More than Bulletproof: Mercedes-Benz Announces New Pullman
In most circumstances, the announcement of a new armoured Mercedes-Benz limousine is a quiet event. These vehicles, built to meet and exceed the world’s most stringent passenger protection standards (B6/B7), are ushered into public eye discreetly, mostly because they are out of reach for most. The vehicle’s primary clientele are the wealthiest, plus governments and important dignitaries. But for the latest generation of Pullman limousine (also known as the State Limousine), Mercedes-Benz wants to make a bigger deal out of its debut. By the time it is ready for sale in late 2008, the Pullman nameplate will have been around for 80 years, a time span that’s longer than most automakers have existed.
Like Ford’s Super Chief concept vehicle, the Pullman name was once used in a railroad application. The American Pullman Palace Car Company made railroad sleeping cars with furnishings fit for royalty; Mercedes-Benz found this name to be apt for their extended wheelbase luxury sedans that featured a partition to separate the driver from the passenger compartment, and four individual face-to-face seats. For the past eight decades, Pullmans have featured this particular layout, and the latest S600 version abides by it as well.
Mercedes-Benz’s first armoured vehicle was a Pullman version of the W 08/460. It was followed by the Pullman 770 K, a vehicle constructed for Japanese Emperor Hirohito. From then on in, 600-series Mercedes-Benzes were used as the base for all Pullman models.
Because some of the most important people in the world are transported via this ultra-luxurious car, Mercedes-Benz takes the duty of armouring the Pullman very seriously. In fact, Mercedes-Benz says that the newest model exceeds standards set by any standard tested by the public or independent organization. Military standard small-arms projectiles, automatic firearms and grenades are only some of the weapons that the vehicle can withstand. The Pullman is distinct from other armoured vehicles in that its protection is integrated straight into the car’s frame and body, as opposed to being retrofitted. In addition to the armour in the bodywork and glass, the Pullman also receives runflat tires, a fire extinguisher, a self-sealing fuel tank, an air purification system to protect against chemical attacks and a loudspeaker system for external communication. All work is conducted at Mercedes’ Sindelfingen workshop.
As the Pullman’s extended wheelbase, special interior and armour significantly increase the weight of the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz equipped its smoothest and most powerful drivetrain. It receives the 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine that makes 517 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque.
Because Pullman limousines are far more exclusive than most Mercedes-Benzes, purchasing one is usually done on a consultation basis, where details such as colours, materials and options are discussed. For the time being, the price tag is up in the air, but don’t expect to get much change from half a million US dollars, which, as a matter of fact, may actually not be sufficient!
