Skip advert
Advertisement

Armour-plated BMW X5 Protection VR6 launched

The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is an armoured version of the standard X5 SUV, which can shrug off grenade blasts and rifle fire

BMW has released an armour-plated version of its X5 SUV, called the X5 Protection VR6. It's designed to offer both private customers and diplomatic personnel protection against violent attacks and organised crime.

The X5 Protection VR6’s chassis features a strengthened passenger safety cell and an armoured luggage compartment, while its exterior is fitted with moulded armour-plated body panels, underbody protection plates and multilayered, 33mm thick safety glass for the windscreen, doors and boot partition.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volvo XC90 Armoured arrives for £450k

The standard X5’s suspension and braking systems have been upgraded to compensate for all of that extra weight. BMW has fitted a set of reinforced steel springs, beefier electronically controlled dampers, larger sports brakes and an active roll stabilisation system to better control the body’s added bulk in corners.

BMW claims the X5 Protection VR6 is resistant to attacks from handguns and long firearms using ammunition up to a calibre of 7.62 x 39mm, as used in the AK-47 assault rifle. The SUV can also withstand blasts of up to 15kg of TNT from a distance of four metres, while its underbody protection panels can shrug off blasts from hand grenades.

The X5 Protection VR6 is also fitted with a self-sealing fuel tank which automatically closes wounds caused by bullets or explosion shrapnel, preventing fuel loss. Run-flat tyres with reinforced sidewalls are also included, allowing the driver to continue their journey even if the tyres are punctured.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Should the owner of X5 Protection VR6 find themselves locked in the boot of their vehicle, with their kidnappers up front in the cabin, they can push a panic button which automatically locks the front doors, seizes the vehicles brakes and opens the boot, allowing them to escape.

Advertisement - Article continues below

BMW even offers a reconfigured post-crash engine management system, which ensures that the armoured X5’s powertrain is not switched off and the cabin’s energy supply is not interrupted after a collision, allowing the driver to make a quick getaway if necessary.

The X5 Protection VR6 is powered by BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, which produces 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. Power is fed to all four wheels via eight-speed automatic gearbox, with BMW claiming a 0–62mph time of 5.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130mph.

Standard equipment includes a set of lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels, a four-zone automatic climate control system, automatic soft-closing doors, an ambient interior lighting package and an M-branded leather steering wheel. Buyers also get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an intercom loudspeaker system, much like the systems fitted to American police cars.

Optional equipment includes ventilated and massaging seats, a reversing camera and armour plating for the battery box. For police, political and military applications, BMW also offers flashing LED lights for the front and rear bumpers, roof-mounted light beacons, a siren and a pennant holder for diplomatic representation purposes.

What do you make of the armoured BMW X5 Protection VR6? Let us know in the comments section below… 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best luxury SUVs 2024
Best luxury SUVs - header image

Best luxury SUVs 2024

These are the best posh SUVs to buy right now
Best cars & vans
26 Sep 2024
New BMW iX5: name trademarks, Neue Klasse design and latest details
BMW X5 tracking front

New BMW iX5: name trademarks, Neue Klasse design and latest details

The BMW X5 is likely to gain an all-electric version with production expected to start by 2027
News
30 Jul 2024
Best large SUVs to buy 2024
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2024

Need a practical car? Look no further than the best large SUVs on sale today
Best cars & vans
23 Jul 2024
New BMW X5 can’t hide Neue Klasse influence as 2025 launch approaches
BMW X5 spy shot - front 3/4

New BMW X5 can’t hide Neue Klasse influence as 2025 launch approaches

The fifth generation of BMW’s popular large SUV is set to arrive next year and our spies have spotted it already
News
16 Jul 2024

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024