Gold is one of the most precious metals in the world. It’s one of the reasons why explorers from Europe traveled far to the ends of the earth. It’s also a reason why countries colonize other nations. Since time immemorial, gold has been a symbol of wealth, success, and power.
Thus, it’s no wonder why some of the wealthiest people in the planet love gold and its shiny properties. For instance, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei loves this yellow metal so much that he had his properties – his palace, his plane, and even his Rolls-Royce – crafted from or coated with gold.
There is another sovereign, albeit fictional, who made gold a symbol of extreme opulence and wealth – Admiral-General Aladeen of the Republic of Wadiya. Both the person and the country are a product of fiction as part of the 2012 mockumentary film “The Dictator,” but the outlandish Hummer H2-based SUV that Aladeen rides on is the real thing (but not made of gold).
A decade after the film’s release, the creator of the golden SUV dubbed as the Dartz Prombron ‘The Dictator’ Aladeen Edition decided to celebrate 10 years of the political satire film by creating a Mercedes-based golden SUV that people may consider as the pinnacle of “gold standard.”
A Tribute To 2012 Dartz Prombron Aladeen
The Dartz Prombron Aladeen Edition SUV came into the spotlight around 10 years ago as the vehicle of choice for a country leader known for his dictatorial rule, vast oil fields, anti-Semitic stance and the tendency to get rid of anyone he doesn’t like .
Due to his eccentric nature, Aladeen – played by Sacha Baron Cohen – was subject to death threats. So, he travels around with a double body and not just one but three Dartz Prombon SUVs, which are essentially Hummer H2 vehicles with various modifications. As Dartz prides himself, the Prombon is a high-performance, armored vehicle – strong enough to protect a VIP such as Aladeen.
Dartz Motorz, a Latvia-based custom company that specializes in bulletproof opulence, was actually controversial as it employed whale foreskin for the leather on the passenger seats of the Prombon. Dartz may have included this detail in the three Prombron Aladeen Edition SUVs it built for The Dictator.
According to Dartz, the Prombon Aladeen SUVs in the film were gold-plated cars with bizarre leather interiors, as well as RPG-proof armoring. The company also took part in developing an MRAP stunt car for the Die Hard 5 film (2013) and supplied the villain car for The November Man (2014).
Dartz Revives The Bulletproof Golden Aladeen
In reality, Dartz did not build just three examples of the Prombron ‘The Dictator’ Aladeen Edition SUV, but assembled a total of 10 units. The last of these golden SUVs went up at an auction in 2021, and with the seemingly rising popularity of The Dictator on social media platforms such as TikTok, Dartz is looking to cash in.
Thus, Dartz banked on his expertise and went on to develop a tribute car to the first Prombron Aladeen Edition. Called the Dartz Prombron Aladeen Edition MMXXII, this tribute car comes off from the company’s Prombron Iron Diamond MMXXII model, which in turn employs a Mercedes-Maybach GLS AMG chassis.
In terms of appearance, the 2022 tribute looks more menacing and more battle-ready than the model used in The Dictator. In fact, they 2022 and 2012 Prombron Aladeen SUVs don’t many similarities except from the fact that they come wrapped in gold color with Wadiyan Badges and Wadiyan Flags. While the 2012 Prombron Aladeen is a gold-plated SUV, it is unsure if the 2022 tribute is the same.
Dartz ensures that the exterior is able to withstand onslaught. The base car already boasts BR2 level of protection, but for those who wanted better shields, they can opt for the available STANAG 2 level. This means that the Dartz Prombron Aladeen MMXXII is able to protect occupants from gunfire from an infantry rifle. STANAG 2 also adds nearly 2,000 lbs to the weight of the SUV.
Lavish Interior With Optional Bulletproof Umbrella
Inside, the Dartz Prombron Aladeen MMXXII features natural exotic leather, and the company assured that it doesn’t employ whale foreskin as upholstery. In addition, the cabin features 555 types of wood, natural gold buttons, and old-school gauges. As modern as this SUV can be, it doesn’t employ any digital display.
Furthermore, the Prombron Aladeen MMXXII comes with a handgun, humidor and makeup safes – all secured through biometrics. But if the driver or passenger wanted to hide something like an AK-47 rifle or a sword inside the Prombron Aladeen, there are optional safes – also accessible via biometrics – for them. Other options include Reel 2 Reel Audio by Metaxas & Sins and Diamond water filter.
If ever the Prombron Aladeen MMXXII comes under attack, its passenger may find protection from the optional bulletproof umbrella (made from alligator or python skin) or bulletproof Dartz Vader helmet.
As for power, the Prombron Aladeen MMXXII also employs the same eight-cylinder engine as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS AMG. However, the engine received some tuning love from Dartz, and it can now deliver 789 hp of max power and 737 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the Prombron Aladeen MMXXII can sprint from the Nile to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 174 mph.
Source: Dartz Motors
