Worried about your safety? With the Knight XV, you have nothing to fear

Armored cars tend to be very luxurious vehicles, intended for people of very high standing, so they are equipped not only to keep them safe but also to make their journeys comfortable and relaxed. Many of the major brands have models fitted with armor plating, but apparently none come close to what the Knight XV offers.

This model was built by Conquest Vehicles, of Toronto, on the basis of a Ford F550 Super Duty, with added weight that brings it up to 5,987 kg. That is a considerable weight, but it is to be expected given its construction and equipment, prepared to make it the little brother of a battle tank. To move this outstanding weight, the Knight XV is fitted with a 6.8-litre petrol engine, which sends its power through a five-speed gearbox.

It was built from scratch with ballistic hardened steel, ballistic fibreglass for the bodywork protection, and 64 mm hardened glass in the windows. The tyres are also bulletproof and are mounted on 20-inch aluminium alloy wheels, of the same type used on aircraft landing gear, so they can withstand heavy loads.

In terms of safety equipment, the Knight XV has an external sound pickup and loudspeaker system so occupants can be heard from inside; a magnetic-attachment detection system on the underbody to guard against limpet mines; night-vision cameras; windows that turn opaque at the touch of an electronic command; and a safe in the rear for keeping documents or anything else you want to keep secure.

Luxury is present inside the armored vehicle, where you will find four electrically adjustable seats with independent heating. There are also Wilton wool carpets, suede, and carbon-fibre finishes on the decorative details. It has several screens and a PlayStation 4 console to pass the time during the journey.

It also has several charging points for mobile devices and an iPad built into the centre console. The sunroof is also armored so there is no weak point in the outer shell. At the front, both the driver’s and passenger’s seats are upholstered in leather, and they have access to an Alpine audio system.

This vehicle, built in 2011, is priced at $565,000, although it has covered only 17,900 km. And no, it has not taken any bullets, so it is in impeccable condition, just as it left the factory. As a curiosity, this car needs 4,000 hours to be assembled, and only 100 units were ever made.