In 2002, needing a car to compete against Rolls-Royce's upcoming Phantom and ...
... Bentley's stalwart Arnage T ...
... Mercedes revived the long-dormant Maybach brand.
Although the Maybach 57 and 62 models became pop-culture sensations, they didn't generate enough income to justify keeping the brand around.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdIn 2011, Mercedes shuttered Maybach.
But for the 2016 model year, Mercedes brought back the Maybach name.
This time, instead of offering a separate brand, the name appears as a high-end version of the company's S-Class sedan, called the "Mercedes-Maybach S600."
Although the Maybach S600 is one of the most solidly built cars on the road today, it isn't designed to stop bullets.
That's where Toronto-based Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing comes in.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdFor $500,000 — including the $189,000 for the Maybach — Inkas will create a custom-armored limo fit to provide S600 owners with that extra measure of security.
These guys certainly know what they are doing. Their other offerings include this Huron armored personnel carrier and ...
... this $1 million Mercedes G63 AMG limo.
In addition, Inkas offers armored versions of various luxury vehicles, including the Cadillac Escalade and the Range Rover.
The customization work is done at the company's facility in Ontario.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdHere's a Lexus LX570 going through the armored-customization process.
As for Maybach, Inkas' modifications will include "lightweight" armor plating and structural reinforcements able to comply with European CEN 1063 BR7 standards.
Other modifications include a reinforced suspension and braking system along with run-flat tires. It's even got a smokescreen generator to help you escape a tricky situation!
In fact, the S600's bulletproof glass offers the same level of ballistic protection as the body of the car.
Power for the Maybach S600 comes from a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine, producing 523 horsepower.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdInside, the modified Maybach S600 looks indistinguishable from the standard car.
Complete with mood lighting.
Special features include a fire-suppression system and independent air-conditioning systems.
Just to remind the occupants of the car's power, the seats come complete with "V12" badges.
Ultimately, armored or not, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is all about luxury — and this car certainly delivers.