Mercedes-Benz has updated its S 680 Guard 4Matic for 2026, retaining the model's VR10 ballistic certification, the highest protection rating available for civilian armoured vehicles. Unlike vehicles that are armoured after production, the car's protective structure is built in from the outset, allowing it to keep much of the space and comfort of a standard S-Class. The manufacturer has not published an official price for the 2026 version, though European market reports place it above €600,000.
Not an S-Class with armour added afterwards
At first glance, the S 680 Guard 4Matic looks almost identical to a conventional long-wheelbase S-Class. That resemblance is part of the design philosophy. Beneath the aluminium bodywork sits one of the safest production civilian vehicles in the world, built for heads of state, government officials, business figures and individuals facing elevated personal risk.
The most significant feature of the Guard is that its protection is not fitted retrospectively. Mercedes has engineered a dedicated self-supporting protective cell, the Integrated Protection System (iSS), around which the car is effectively constructed. The exterior aluminium surface functions more as a "shell", allowing the vehicle to retain the appearance of an ordinary S-Class.
This brings two advantages. The armour becomes an integral structural part of the vehicle, and interior space is not sacrificed to the same degree. As a result, rear passengers retain nearly the same sense of luxury and roominess as in the standard S-Class.
What VR10 certification means
The VPAM VR10 certification means the cabin and windows have been tested against extremely powerful rifle fire, including armour-piercing ammunition, the highest category within this civilian certification standard. Mercedes states that the S-Class Guard is currently the only series-production limousine with factory certification to VR10 across both the opaque bodywork and the glazed surfaces.
The vehicle has also undergone blast-resistance testing under VPAM ERV. Testing on the earlier generation of this Guard model assessed attacks from the side, floor and roof, and the car achieved the highest possible rating. The evaluation used specialised "biofidelic" dummies, designed to simulate human bone structure and soft tissue more accurately than standard test dummies.
The windows are made from particularly thick laminated material and include an internal polycarbonate layer, reducing the risk of injury from fragments in the event of impact.
What happens if the car comes under attack
This is where some of the Guard's more distinctive engineering solutions come into play. Michelin PAX run-flat tyres allow the car to keep moving even with a damaged tyre, for around 30 km, so occupants can leave a dangerous area. Hydraulic windows can still operate even if the electrical system fails, which is particularly important after an attack. Assisted armoured doors use dedicated mechanisms to help open and close the extremely heavy doors, even when the vehicle is on a slope.
A fire suppression system can respond to a fire on board, a feature the updated 2026 Guard continues to offer. An emergency fresh-air system supplies occupants with protected air if smoke or hazardous gases are present outside the vehicle, while a threat alarm system is specifically designed for threat scenarios. The car also allows external communication with people outside the vehicle without opening a door or window.
A V12 engine to move more than four tonnes
The armour adds substantial weight. For this reason, the car is powered by a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 producing 612 horsepower, paired with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Mercedes has adapted the engine, transmission, suspension and drivetrain specifically to meet the Guard's demands.
Top speed is electronically limited to 190 km/h, since the priority is not outright speed but the ability to move a vehicle weighing more than four tonnes quickly and under control.
Despite the protection, the interior remains true to the S-Class. The 2026 version can be specified with luxurious rear seating, the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system, two large rear screens and video-conferencing capability, effectively creating an armoured mobile office.
How much does it cost
An important distinction applies here. When this generation of the S 680 Guard was first launched, Mercedes-Benz's official base price in Germany was €457,100 excluding VAT. With 19% VAT applied, that figure rises to approximately €543,949, before optional equipment.
For the updated 2026 S 680 Guard 4Matic, Mercedes-Benz has not publicly disclosed a specific price in its latest official presentation material. European automotive market reports now place the price in the region of €600,000 and above, before individual customisation.
In practice, the final figure can rise considerably further. Guard vehicles with additional equipment have appeared on the European market at over €700,000. For an order placed in Cyprus, the final price would depend on factory configuration, optional equipment, taxation and registration costs.
As a general estimate for the current 2026 S 680 Guard 4Matic, industry pricing places a realistic starting point at around €600,000, with a fully equipped, custom-specified order easily reaching €700,000 or more.
