This $700,000 six-wheeled beast looks tailor-made for the deserts of the Gulf

Batman himself would be impressed with the specs of a new bulletproof $700,000 pick-up truck that comes with a smokescreen and electrified door handles for security.

It is even protected against electromagnetic pulse attacks and underside explosions - and is equipped with gas masks and an intercom system.

And the Hercules 6x6 Military Edition looks as if it very much belongs in a big-budget action movie. The company had already received 18 orders by the end of 2020.

The firm was tight-lipped about interest from the Middle East when The National asked who'd bought the initial models.

But it's hard to imagine it'll be long before this pick-up is hitting the streets and deserts of a region known for its love of high-end vehicles.

Prices for the Hercules 6x6, which is the work of Californian firm Rezvani, start at $225,000, but the fully equipped Military Edition that comes with all the bells and whistles will set you back $700,000.

The pick-up is based on a Jeep Gladiator, which is torn down and rebuilt with a new frame, drivetrain and an extra axle.

There are three options when it comes to engines. The standard V6, a 500-horsepower V8 and a 7.0 litre supercharged V8 out of a Dodge Demon.

Rezvani has designed the Hercules 6x6 as a daily driver and “an antidote to today’s boring truck segment”.

"The focus of the new Hercules 6x6 was to be athletic in design and stance, have a refined ride and suspension, be the right size to be easily used as a daily driver, have a luxurious interior, and push the envelope in what a six-wheeled truck can be,” said Rezvani chief executive Ferris Rezvani in a recent news release.

“The new Hercules 6x6 is easily the toughest and most powerful production truck in the world.”

The company said the truck’s look was inspired by some of the world’s most recognised military vehicles, but is designed for everyday use.

All kitted out

The Military Edition comes complete with an impressive range of extras including:

• FLIR thermal night vision system
• Ballistic armour: Kevlar armour, bulletproof glass, military-grade run flat tyres
• Underside explosive protection
• Electro-magnetic pulse protection (including E1, E2 and E3 pulses)
• Self-sealing fuel tank
• Armoured radiator
• Reinforced suspension
• Ram bumpers
• Electrified door handles
• Sirens and strobe lights
• Smoke screen
• Blinding front and rear lights
• Continuous video surveillance uploaded to the cloud in real time
• Magnetic dead bolts
• Intercom system
• Gas masks
• Hypothermia and first aid kit