- Sprinter-based project is SVI’s most luxurious creation yet
- Includes comprehensive (bespoke) B6 armouring package
- Pair of luxury seats delivers full private-lounge experience
- Rear area boasts a television screen, restroom and more
SVI Engineering, leading specialist manufacturer of armoured products in South Africa, is proud to reveal its most luxurious creation to date: a discreetly armoured, ultra-premium mobile sanctuary based on the versatile Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform.
Officially unveiled at Securex South Africa 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the converted long-wheelbase Sprinter pairs SVI’s industry-leading ballistic protection with an opulent, custom-built cabin featuring not only a lengthy list of amenities but also astonishing levels of spaciousness.
“Our goal with this project was to create a first-class experience akin to that of a private jet for the road. From the moment the doors close, the outside world ceases to exist. The lucky passengers are wrapped in an environment of absolute opulence, all while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with SVI-engineered armour,” said SVI Business Development Director, Nicol Louw.
SPRINTER BASE OFFERS IMPRESSIVE SPACE
With the Mercedes-Benz 517 CDI Sprinter LWB’s interior stripped, SVI’s engineers set about developing a bespoke B6 armouring package. Comprising custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, lightweight composite materials and ballistic glass curved to OEM specification, the kit provides comprehensive protection against assault rifles (including AK47, R1 and R5).
A neat bulkhead separates the front seats – which are intended to be occupied by a close protection officer (CPO) driver and an additional security detail – from the private rear quarters. Thanks to the Sprinter’s generous 4 325 mm wheelbase (and the vehicle’s impressive overall length of 6 967 mm), the rear passenger area is truly cavernous, which allowed SVI’s experienced team to meticulously integrate all manner of amenities.
THE ULTRA-LUXURIOUS REAR QUARTERS
Designed as a private lounge, the rear accommodation features two luxury seats, each complete with reclining and massaging functions. The high-roofed area can be customised according to client requirements (for instance, there’s a choice of luxury carpets or wooden flooring), with the vehicle on display even featuring a 55-inch television screen that can be raised or lowered, plus a high-end sound system.
Other standout features include a pair of fridges, a dedicated kitchen area and even an enclosed restroom, the latter complete with toilet facilities. Furthermore, the entire rear lounge area is serviced by a standalone air-conditioning system, while extensive sound-proofing measures ensure the highest levels of privacy. Meanwhile, bespoke suspension tuning delivers a suitably cosseting ride quality.
Finished in black paint and fitted with a more premium grille and front bumper than is standard, the converted Sprinter retains Mercedes-Benz’s proven 2.0-litre, four-cylinder “OM654” turbodiesel engine, delivering peak outputs of 125 kW and 400 Nm to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
“By combining our proven armouring expertise with a bespoke, high-end interior configuration, we believe we have set a new benchmark for secure, discreet VIP transport. Ultimately, this vehicle proves that you do not have to sacrifice first-class comfort and space for the highest level of ballistic protection available to civilians. Quite simply, there’s nothing else like it on the market,” said Louw.
SVI SPRINTER CONVERSION PRICING
- Price on Application (POA) and dependent on options (but more than a G-Class and less than a private jet)
THE COMPANY
SVI is an original equipment manufacturer that has specialised in armoured vehicles since 2004. The company is a market leader in Africa, serving the private, corporate, security, mining and governmental segments. SVI holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification and its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland.
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