The U.S. State Department’s New Armored Chevy Suburban Shields Are Ready for Anything

Unlike many aftermarket solutions, GM Defense has built armor into the original design and production of the Suburban Shield.

Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) will soon operate with specially equipped vehicles Chevrolet SuburbansThanks to GM Defense. These souped-up full-size SUVs were built for DSS’s Heavy Duty Armored Sport Utility Vehicle program and will be used by the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. State Department.

In other words, these aren’t your typical Suburbans skulking around mall parking lots; These are purpose-built for the world’s most volatile hotspots.

this is special Chevrolet It is known as the Suburban Shield and from the outside it looks like any normal Suburb. However, it has been extensively modified and is based on a unique body-on-frame chassis with upgraded suspension to support the increased weight.

In addition, and unlike many aftermarket armoring solutions, GM Defense armor incorporating it directly into the vehicle’s design and manufacturing process makes it a much more cohesive and durable package than what the bolt-on competition offers.

To read: GM Defense Receives Contract to Produce HD SUV for US Government

Complementing the Suburban Shield’s revised front and rear suspension and new power steering system is the flagship 6.2-liter V8. regular suburbanAlthough a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel is also an option.

DSS doesn’t need the creature comforts of a consumer-grade Suburban, so GM Defense eliminated features like automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, HD Around View, and Lane Keeping Assist. After all, you don’t need the nanny computer braking pigeons at the crosswalk when you’re dodging diplomatic threats.

Both 1LT and 2LT configurations are offered for the SUV. The entry-level 1LT puts passengers in both second- and third-row seats, while the more premium 2LT offers second-row captain’s chairs and third-row jump seats. Each configuration is designed to meet the specific demands of diplomatic security missions by balancing practicality with tactical superiority.

“I had the opportunity to try out the prototype,” Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith said at the delivery event in North Carolina.

“It had good acceleration, better handling in turns, and its heavy-duty anti-lock braking system was far superior to our aftermarket vehicles. You could really feel the stability and performance in the redesigned chassis. “The new HD SUV represents a new cost-effective era in the design and construction of these much-needed vehicles to help us fulfill our mission of ensuring the safe and secure conduct of foreign policy in some of our most challenging and dangerous missions.”