cars news 10: Mercedes-Benz GLE Guard Inferno is Stylish, Bulletproof

Bulletproof cars and trucks are fairly common in different parts of the world. But adding bulletproof glass, Kevlar, run-flat tires, and other protective reinforcements adds a ton of weight to a vehicle.

Most folks wouldn’t know the difference between an armored or a stock ride, unless of course you happen to be driving a Mercedes-Benz GLE Guard Inferno modified by luxury tuner Topcar of Moscow.

Outside, it looks like just another carbon fiber-laden SUV from Mercedes-Benz. A quick peek inside this exquisite example with its lime green and chocolate brown leather interior might give you away.

Topcar tells us via email that it has already built four similarly modified Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The one you see here was a special request for a wealthy client.

It showcases the company’s full carbon fiber Inferno body kit, luxury wood trim, and high-quality Nappa leather. The bulletproof glass and other protective elements are available through the Mercedes-Benz Guard program.

Topcar has been tuning cars since 2004, crafting luxury vehicles for everyday use that caters to the custom whims of its buyer’s taste.

The Bulletproof GLE seen here is based on the company’s bold GLE Wagon Inferno aerodynamic body kit. According to Topcar, its factory designers were not held back by corporate constraints and were allowed to show “greater scope and boldness.”

And bold it is. Carbon fiber is generously used throughout the SUV, including its beefy, carbon fiber hood in order to offset the weight gains due to the added armor.

The company tells us it took eight weeks to build the project. Half that time was needed to install and paint the body kit, the other half for the unique interior work.

“The most difficult work is the interior. This kind of work we can only do at our main body shop in Moscow,” we’re told.

A combination of carbon fiber and Kevlar are used to create its extended fenders, side air intakes, and the rear bumper with big diffuser helps add dramatic flair to the normally sedate SUV.

Topcar also says that their aerodynamic body kit can be installed on any version of the GLE. “We always have GLE Coupe Inferno kits at our storage,” they tell us.

The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. They recommend installing the kit at one of their official body shops, but if you can’t find one in your part of the world, they can ship a kit and provide detailed video instructions.

If fine leather seems too pedestrian for your tastes, they can also redesign your vehicle’s interior with crocodile leather, precious wood, or even 24K gold.

Source: Topcar