BMW has revealed images of its increased level of security for passengers travelling in its latest X5 luxury SUV model, including extra options to protect against an attack from a drone.
The new BMW X5 Protection VR6 has been designed to offer protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime, especially for the South American, African and Russian markets.
Moulded armour-plating components and the security glazing were developed exclusively for each model and from both outside and inside, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is barely distinguishable from a conventional production vehicle.
A new 4.4 litre V8, 530hp engine propels the X5 from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and produces a whopping 750nm of torque which all helps when using the VR6 to its full capacity.
Moulded components made from high-strength steel adapt to the contour of the body within the area of the doors, side frame, roof and front wall. An aluminium underbody splinter shield, armoured luggage compartment partition and security glazing are all standard and contribute towards a comprehensive protection of the interior.
Multilayered safety glass with a thickness of approx. 33 mm for the windscreen, doors and luggage compartment partition wall also withstands attacks by impact weapons and is fitted with an internal polycarbonate layer as additional splinter protection. Penetration by bullets from weapons such as the AK47 is prevented by tightly sealed protection and overlapping amour-plating, such as within the sensitive areas of door gaps and bodywork joints as well as the transitions between body panels and glazing.
For those wanting extra protection can choose from additional armour-plating flooring and an extensively armoured roof offering certified protection against drone attacks with explosive charges of the category DTG5, which, inter alia, includes up to 200 grams of C4 and over 500 fragments.
Clients still benefit from a luxurious interior with optional comfort seats, active seat ventilation and a massage function, rear seat entertainment and glass applications for selected control elements.
As early as in 1978, BMW built the first security vehicle based on a BMW 7 Series,. even then, the BMW 733i High Security offered a holistic security concept and hence considerable advantages compared to retro-fitted security vehicles. Further security vehicles were built based on the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series. In 2004, the BMW X5 Security was the first Sports Activity Vehicle with model-specific protective equipment to arrive on the market.
