Mercedes Benz to run background checks on armoured S Class buyers
Mercedes Benz will not sell the armoured S 680 Guard to every wealthy customer who can afford one. The company plans to screen potential buyers and, according to current information, will exclude clients in the United States and China.
The purchase process for the armoured S Class is becoming much stricter. Anyone interested in the S 680 Guard must pass a background check, including an assessment of risks linked to sanctions and embargoes.
That makes the Guard more than just an expensive S Class for Mercedes Benz. It is a politically and security sensitive product. The company wants to avoid a high protection limousine ending up with a controversial buyer or someone connected to sanctions.
USA and China left out
According to sources, Mercedes Benz does not plan to sell the S 680 Guard to customers in either the United States or China. The company has not explained all the reasons behind the decision, but it points to a clear desire to keep the special model under tighter control and reduce reputational and regulatory risk.
The S 680 Guard differs from the standard S Class mainly through its armour and security systems. The model meets the VPAM VR10 protection standard, regarded as the highest ballistic protection class for civilian vehicles.
V12 power, limited information
The Guard uses a 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine producing 612 hp and 830 Nm of torque. It comes with all wheel drive and has a top speed of 210 km/h.
Mercedes Benz does not disclose the car’s price, production volume or full equipment details. Each example is built around the customer’s needs, but the order still depends on approval from the manufacturer. With the Guard, Mercedes is not merely selling luxury. It is selling controlled access to a vehicle built for a level of security most people will never need, and very few will be allowed to buy.
