New Range Rover Sentinel Is A Bullet-Proof V8 Fortress On Wheels

The world can be a dangerous place, especially if you’re a wealthy business person or a head of state. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of companies who specialize in creating armored vehicles.

While many of these are third party firms, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has been offering the armored Range Rover Sentinel for awhile. Now they’ve unveiled a new version ahead of its debut at the Home Office Security and Policing show on March 5th.

Looking instantly recognizable, the updated Sentinel has a new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 375 hp (279 kW / 380 PS). That’s a modest figure, but it’s a 39 hp (29 kW / 40 PS) improvement over the old 3.0-liter V6.

Thanks to the extra oomph, the Sentinel can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 9.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h). That doesn’t sound too remarkable, but Land Rover noted the car is “carrying more than one tone (2,205 lbs) of armor plate and glass.”

That’s a sizable weight game, so each Sentinel comes with upgraded “chassis, suspension, braking and electronic stability systems.” Land Rover says these modifications enable the Sentinel to retain the Range Rover’s on-road dynamics as well as its “unparalleled off-road ability.”

The V8 engine isn’t the only new addition as the cabin now offers “superior seating,” improved space and better headroom. The model also gains Land Rover’s Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which features two 10-inch displays in this application.

Of course, the whole entire point of the Sentinel is protection and the model meets VPAM BRV 2009 VR8 and PAS 300 standards. This means the vehicle can resist a number of different pistol and rifle rounds as certain improvised explosive devices.

Other special touches include a public address system and special 20-inch wheels with an integrated run-flat system.  The latter enables the Sentinel to be driven for up to 31 miles (50 km) at speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) even when the tires are damaged.