In short: for up to 5 passengers on an official or private trip, an armored SUV fits best. For a group of up to 8, choose an armored Mercedes Sprinter. For a crew with equipment or a hard road, choose an armored work truck. The rest of this article explains how to decide.
The comparison in one table
| Armored SUV | Armored Mercedes Sprinter | Armored work truck | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Models | Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD |
| Passengers | Driver + 5 | Driver + 8 | Driver + 5 |
| Engine | V8 6.2L | 2.0L turbo diesel | 6.6L turbo diesel |
| Power | 420 HP | 200 HP | 455 HP |
| Drive | 4×4 | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Main use | VIPs and guests | Delegations and groups | Crews and equipment |
Armored SUV: for VIPs and official travel
Large SUVs are the natural choice for one person or a family with their party. They look like a regular executive car, the cabin is quiet and spacious, and they handle a city better than a larger vehicle.
Between the two models in our fleet, the Cadillac Escalade ESV and the Chevrolet Suburban, the difference lies mainly in the finish of the cabin. We cover it in armored Suburban vs. Escalade.
Armored Mercedes Sprinter: when everyone travels together
When a group needs to reach the same place, one Sprinter is simpler than several separate vehicles. Our Mercedes Sprinter has a driver plus eight VIP passenger seats, with individual USB charging at every seat and air conditioning across the passenger area.
It suits delegations and groups of guests. On long journeys, the space in the cabin makes the difference.
Armored work truck: crews, equipment and hard roads
The armored Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was built to work on any terrain. It suits technicians and crews who travel to rough, remote and high-risk areas and bring equipment with them. It has an extra-large rear bed, a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg and 4×4 drive, and the cabin has 360° armor.
Four questions to help you decide
- How many passengers? Up to 5 fit the SUV or the work truck. Up to 8 fit the Sprinter, and a larger group can combine vehicles.
- How much equipment? Heavy or bulky gear belongs in the work truck's bed. Luggage and camera equipment fit the SUV or the Sprinter.
- Where are you going? City, highway or off-road. On hard terrain, the work truck is the natural choice.
- How much does blending in matter? A dark executive car fits most places. In others, a work pickup fits better.
If you are not sure, tell us about the trip and we will help you choose. Every trip is subject to prior approval by the Israel Police, so it is best to get in touch early.
Frequently asked questions
How many passengers fit in an armored vehicle? In our fleet, 5 in the SUV and the work truck and 8 in the Sprinter, besides the driver.
Is there an armored car with a driver for groups? Yes. The Mercedes Sprinter is meant for delegations and groups that need to travel together.
How do I choose between the Escalade and the Suburban? Both take a driver and 5 passengers and share the same engine. The main difference is the cabin.
Sources
The figures in this article come from 911VIP's vehicle pages: