BMW has announced the X5 Protection VR6, a new bullet and explosive resistant model for security and high-profile chauffer fleets.
It offers passengers an extremely high level of protection against attacks with firearms and/or explosive devices, while mirroring the look and driving performance of a regular X5 as closely as possible.
A key element of the protective equipment is the armoured passenger compartment. It is reinforced with high-strength steel panels moulded to the contour of the body within the area of the doors, side frame, roof and front wall.
An aluminium underbody splinter shield and armoured luggage compartment partition and security glazing are all standard
.
Multi-layered safety glass with a thickness of approximately 33mm for the windscreen, doors and luggage compartment partition wall can withstands attacks by impact weapons and is fitted with an internal polycarbonate layer as additional splinter protection.
The combination of amour-plated bodywork and security glazing facilitates effective protection against attacks by handguns and long firearms, including the AK-47.
The car can also withstands lateral blasts of up to 15Kg of TNT from a distance of four metres.
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.
A particularly extensively armoured roof is available as a further special option. The additional reinforcement comprising security steel and fibre composite materials offers certified protection against drone attacks with explosive charges of the category DTG5, which, inter alia, includes up to 200g of C4 and over 500 fragments.
A self-sealing fuel tank closes automatically following an attack in order to prevent fuel spillage. Standard runflat tyres with reinforced sidewalls allow the driver to continue the journey even after a complete loss of tyre pressure.
The BMW X5 Protection is powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with 530PS and all-wheel-drive.
Its suspension had been calibrated to handle the extra weight while maintain a comfortable passenger experience.
Matt has been an automotive journalist for eight years. As senior staff writer he is responsible for the automotive content on Fleet News and also contributes to Automotive Management. Prior to this, Matt worked in the automotive industry for 10 years.
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