The Thai Royal Family Rides Exclusively In German Style
Thailand's royal family—especially King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) and his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej—maintains one of the most opulent and mysterious luxury car collections in the world. With over 300 land vehicles, including a vast array of Mercedes-Benz limousines and sedans, their fleet has drawn fascination from automotive enthusiasts and royal observers alike.
Mercedes Pullman Guard S650
The crown jewel of the royal fleet is the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Pullman Guard (W222), a bulletproof armored limousine finished in ivory paint. It is powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine rated at 621HP and has a top speed electronically limited to 155 MPH. Thanks to its extended length, fortified panels, and formidable presence, King Vajiralongkorn primarily uses this car during high-security ceremonial parades and diplomatic occasions.
2020 Mercedes Maybach S650 Pullman GUARD V12 NEW Review Interior Exterior Security, Ivan Sensei
Mercedes S650 (W222)
Also present is the Mercedes-Maybach S650 (W222) sedan, which, while lacking the Pullman's extreme length, still delivers a commanding 621HP and the same governed 155 MPH top speed. This long-wheelbase sedan is regularly assigned to senior royals or royal consorts during official but lower-profile travel events.
Johannes Maximilian, Wikimedia Commons
Maybach S680
Heralding from the luxury line of Mercedes-owned Maybach, is the Maybach S680 (W223), the most recent generation of Maybach, takes refinement to the next level with a twin-turbocharged 6.0L V12 producing 621HP. It, too, is electronically limited to 155 MPH and is frequently used to transport royal family members during national celebrations and grand openings.
Several Mercedes-Benz S500s In Ivory
Several ivory-colored Mercedes-Benz S500 (W221) sedans are deployed as escort vehicles for princesses and senior court officials. These cars are powered by a 4.6L V8 producing 382HP and achieve a top speed of 155 MPH. They often accompany the lead royal vehicle in motorcades and official processions, serving as both transport and visible markers of royal movement.
Turbocharged & Modified: A Line Of Protective S500s
The fleet also includes updated S500 models from the W222 generation, with a turbocharged V8 producing 449HP and the same electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. These sedans, featuring infrared-reflective laminated glass and bespoke modifications, have largely replaced the W221s for palace-to-palace journeys and modern ceremonial needs.
Damian B Oh, Wikimedia Commons
Old Faithful: A Fleet Of S220s From The 90s & Early 2000s
An older but still maintained selection of S-Class W220 sedans, painted in either ruby red or ivory, serves secondary escort duties. These cars, which use a 5.5L V8 rated at 362HP, are capable of reaching 155 MPH and are regularly seen during low-profile security deployments or provincial visits.
Matti Blume, MB-one 12:58, 18 June 2006 (UTC), Wikimedia Commons
For Security Purposes: The E55 AMG
For more dynamic requirements, the royal motorcade has included the high-performance Mercedes E55 AMG (W211), which produces 469 HP from a supercharged 5.4L V8 and has a top speed of 155 MPH. These powerful sedans are typically used as rapid-response units during official events or transitions through urban environments.
Logistical Support: The E-Class Sedans
In addition to performance-oriented vehicles, the royal family employs several standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, mostly W210 and W211 models, to support motorcade logistics. These cars feature V6 or V8 engines that produce between 240 and 300HP and reach top speeds of approximately 130 MPH. Frequently used during medium-tier royal processions or when dignitaries are visiting secondary palaces.
A Classic Merc: The 1969 Pullman-Landaulet
Historically, one of the most iconic vehicles in the collection is the 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (W100), originally commissioned for King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Powered by a 6.3L V8 delivering 250 HP with a top speed of 115 MPH, this landaulet featured a retractable roof, hydraulic suspension, and a regal interior configuration. It was often used during rural outreach programs and royal inspections, symbolizing openness and grace.
Stahlkocher, Wikimedia Commons
A Six-Door Stunner: Another Pullman
A related W100 model, the six-door Pullman Limousine, shares the same engine and speed capabilities. This limousine was frequently used to transport royal advisors or cabinet ministers during formal state ceremonies.
Curimedia | P H O T O G R A P H Y, Wikimedia Commons
Mirroring The Pope: The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL
Another rare and prestigious car in the Thai royal collection is believed to be a Mercedes-Benz 300SEL Landaulet (W109), possibly inspired by papal transport vehicles. This sedan is powered by a 3.5L straight-six engine rated at around 200HP and has a top speed of 120 MPH. It may have been used for religious processions, especially those involving the king’s engagements with Buddhist institutions and monastic communities.
Herranderssvensson, Wikimedia Commons
Bulletproof: Another Mercedes, The S600 Guard
Completing the lineup is another armored version of the W221 S600 Guard. This bullet-proof sedan produces 503HP and has a top speed of 155 MPH. It was a mainstay of royal transportation during the late 2000s and was frequently deployed in official motorcades.
Денис Носов, Wikimedia Commons
Mercedes-S-Class (W222) S560 or S580 Variant in Ivory
Even the support vehicles for the royal family are Mercedes. Either an S560 or S580, powered by a V8 twin-turbo engine that produces between 463 and 496HP. It's top speed is an electronically-limited 155 MPH. Security is tight, with security glass on each window and an extended wheelbase to allow for VIP seating. Its primarily assigned for palace staff or security chiefs accompanying official events.
When A Sedan Just Won't Do: The Brabus Beast
Although not confirmed to be in the royalty's personal ownership, a Brabus-modified CLS Rocket has appeared in Thai royal circles. A twin-turbocharged V12 that produces an extraordinary 730HP and can hit a top speed of 205 MPH. Possibly reserved for discreet VIP use or showcase in elite automotive exhibitions.
nakhon100, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A German Collection Of Iconic Cars Fit For A King
The Thai Royal Family’s Mercedes-Benz hoard spans classic vintage powerhouses and cutting-edge modern limousines. From the historic 1969 W100 Pullman Landaulet once driven by King Bhumibol to the armored Maybach S650 Pullman Guard used by King Maha Vajiralongkorn today, each vehicle blends unmatched opulence with bespoke security and performance.
Damian B Oh, Wikimedia Commons
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