German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new M-Class Guard special-protection sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is claimed to be complaint with the Vehicle Resistance 4 (VR 4) protection class.
The new SUV is offered in two variants including ML350 BlueTEC and ML500, while both are equipped with armor elements, in addition to modified doors and a front structure.
The ML350 BlueTEC variant is powered by a V6 diesel engine that generates an output of 258hp and 620Nm of torque, while the ML500 comes with a V8 gasoline powertrain that produces an output of 408hp and 600Nm of torque.
Both engines are mated to a 7G-TRONIC Plus transmission that allows the SUV to sprint from 0-62mph in 9.4 and 6.5 seconds respectively, while achieving an electronically-limited top speed of 130mph.
Features of the special protection SUV include an AIRMATIC air suspension system with adaptive damper system (ADS).
The vehicle's axle components compensate for the increased weight, while the Guard-specific torsion bars at the rear axle optimises roll behaviour in fast curves.
The new SUV, which will be offered in both left hand drive (LHD) and right hand drive (RHD) variants, can be ordered from 15 March 2013.
