Bomb-proof V12 Mercedes-Benz S-Class released

High-profile politicians, unpopular celebrities and third-world dictators now have available to them the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 680 Guard 4MATIC for their daily commute following the launch of the new armoured limo in Europe.

Despite Mercedes-Benz claiming its latest seventh-generation S-Class would never ever be offered with V12 power again, the German car-maker has relented for the armoured version that's been engineered to provide the highest level of ballistic protection for a civilian vehicle.

This is partly due to the fact the 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that was previously only available under the Rolls-Royce-rivalling Mercedes-Maybach S 680 was deemed essential to offset the Guard version's enormous 4200kg kerb weight.

For the S 680 Guard the V12 has been detuned to 450kW/830Nm, presumably to protect the transmission that along with the steering, chassis and suspension has been beefed up for the task.

There's no word on acceleration, but top speed is said to be limited at 190km/h.

To protect from gunshots and IEDs, engineers started from scratch with the special S-Class. In comes a thicker, more protective body and window glass that's more than 100mm thick.

Ensuring a blow-out won't stop it, the S 680 Guard riding on Michelin's latest PAX run-flat tyres that can be driven on for up to 30km after a total loss of air pressure.

To raise and lower the considerably thicker windows, Benz has added a hydraulic mechanism.

Available in four- or five-seat configuration, the S 680 Guard comes with a built-in oxygen supply in case of chemical attack or firebomb.

Pricing is said to start at around €547,400 ($A880,000) in Germany, with Mercedes-Benz claiming each armoured S 680 Guard takes at least 51 days to build.