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BMW X5 Protection VR6 revealed

BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV.


According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".

"This is often a decisive criterion, especially in regions like South America, Africa or Russia," BMW adds.

A range of modifications have been made to the crossover to get its 'VR6' certification, including an armoured passenger compartment, which lends "an extremely high level of protection against attacks with firearms and/or explosive devices".

There's also an aluminium underbody splinter shield, and armoured luggage compartment partition, security glazing, multilayered safety glass (33mm thickness), and overlapping armour plating for areas like door gaps and bodywork joints.

"The combination of armour-plated bodywork and security glazing facilitates effective protection against attacks by handguns and long firearms using ammunition up to a calibre... as used in weapons of the type AK-47, a most commonly used weapon in the world," BMW says.

"Furthermore, the armoured passenger compartment withstands lateral blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of four metres. Innovative so-called Post Blast Protective Technology for the security glazing ensures particularly effective protection against secondary attacks. Even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position, thus eliminating any formation of gaps between glazing and body."

"The armour-plated floor offers protection against hand grenades of the type DM51. Enhanced underbody reinforcement comprising fibre composite materials, which also withstands attack by hand grenades of the type HG85, is optionally available," the company adds.

A number of options are available for enhanced protection if desired, too, including an armoured roof to protect against drone attacks, and a post-crash function that can keep the engine and energy supply running should you need to make a getaway.

Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.

BMW claims the armoured X5 can sprint from 0-100 in 5.9 seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 210km/h.

Keeping the X5's signature handling prowess in check despite the extra weight is Active Roll Stabilisation, 20-inch light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, sports brakes, and Integral Active Steering.

Beyond the armour plating, dual-pane glass and other modifications, the X5 Protection VR6 is still very much a luxury vehicle ready for any situation.

There's heated glass for the windscreen and windows, an intercom and attack alarm system, four-zone climate control, soft-close function for the doors, M leather steering wheel, BMW Live Cockpit Professional incorporating a 12.3-inch driver's instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment system, along with BMW Connected and BMW ConnectedDrive online functions.

As with any BMW, there's a range of options to further personalise and tailor your vehicle, including ventilated seats with massaging, a rear entertainment system, numerous trim and ornamentation offerings, and BMW Laser Light headlights.

Pricing is dependent on specification and region, so there's no listed starting price for the armoured X5. We doubt the world's government protection agencies really worry about the ticket price anyway.

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