Mercedes Adds M-Class to Armored Guard Models

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
9852 photos
33 videos
is introducing its new armored Guard models based on the ML350 BlueTecMercedes-Benz ML 350 Blue...Germany, 2011 > present1 photo
and ML500Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4Mat...Germany, 2012 > present4 photos
. The trucks can resist a .357 magnum shot from 5 meters away around the entire truck. 

The ML Guard models get armor covering the entire body including the roof, frame struts, locks, door gaps and exterior mirror mounts. The windows are made from laminated, glazed glass with a polycarbonate layer on the inside to protect against shards. There is also added steel to reinforce the A-, B- and C-pillars, firewall and roof. 

Mercedes claims that the factory armoring is advantageous because unlike retrofitters, installing the panels armored from the beginning means less added weight and better positioning for the armor. 

The Guard models meet the BRV 2009 standard for providing VR4 protection. That means that it can withstand .357 magnum and .44 caliber rounds from any angle. It can also withstand a DM51 hand grenade blast with the optional floor armor. 

Mechanically, there are few changes over the standard cars. Both trucks come with air suspension, active dampers, stronger axles and run-flat tires. The 258hp diesel V6 in the ML350 BlueTec and 408hp V8 in the ML500 are carried over, and both have 7-speed automatic transmissions. 

Buyers can order either car in left-hand or right-hand drive. Prices for the ML350 BlueTec Guard start at €105,050, and the ML500 Guard starts at €118,650.

Mercedes already offers Guard models based on the E-ClassMercedes-Benz E-Class Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present345 versions
755 photos
, S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class Gen.5 [W 221/ V 221]Germany, 2005 > 201373 versions
135 photos
and G-ClassMercedes-Benz G-Class Gen.3Germany, 1990 > present139 versions
177 photos
.