From Ambassador to Presidential limo Mercedes Benz S600 Pullman Guard: Pranab Mukherjee gets ready to be sworn in as India's 13th President

Mr Pranab Mukherjee will be sworn in as the 13th President of Republic of India today and for the first time in his five decade political career, he will give up his trusty Ambassador and step into the Presidential stretch limo, Mercedes Benz S600 (w221) Pullman Guard specially deigned for him. The Mercedes Benz S600 Pullman Guard was taken into service during the tenure of Pratibha Patil, the previous President of India. At the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, Mercedes Benz India had displayed the S600 Pullman Guard.

Once the President steps into the vehicle and the doors slam shut, there will be no interference from the outside. The President's potion of this limo has been segregated from the rest of the vehicle by a sound proof glass partition. It's out here that the President can choose to listen to silence or keep updated about current affairs in the country while traveling.

While the exteriors present a wow factor to the limo, it's the amount of security features that defines the vehicle as a presidential escort. This vehicle is heavily armored and designed to withstand small arms fire, grenade attacks as also fragments from explosions. The windows and windshields have a 60 mm polycarbonate coating which acts as a splinter shield. Its 90 liter fuel tank is self sealing while there is also a fire extinguisher onboard just in case. An emergency air supply system has been installed to help in case of an attack. A rear surveillance camera alerts the driver in case of an ambush. Bullet proof tires can run at maximum speed of 80 kmph for about 30 km in case of an attack with total loss of air pressure.

Seating arrangement inside the car has been designed so as to allow the President to have face to face meetings if he wants to. There is an integrated communication system with interior and exterior microphones which allow for the President to communicate with people outside. Leather upholstery, GPS modules and Tele Aid allow for the president to be connected to the outside world even while travelling. There is a panic button which when once triggered shuts all doors and windows from inside. The car is powered by a V12 bi turbo engine, and costs about Rs. 12 crores as compared to the Ambassador which costs Rs.10 lakhs.