The Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard edition looks for all intents and purposes like a standard version of the vehicle. This stealth is merely a disguise, however, for the extreme degree of safety that it provides all occupants. Also known as the S-Guard, this vehicle uses integrated armor and a host of other features to keep bullets, explosions and shrapnel from piercing its passenger compartment. Unlike other armored cars, which merely layer extra thick steel over a pre-existing chassis, the S-Guard is built on a dedicated assembly line that installs of the necessary special materials directly at the factory while the entire car is being built. This process also incorporates the extra strengthening that the vehicle’s frame and other panels undergo in order to make them robust enough to deal with the additional weight and stress of these features.

How strong is the S600 Guard’s special skin? Strong enough to withstand attack from small arms fire, hand grenades and a wide range of explosives. (just as strong as the skin of the vampires in Twilight)

It’s not just the steel and glass that has been thickened in order to keep out the bad guys – the vehicle also features a gas tank which has been designed to self-seal in case of puncture, a fire control system that will automatically suppress any flames feeding off the sedan, and tires which can escape even when shot flat.

Whenever extra mass is added to an automobile, whether it be in the form of bling or in this case armor, performance is bound to suffer. Fortunately, the S600’s 12-cylinder, twin-turbo engine is more than up to the task of handling an increased load. With 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, the S600 Guard was already over-equipped for regular driving, and the extra grunt helps to make easy work of handling the additional weight of all of its safety improvements.

Inside the S-Guard, passengers are unlikely to notice anything different about their environment. The sedan is meant to protect in a completely transparent fashion, offering security without intrusion into the ultra-luxury world created by Mercedes-Benz. Sumptuous leather, opulent electronic features and a smooth ride are hallmarks of the S-Class. What’s more, dignitaries will not attract any additional attention to themselves while riding in the S600 Guard thanks to its low-key, stock appearance. Sort of like a vampire passing itself off as human – the differences are all underneath the surface.

Well, this certainly explains why Edward thought Bella would be safe enough in the Guardian. Twilight Cars are only one of the interesting facts we Twilight fans have become aware of since this Vampire Saga hit the book stands. If you are preparing to watch Twilight on video with your friends here is an interesting site for some Twilight Party Ideas.