BMW has unveiled armoured Protection versions of the new 7 Series and i7, which will go on sale before the end of 2023.
The i7 Protection is the first armoured electric saloon car to be offered by a car manufacturer.
Both the i7 and 7 Series Protection models provide class VR9 protection from attacks with firearms and explosives.
The glass used provides the highest level of protection for a civilian protection vehicle. The armoured body can be upgraded to VPAM10 classification as an option.
BMW says the appearance of the vehicles is similar to regular variants and is more discreet than protection vehicles that are converted post-production.
The BMW i7 protection is equipped with a twin-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that develops 544PS and 745Nm of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds.
BMW hasn't confirmed the car's official range but has quoted an efficiency figure of 2.0mi/kWh. Assuming the car uses the same 105kWh battery as regular i7s, it should be able to manage around 200 miles per charge.
The petrol-powered BMW 7 Series protection uses a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine, with 530PS. It's fitted with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system and is much quicker than the i7, managing 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds.
Manoeuvrability is enhanced through the fitment of rear-wheel-steering and bespoke chassis tuning to optimise agility and passenger comfort.
The new Protection models benefit from a newly engineered Protection Core. This concept sees the car's entire supporting structure built from armoured steel to form a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and roof, and safety glass.
Occupants can expect protection from explosives underneath the car, as well as from drone attacks.
Specially developed PAX runflat tyres from Michelin enable the cars to continue driving when fully deflated.
A variety of custom options are available, including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles.
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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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