BMW X5 Protection VR6, the new armoured vehicle from the German brand

Armoured vehicles are a segment that keeps growing. Obviously, they will never become cars that reach buyers en masse, but premium brands are paying them increasing attention. It is better to offer an armoured car straight from the factory than to let other customisers tamper with their cars. Today the BMW X5 Protection VR6 has been presented, a version that allows you to drive fully protected against gunfire and explosions.

This variant is very similar to the regular BMW X5, but it guarantees that its occupants will be perfectly protected against attacks with firearms and even explosive devices. All of this is offered to the users of this vehicle without losing sight of the fact that it is a BMW, so all the comfort, driving dynamics and technology that equips the BMW X5 itself can be found.

Bulletproof protection from the factory

Most armoured versions of vehicles are made on series models and require a fairly radical transformation. In the case of the BMW X5 Protection VR6, this possibility was considered during the development of the model, so the chassis already had the necessary specifications to become this powerful version.

The cabin is reinforced with high-strength steel elements, which can withstand considerable punishment from the outside. In the lower part it has fragment protection, although the protection also includes the division with the boot and safety glazing. This has safety glass with a thickness of 33 millimetres and an internal reinforcement consisting of a layer of polycarbonate that acts as fragment protection.

The external armour can withstand the impact of 7.62 × 39 FeC or 7.62 × 39 SC calibre ammunition respectively, the type used in assault rifles such as the AK-47. The cabin also withstands the lateral impact of 15 kg of TNT at a distance of 4 metres, so anyone travelling in it is reasonably safe from quite intense attacks.

Comfort and convenience BMW

Besides all the comfort the BMW X5 offers, its own elements are added, always with safety in mind. For example, there is a power window only on the driver’s side, although one can also be added on the passenger door. That said, the opening is limited to 10 centimetres, to prevent it from becoming an entry point for larger objects.

Adapted engine

The engine is adapted to the increased weight and to the specific needs of a vehicle of these characteristics. The 4.4-litre V8 engine delivers 530 CV and a maximum torque of 750 Nm, with two turbochargers that help move this car, which is much heavier than the series version.

The suspension and steering are also adapted to the special characteristics of this armoured version. In this way, the driving experience is as smooth and precise as one expects from a car like the BMW X5. Thus, this car joins the German brand’s catalogue of armoured vehicles.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadBMW X55 versions · from 96,150 €