If there's one thing you need to know about the new Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard it's this: it's the first vehicle to be certified with the highest ballistic protection level (VR10) for civilian vehicles. In other words, these guidelines specify the big sedan's bodywork and windows can withstand bullets fired from a freaking assault rifle. Rocket propelled grenades? You're covered. Because you might have enemies out there that you may or may not know about. You can never be too careful these days.

The German automaker adds that the S 600 Guard "fuses the perfection of the S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach." So who's going to want to buy this? Heads of state and business leaders. You know, people who could be targeted for assassination. Compared to the Mercedes S-Class and "regular" Maybach S600, upgrades include rear seats that've been repositioned further back, adding to a sense of privacy, and a series of special technical features to ensure the vehicle remains mobile during and after an attack, and can successfully exit the danger zone. Cool. That VR10 protection level and ERV 2010 rating (Explosive Resistant Vehicles) passed with flying colors inspection by Germany's Federal Office of Criminal Investigation.

The sedan's bodyshell is composed of special steel that's integrated into the cavities between the body structure and the outer skin. The windows are coated with polycarbonate on the inside for splinter protection. We're guessing (because it wasn't mentioned) power will come from the S600's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 with 532 hp and 612 lb-ft. The Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard joins the automaker's other Guard models, the G 500 Guard, GLE Guard, and S-Class Guard, and will be priced at 470,000 euros plus VAT.