Individuals or organizations in need of some bullet-proof protection while traveling have a brand new option to add to their list in the form of BMW‘s X5 Protection VR6, aimed at markets such as South America, Africa or Russia.
The German SUV can take shots from rifles such as the AK-47, as well as lateral blasts of up to 15 kg (33 lbs) of TNT from a distance of four meters (13.1 feet). Meanwhile, its armor-plated floor provides protection against hand grenades and blasts from up to 200 grams of C4.
As you can see, the vehicle brought to Frankfurt was displayed alongside one of its doors, the latter having taken on a serious amount of damage. However, there seem to be more dents than actual holes, and we’re guessing that the rounds that did get through the metal or first layer of glass, were eventually stopped by secondary layers.
In fact, BMW used high-strength steel for the doors, side frame, roof and front wall, while adding 33 mm (1.3 inch) thick glass for the windshield. The doors happen to feature an internal polycarbonate layer, which should be what stops bullets or possible splinters from busting into the cabin.
Also read: Volvo Unveils Armored XC90 SUV, Available To Order Now
Visually, aside from the flashing blue lights, the X5 Protection VR6 looks pretty much just like any other X5, and according to BMW, it’s also just as fast and agile as the regular model.
Powering it is the automaker’s 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 engine, with 530 PS (522 HP) and 750 Nm of torque (553 lb-ft). In a straight line, it can get from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, before maxing out at 210 km/h (155 mph).
Inside, passengers get an intercom and an attack alarm system, plus all the niceties you’d expect from a premium SUV – 4-zone automatic climate control, active seat ventilation with massage function, reversing camera with surround view, ambient lighting, automatic soft close doors, BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant and so on.
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