The U.S. State Department’s new armored Chevrolet Suburban Shield is

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) will soon travel in specially equipped Chevrolet Suburbans with help from General Motors Defense. These enhanced full-size SUVs are built for DSS’s Heavy Armored Sports Utility Vehicle program and will be used by the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security divisions.

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In other words, these aren’t your typical suburbs lingering in shopping mall parking lots—they’re purpose-built for the world’s most volatile hotspots.

This particular Chevrolet is called the Suburban Shield, and from the outside, it looks like any regular Suburban. However, it has been extensively modified and is based on a unique body-on-frame chassis with upgraded suspension to support the added weight.

Additionally, unlike many aftermarket armor solutions, GM Defense integrates the armor directly into the vehicle’s design and manufacturing process, making it a more cohesive and resilient package than those offered by bolt-on competitors.

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READ: General Motors Defense wins contract to build HD SUV for US government

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

DSS doesn’t require the creature comforts of a consumer-grade Suburban, so GM Defense eliminates features such as automatic emergency braking, forward pedestrian braking, HD surround vision and lane-keep assist. After all, you don’t need a nanny computer to brake pigeons at crosswalks when you’re dodging diplomatic threats.

The SUV is available in 1LT and 2LT configurations. The entry-level 1LT offers passengers second- and third-row bench seats, while the more premium 2LT offers captain’s chairs in the second row and jump seats in the third row. Each configuration is designed to meet the specific needs of diplomatic security missions, balancing practicality with tactical advantages.

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

“It accelerates well, handles better in corners, and the heavy-duty anti-lock brakes are far superior to our aftermarket vehicles. You can really feel the stability and performance of the redesigned chassis. The new HD The SUV represents a new era of cost-effective design and manufacturing of these much-needed vehicles to help us fulfill our mission of ensuring the safe and reliable conduct of foreign policy in some of our most challenging and dangerous positions.” Extra.

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