Once the sole-preserve of heads of state, armoured cars have become the must-have mode of transport for everyone from CEOs to Hollywood A-listers and, in a country as crime-ridden as South Africa, there is no doubt a growing demand for these vehicles. If you think protective measures are retro-fitted to existing E-, M- and S-Class vehicles then think again. Mercedes-Benz Guard products are designed as early as during the development phase of the series-production vehicle of which the M-Guard is a good example.
The new range of armoured vehicles by Mercedes-Benz was independently tested by the National Ballistics Laboratory in Ulm. Through a simulation of real life situations and live testing, the M-Guard has been certified with protection level VR4 and VR6. This verifies that the M-Guard’s safety system has real-world effectiveness and a high level of resistance to certain weapons and calibres.
Levels of Protection
The VR4 and VR6 levels of protection are defined by the BRV 2009 guidelines, designed for the testing and certification of bullet-resistant vehicles. A VR4 certification means the vehicle is resistant to handguns and .44 calibre Magnums. A VR6 certification means the vehicle is resistant to rifles (e.g. AK 47s) firing 7.62 x 39 mm-calibre iron-core ammunition. The M-Guard is offered in either VR4 or VR6 level.
Sustained armour testing revealed the Mercedes-Benz M-Guard was resistant to fire from diverse and creative angles, taking into consideration the design. The armour is inspected for target points, particular areas of the vehicle where the projectile has least resistance or induces the unintentional opening of a door for example. The armour overlaps and is reinforced in the areas in which the materials come together, eliminating weak points.
The M-Guard also passed triangulated fire tests and multi-hit tests on the car body (the non-transparent area). Only available with a level of VR4 protection, the underbody is resistant to DM51 hand grenade blasts for both the drivers sector and the rear.
Designed with weight optimisation in mind, the M-Guard’s auto armour consists of multilayer glass windows protecting against projectiles whilst offering excellent visual quality and a polycarbonate coating on the inside to prevent splintering.
The body armour uses hot-formed steel around the A,B and C-pillars. A firewall and roof reinforce the structure. All armour elements have been pre-certified for ballistic resistance and precisely fitted, allowing them to meld discretely with the passenger compartments. The VR6 protection level has a dividing wall behind the backrest of the rear seats to allow passengers an additional layer of defence.
Mercedes-Benz’s new range of armoured vehicles includes specially designed tyres with reinforced side walls that can continue to support the weight of the car even when flat, allowing the vehicle to keep moving in an emergency. The M-Guard’s sophisticated engine controls compensate for stability, handling and control, and the brake systems automatically cope with the additional weight and other changes.
The M-Guard has permanent all-wheel drive, meaning increased stability and driver handling, with its driving system adjusting for weather conditions (including water on the road, black ice or snow). The system consists of electronic stability control as well as an electronic traction system with integral Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) functions.
The traction system uses targeted braking for spinning wheels, switching the drive torque other wheels with better traction. The automatic brake impulses actually improve in slippery conditions and provide heightened stability in dangerous driving conditions. The driver need only press the off-road button in the centre console.
The new armoured vehicles by Mercedes-Benz provide an array of measures and components which work together to offer a comprehensive yet inconspicuous security system. The M-Guard’s auto armour has been independently certified and can protect its passengers from an array of real-world threats.
