Mercedes-Benz will now offer armored versions of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the ML350 BlueTec and the ML500 classes. They will be armored under the VR4 protection class which will include modified doors and a front structure with reinforcing elements. The A, B, C pillars and the roof will feature special enhancement steel, which will also be used to reinforce the passenger area and boost the SUV’s structural firmness. As for the windows, a polycarbonate layer will be fitted on the inside for protection against shards.
Both the ML350 BlueTec and the ML500 will ride on 20 inch alloy wheels with flat-run tires which will manage 30 km (18.6 miles) at speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) even when completely flat. The ML350 BlueTec uses a V6 diesel engine producing 258hp and 620Nm of torque with a 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds while the ML500 uses a V8 engine that produces 408hp and 600Nm of torque with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds. Both engines are connected to a 7G-TRONIC Plus transmission and have an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
The two cars are available to order from 15th March with prices starting from 105,050 EUR for the ML350 BlueTEC Guard and 118,650 EUR for the ML500 Guard.