Automotive

BMW reveals new armored X5 Security Plus in Russia

BMW reveals new armored X5 Security Plus in Russia
The X5 Security Plus is rated to VR6 for ballistic protection
The X5 Security Plus is rated to VR6 for ballistic protection
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The BMW X5 Security Plus is an armored version of the X5 SUV
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The BMW X5 Security Plus is an armored version of the X5 SUV
The X5 has a reinforced passenger cell, to protect occupants from violent assault, kidnapping and organized crime
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The X5 has a reinforced passenger cell, to protect occupants from violent assault, kidnapping and organized crime
The X5's glass is bulletproof
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The X5's glass is bulletproof
BMW claims the Security Plus is just as responsive to drive as a standard X5 V8
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BMW claims the Security Plus is just as responsive to drive as a standard X5 V8
Inside, the Security Plus is just as luxurious as a standard X5
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Inside, the Security Plus is just as luxurious as a standard X5
Backseat passengers are well looked after, with a ballistic rating of VR6
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Backseat passengers are well looked after, with a ballistic rating of VR6
For drivers who want to be seen, the Security Guard can be fitted with flashing lights
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For drivers who want to be seen, the Security Guard can be fitted with flashing lights
Power comes from a 330 kW V8 engine
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Power comes from a 330 kW V8 engine
No pricing has been announced for the X5's armored cousin
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No pricing has been announced for the X5's armored cousin
The X5 Security Plus is rated to VR6 for ballistic protection
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The X5 Security Plus is rated to VR6 for ballistic protection
View gallery - 10 images

Earlier this month, Mercedes revealed its S600 Guard armored car. BMW has now followed suit by using Moscow’s International Auto Salon to launch the new X5 Security Plus, an armored version of the X5 SUV designed to protect customers against "violent assault, kidnapping and organized crime."

The new X5 Security Plus isn't BMW's first attempt at an armored SUV. The last generation X5 was also given the Security Plus treatment, after BMW took a standard X5 and made it AK-47 proof, while retaining the luxury features for which the German brand is renowned. The new car takes a similar armor plating system, and applies it to the third-generation X5 SUV.

Changes start with the X5’s passenger cell. The cockpit is surrounded by a steel armor-sheath, and potential vulnerabilities in the car’s structure are protected by pre-shaped aramid and polyethylene components. Special attention has been paid to areas where body panels overlap and gaps in the car's doors.

No pricing has been announced for the X5's armored cousin
No pricing has been announced for the X5's armored cousin

On top of the armor plating, BMW has fitted its beefed-up X5 with run-flat tires and a self-healing fuel tank. All of these changes add up to a car with a ballistics protection level of VR6, which falls short of the S600 Guard's maximum rating of VR9, the highest possible rating for protection against ballistics.

Glass shrapnel is another one of the big dangers that faces occupants when they’re under attack, so the X5 Security Plus has been fitted with laminated security glass, which is thicker and stronger than the glass you’ll find on an everyday X5 SUV. After all, soccer mums aren’t often under threat from AK-47 wielding attackers on the school run.

If you’re under attack, being able to get out of trouble is key. All armored X5s are fitted with a 330 kW (443 hp) TwinPower turbo V8 engine, which puts its power down through BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW claims that the powertrain of the Security Plus has "outstanding driving characteristics," which will allow the car to be "guided securely through difficult situations."

Power comes from a 330 kW V8 engine
Power comes from a 330 kW V8 engine

Driver dynamics are also taken care of by standard chassis systems like active steering, which BMW claims give the X5’s armored cousin the same depth of dynamic talent afforded to the standard SUV.

Like Mercedes, BMW hasn’t revealed details about pricing, but expect a hefty premium over the standard X5’s price tag.

Source: BMW

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sk8dad
Ex-KGB-cum-gansters get to have all the fun...