Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently added a highly fortified Mercedes Maybach car to his security detail. Previously, the PM travelled in a guarded Range Rover Vogue and a Toyota Land
Cruiser.
PM Modi was last seen travelling around in it during Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to New Delhi, which began on December 6.
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard is the car with the highest level of armoured protection. It is believed to be the top of the line among bullet- and blast-proof armoured vehicles for VIPs
around the world.
According to sources, the vehicle's upgraded windows and body shell can withstand bullets and can endure an attack from AK-47 rifles.
According to reports, the car's windows are made of polycarbonate and can survive hardened steel core bullets. The vehicle also has an Explosive Resistant Vehicle (ERV) 2010 certification,
which means that its occupants are safe from a 15kg TNT explosion at a distance of only 2 metres.
According to sources, the vehicle was acquired following numerous rounds of discussions between the company and the SPG, during which the latter not only analysed each protective feature
of the vehicle but also demanded some changes to suit PM's protection needs.
In terms of a gas attack, the cabin has its own air supply.
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The vehicle is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 516 horsepower and 900 Nm of peak torque. The top speed is limited to 160 kilometres per hour.
According to another report, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard's fuel tank is coated with a special material that immediately seals the holes after a crash. It's made of the same material
as Boeing's AH-64 Apache tank attack helicopters.
The vehicle includes a luxury cabin and all of the comforts included in a standard Maybach S-Class. The seats have a massage function that allows passengers to choose from a variety of massages,
ranging from 'high intensity' to 'hot relaxing back' to 'classic massage.' A 360-degree camera is also included.
The car is 5.45 metres long with a 3.36-metre wheelbase. The vehicle's heavy doors are opened and closed by an electric motor.
"PM's security is something that needs to be checked on a regular basis. Vehicles are a part of the process," said an official.
The exact cost of the car is unknown because it was customised for the prime minister. However, it is said to be of over Rs 12 Crores as Mercedes-Maybach debuted the S600 Guard in India
last year for Rs 10.5 crore, while the S650 is expected to cost more than Rs 12 crore.