Mercedes Unveils Armored S-Class With V12 Power, Maybach Version To Follow - Details Inside

A new S-Class is always headline material, and this time Mercedes-Benz has gone further than a routine facelift. The updated W223 generation changes over 2,700 parts, blurring the line between a mid-cycle refresh and a next-gen model. While much attention has gone to cleaner six-cylinder engines and a new V8, the real talking point sits quietly at the top of the range: a twin-turbo V12—and it’s already available in the ultra-secure S680 Guard.

Before the refreshed Mercedes-Maybach S-Class arrives later this year with twelve cylinders, the armored Mercedes-Benz S680 Guard is carrying the V12 flag for the 2027 S-Class lineup. This is no ordinary luxury car. It’s a rolling safe room designed for heads of state, diplomats, and high-risk individuals who need maximum protection without giving up comfort.

According to Motor1, under the hood is Mercedes’ proven 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 producing 603 hp and 830 Nm. That’s a lot of power, but it has a big job: moving a vehicle that weighs about 4.2 tonnes due to extensive armoring. Even so, the all-wheel-drive sedan can reach a limited 190 km/h, more than enough

for secure travel.

Also Read: Mahindra Registers Strong Sales In January - Scorpio-N, XUV700 And Bolero Neo Among Top-Sellers

Protection is where the S680 Guard truly stands apart. Mercedes says it is the only series-production sedan to offer VR10 ballistic protection for both glass and body panels. In simple terms, this means the car can withstand high-calibre gunfire and certain explosions. The windows are extra thick, the body is reinforced, and there’s even an onboard fire-extinguishing system in case the engine bay is attacked.

Inside, safety continues. A fresh-air emergency system releases compressed air into the cabin to prevent harmful gases from entering. The doors are so heavy from armoring that Mercedes offers servo assistance to open and close them easily. There are hydraulic window lifters too, so windows can still operate even if the electrical system fails.

The car rides on Michelin PAX run-flat tyres, capable of travelling up to 30 km after a puncture. For official duties, the Guard can be fitted with flagpoles on the front fenders. Pricing for the updated model hasn’t been announced, but the previous version started at over €547,000 (around Rs 5,92,57,057) in Germany, which is more than double the price of a standard Maybach S-Class. Later this year, the Maybach version will also bring the V12 to buyers who want ultimate luxury without the armoring.

This car is fascinating rather than attainable. But it shows how far engineering can go when luxury, performance and protection must exist in one vehicle.