This $500,000 armored Mercedes-Maybach limo is a force to be reckoned with

                                                                                                                                                           

INKAS

Over the past 100 years, Mercedes-Benz has earned quite a reputation for building some of the toughest and most solidly engineered cars in the world. Sitting at the top of Mercedes' lineup is the massive Mercedes-Maybach S600 limo.

The 5,300-pound luxury sedan offers more performance and safety than most people in the world would ever need. But there are a select few who need more protection than crumple zones and a lot of airbags. They need to stop bombs and bullets. They need armor.

For these Mercedes-Maybach owners, Canada's Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing has come up with a Maybach that can offer some "extra protection."

"It shows what happens when the best innovations in security, performance and technology merge to make a top-notch vehicle," said retired Maj. Gen. David Fraser, Inkas' COO, in a statement. "Based on the Mercedes-Maybach S600, it caters to customers who desire prestigious, high-class vehicles without compromising safety."

The cost? Just a half-million US dollars.

In 2002, needing a car to compete against Rolls-Royce's upcoming Phantom and ...

Wikimedia Commons

... Bentley's stalwart Arnage T ...

Bentley

... Mercedes revived the long-dormant Maybach brand.

Mercedes-Benz

Although the Maybach 57 and 62 models became pop-culture sensations, they didn't generate enough income to justify keeping the brand around.

Daimler

In 2011, Mercedes shuttered Maybach.

Daimler

But for the 2016 model year, Mercedes brought back the Maybach name.

Mercedes-Benz

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."

Mercedes-Benz

Although the Maybach S600 is one of the most solidly built cars on the road today, it isn't designed to stop bullets.

Mercedes-Benz

That's where Toronto-based Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing comes in.

INKAS

For $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.

INKAS

These guys certainly know what they are doing. Their other offerings include this Huron armored personnel carrier and ...

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... this $1 million Mercedes G63 AMG limo.

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In addition, Inkas offers armored versions of various luxury vehicles, including the Cadillac Escalade and the Range Rover.

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The customization work is done at the company's facility in Ontario.

INKAS

Here's a Lexus LX570 going through the armored-customization process.

INKAS

As for Maybach, Inkas' modifications will include "lightweight" armor plating and structural reinforcements able to comply with European CEN 1063 BR7 standards.

INKAS

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!

INKAS

In fact, the S600's bulletproof glass offers the same level of ballistic protection as the body of the car.

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Power for the Maybach S600 comes from a 6.0-liter biturbo V12 engine, producing 523 horsepower.

Mercedes-Benz

Inside, the modified Maybach S600 looks indistinguishable from the standard car.

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Complete with mood lighting.

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Special features include a fire-suppression system and independent air-conditioning systems.

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Just to remind the occupants of the car's power, the seats come complete with "V12" badges.

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Ultimately, armored or not, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is all about luxury — and this car certainly delivers.

INKAS