2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard Armored Prototype Makes Its First Outing

We’ve seen many 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prototypes undergoing testing over the past couple of years, including top-dog Maybach-branded variants.

However, one derivative we haven’t seen so far is the S-Class Guard, the armored variant of the flagship Mercedes sedan. That changes today as we can now show you the first photos of the upcoming S-Class Guard, spotted undergoing road testing in Germany.

How do we know it’s the Guard and not a regular S-Class? Well, the extra-thick bulletproof windows (notice the dark contour on the windshield and front windows) and the run-flat heavy-duty tires give it away.

This prototype does not feature the Mercedes-Maybach grille which means it’s based on a long-wheelbase S-Class – the long rear doors are a strong hint that’s the case. As with its predecessors, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard will avoid attracting unwanted attention and will be almost impossible to distinguish from a non-armored S-Class.

Expect the automaker to offer the Guard treatment in combination with the most powerful eight-cylinder and twelve-cylinder engines the W223 generation will have to offer. If the outgoing Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard is anything to go by, the new one should offer VR10 ballistic protection level as well as protection from explosive devices thanks to underbody armoring.

The Guard model will debut after the regular 2021 S-Class, which Mercedes-Benz should unveil later this year.