( autoinsidernews ) - Mercedes-Benz has announced it is currently developing a new generation of its Pullman limousine. Named after the luxurious Pullman railroad sleeping cars, the Pullman limos have been transporting heads of state and monarchs for eight decades.
Based on the S600 long wheelbase Guard model with a substantially extended wheelbase resulting in an extremely large passenger compartment, the new Pullman Limousine is powered by the twin-turbo 5.5L V12 delivering 517-hp. Of course, all that power is just enough to move the heavy-weight vehicle with any sort of authority.
For the type of limousine required by governments, heads of state and royalty, simply stretching an S600 wouldn't have ensured the strength to handle the heavy protective elements, so the chassis and the body are new. The Pullman Limousine will have a B6/B7 resistance level. Its armor can handle military-standard small-arms fire and also protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices. To achieve this level of safety, the protective elements are fully integrated into the bodyshell instead of being retrofitted. Additional safety features include run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.
The new State Limousine has a rear entrance offering increased headroom. Behind the partition, there is space for four passengers with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honored Pullman tradition.
The first Mercedes-Benz Pullman Limousines are due to be delivered in late 2008.