BMW has a longstanding history of manufacturing protection vehicles, spanning 45 years. Constructed with cutting-edge protection materials such as high-pressure steel, armored plates, and bulletproof glass, the BMW 7 Series has earned the trust of two Prime Ministers of India, including the late honorable Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the current Prime Minister.
Notably, BMW has enhanced the X5 protection vehicle with VR 6 protection, while the BMW 760i xDrive now offers VR 9 – 10 protection. The “VR” designation follows the standard of BRV 1999, which assesses the overall protection level of a fully armored vehicle, encompassing more than just the materials utilized.
Designed exclusively for High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and VIPs in India, the BMW 7 Protection series is tailored to meet the unique security needs of this elite segment. Let’s delve into the features and enhancements of the updated BMW 7 Protection:
Built
A paramount aspect of the protection series is its discreet appearance, seamlessly blending with standard production cars externally. Both the BMW 7 Protection and X5 Protection maintain the outward resemblance of their non-armoured counterparts.
Unlike other brands that retrofit protection enhancements, BMW integrates protection features into the vehicle’s core during manufacturing.
The chassis, termed the “protection core,” is engineered to withstand various threats, including bullets and grenades. This core comprises 10mm ballistic steel with a specialized foaming process for enhanced protection.
The protection extends to multi-layered bullet resistance, underbody splinter protection, and 72mm bulletproof glass panels.
Performance
Despite its substantial protection features, the updated G73 maintains agility thanks to all-wheel driving and steering. Powered by a turbocharged mild-hybrid 4.4L V8 engine with 48kW electric assistance, the G73 achieves impressive acceleration, reaching 100km/h from a standstill in 6.6 seconds.
Equipped with a new set of rims and PAX tires capable of traveling up to 30km at 80km/h on complete air pressure loss, the G73 offers a top speed of 210km/h.
The BMW 7 and X5 Protection series, epitomizing safety and luxury, are the preferred choice for safeguarding the lives of HNIs and VIPs in India. BMW plans to introduce an electric version of the protection series in the future, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and security.
With customizable options and cutting-edge features, the BMW protection series sets the benchmark for armored vehicles, ensuring the utmost safety of occupants while exuding elegance on the road.
Also read: Analysing the 2024 BMW i5: Transition to Electric Propulsion Enhances 5 Series
