Choices, choicesMercedes-Benz Special Protection is available at the B4 level on E350 (six-cylinder) and E500 (eight-cylinder) models and on S500 (eight-cylinder) and S600 (twelve-cylinder) models. The highest protection B6/B7 is available on both S-Class models and on a Pullman version of the S500, whose wheelbase is stretched by 39 inches to provide more interior space. A G-Class can also be specified with the B6/B7 level of protection. Adding B4 protection costs around $65,000, while B6/B7 level protection adds more than $274,000 to the initial purchase price. Additional items, like protection against harmful gas or an in-cabin refrigerator, are extra.
ImpressionsThe strongest impression I had from my tour of the Mercedes-Benz Guard factory was from the sheer number of cars that are being built. Are there really that many people in the world who need this kind of protection? For some customers it's undoubtedly a status thing so they can brag to their friends about how important they are. But sadly, the need for such vehicles is increasing almost daily. The assembly line is full of black, white and dark blue cars, all moving forward toward their appointments with destiny. Dr. Gaertner discretely indicated they do have cars in stock, but if I wanted a car built to my own individual specifications it would take four to six months for delivery. As good as these cars are, as carefully as they are built and as necessary as they may be, I hope in my life I am never important enough to ever need one.