Mercedes-Benz has announced this week the introduction of armored versions of the ML350 BlueTec and ML500. The two SUVs feature specific adaptations for the attachment of the armored parts and also come with a polycarbonate layer on the inside of the windows for shards protection.
There’s also special steel utilized for the A-, B- and C-pillars, as well as in the passenger area and in the roof. This helps increase the vehicle’s structural firmness. The front structure benefits from reinforcing elements while the doors are modified compared to the standard ML-Class models.
Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec is a V6 diesel with 258 HP (190 kW) and 457 lb-ft (620 Nm) linked to a 7G-Tronic PLUS gearbox allowing the armored SUV hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.4s. The ML500 makes use of a V8 gasoline engine rated at 408 HP (300 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) linked to the same transmission and reaching 62 mph in 6.5 seconds. Both vehicles are limited to a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
Both cars ride on 20-inch alloys with run-flat tires which allow the vehicles to travel for an additional 18.6 miles (30 km) even if there’s no air in the tires.
Available on order starting Friday, the ML350 BlueTec costs 105,050 euros while the more powerful ML500 will set you back 118,650 euro.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
