With the introduction of the BMW 7-Series Security Vehicle in 1978, BMW has more than 40 years of experience producing armoured vehicles. Up to the 2004 release of the BMW X5 Security, two more generations of the 7-Series would go on to be used as security cars. Since then, the 7-Series and X5 have both remained in the company’s lineup of armoured vehicles.
The new BMW 7-Series Protection is the first armoured version of the current generation of the 7-Series. There is also a protection model for the electric BMW i7. The doors, underbody, and roof of each model are strengthened by the addition of an armoured steel body known as the BMW Protection Core.
The business claimed to provide “maximum protection” from hand grenades, drone assaults, explosives, and gunshots. It also has safety glass with a VPAM (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions) 10 rating, the maximum degree of protection available for civilian protection vehicles.
Given its VR9 rating, the 7-Series Protection can withstand ballistic assaults from weapons moving up to 820 metres per second. In addition, it has a self-sealing fuel tank to reduce fuel loss and PAS 300 blast resistance.
A pair of specially designed 20-inch PAX light alloy wheels with a run-flat ring that allows for driving up to 80 km/h, when the tyres are depleted of air, is also included in the equipment list.
Performance for the two cars drops as a result of the protective bodywork. Two electric motors produce 544hp and 745Nm of torque for the i7 Protection. The 0-100 km/h sprint would take a standard i7 4.7 seconds, but the i7 Protection doubles this time to 9 seconds and the maximum speed is 160 km/h.
A 4.4-litre V8 mild-hybrid petrol engine with 530hp and 750Nm of torque is included in the 7-Series Protection. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.6 seconds, and the top speed is 210 km/h.
Both vehicles have subtle external styling and solid black exterior paint, and they are based on the M Sport edition of each model. However, the roof and the inside of the rear windscreen are equipped with blue police lights.
Other options such as fire extinguishers, flashing lights, radio receivers, flagpoles for authorities, and even a fresh air delivery system are available. The company’s Dingolfing factory in Germany will be used to construct the new 7-Series Protection and i7 Protection.
