Think-Dash: Maybach 62 Guard keeps the rich coddled from harm's way

Maybach 62 Guard keeps the rich coddled from harm's way: "

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Specialty, Luxury

2011 Maybach 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Typically, when an automaker develops an armored version of one of their sedans or SUVs, the added weight taken as inherent has an adverse effect on the car's performance. But with the new Maybach Guard, the top-of-the-line Daimler division says it has whittled this down to a minimum.

The negligible effect of the added protection on the Maybach 62 comes down to two factors: First of all, Maybach's twin-turbo V12, brakes and suspension components were designed from the get-go to accommodate the reinforced armor, and are already burdened enough by the car's massive weight that the extra heft is relatively negligible. Secondly, the steel and Kevlar reinforcements weigh less than 900 pounds all told - far less than if you took an existing model to an independent firm instead of specifying it so equipped from the factory.

As a result, Daimler claims the Maybach 62 Guard can still accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and reach a threat-evading top speed of 155 mph - the electronically-limited level adopted by most of Germany's automakers.

The Guard model is also said to be virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye from an unprotected Maybach 62, so if you want to know what it looks like, check out the recently revised model range in the gallery below. Official announcement in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Maybach range