New Delhi, March 8: Mercedes-Benz India today launched the Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard - an armoured passenger vehicle certified with the highest ballistic protection level VR10 - at a price starting Rs 10.50 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The German car maker had announced plans to launch a dozen models in India in 2016. The model is being imported into India through the CBU (completely-built-unit) route. The car will be serviced at any Mercedes workshop in the country.

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 Guard delivers a superior performance with its powerful V12 petrol engine.

It combines lower fuel consumption with acceleration for a rapid escape from a danger zone. For weight reasons the top speed is electronically limited to 190 kilometre per hour, the company said.

"We are pleased to introduce the world's first passenger vehicle certified with the highest ballistic protection level of VR10, in India. The car is launched in India within 15 days of its international debut," said Roland Folger, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.

The Maybach S600 Guard delivers the highest levels of ballistic and blast protection available for a non-military vehicle. Simultaneously, it offers spaciousness, ride comfort and on-board luxury features. The rear seats have been repositioned further back, adding to the sense of privacy.

Mercedes's rival Audi had launched a similar armoured car at the auto expo here last month. The Audi A8 L Security is priced at Rs 9.15 crore (ex-showroom New Delhi and Mumbai). It satisfies the criteria of the class VR 9 ballistic protection standard.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz India said it had become difficult for the company to convince its German parent to invest in the country in the backdrop of recent directives such as the Supreme Court banning diesel vehicles with 2,000cc and above engines in Delhi/NCR.