specialists.
Many Mercedes-Benz models are engineered to include special protective equipment and panels from the time the model is being developed. All the necessary mounting points and reinforcements are already integrated in the bodywork, to be used if needed by M-B Guard. Production is done in a separate and secure area for obvious reasons.
All the measures are based on the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz in the engineering of special protection vehicles. All reinforcing elements made of special steel alloys and other high-strength materials are already integrated in cavities between the bodyshell and exterior skin during the body production phase, specifically reinforcing the basic structure. Joints and material transitions feature intelligently designed material overlaps. Relevant areas of the underbody are protected by armour specially developed for these vehicles.
The glazing is a fixed and very important part of the protective measures. Here too, the material and thickness meet the high requirements of the protection category concerned, from bullets to explosive projectiles. The inner surfaces of the glass are coated with polycarbonate for splinter protection. Despite their comprehensive protective effect, they offer very good visibility.
Naturally the suspension, brakes, springs and assistance systems are adapted for the additional weight to ensure near-standard handling characteristics with the comfort occupants in every Mercedes-Benz expect.
Run-flat wheels enable the car to continue moving even if the tyres are deflated.
Even with all the extra weight (which can be as much as a C-Class sedan), M-B Guard vehicles must still handle well. Drivers are also given special training if required.
Additional equipment to protect the occupants inside the cabin can also be specified, such as an emergency fresh air system and self-activating fire extinguisher system. This is in the event the car is unable to move away and had to withstand attacks for some time before rescue teams can arrive.
It is part of the protective concept that models with special protection are only distinguishable from their standard production counterparts on very close scrutiny. A number of special technical features also ensure that they remain mobile during and after an attack, and can leave the danger area as rapidly as possible. The powerful, high-torque V12 engine with 530 bhp/830 Nm is one advantage.
Each M-B Guard vehicle (SUVs are also available) obviously costs a great deal more than the standard model. The vehicles are, like any Mercedes-Benz, engineered to be long lasting but there may be cases where the owners no longer require them. In such cases, the company will try its best to buy back the vehicles so that they do not get into the open market. According to a former executive in the company, this is to avoid such vehicles getting into the hands of the ‘wrong type of customers’.
It’s not known how many, if any, M-B Guard vehicles are in Malaysia and it would be hard to identify them as they appear like standard models unless you look closely. There may be some units but in any case, a former senior executive at the Malaysian subsidiary said that there is no real need to publicise M-B Guard products which would send a ‘wrong message’ about the countryas it is generally safe and peaceful.
