by Bennett Oghifo
The BMW protection unit has increased its ‘Secrets of the Supercars’ series with the BMW X5 Protection VR6, a Sport Activity Vehicle that can withstand attack from automatic weapons like the AK-47.
The BMW X5 Protection VR6 has multi-layer safety glass, armoured passenger compartment, post-blast-protection, leak-resistant fuel tank and run-flat tyres.
For 40 years, BMW has set the standard in the design and development of armoured vehicles. Now, for the first time in its history, the company has granted TV cameras access inside its secretive Protection Vehicle division.
Barely distinguishable from the series-production model both in terms of its appearance and driving dynamics, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 shields occupants with approximately 30 mm thick multi-layer safety glass that features an internal polycarbonate splinter protection layer. Combined with the armoured passenger compartment, post-blast-protection, leak-resistant fuel tank and run-flat tyres, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 can safeguard against attacks from short-range and long-range weapons, the automaker said in a statement.
The Secrets of the Supercars series provides an inside look at some of the most exclusive car companies on earth, putting vehicles through their paces on the track, discovering game-changing supercars of the past and revealing what happens when engineers push supercar design to the extremes.
According to the company, “People who bear the greatest responsibilities should be able to rely on certified protection – without having to sacrifice the unique driving experience that only a BMW Protection Vehicle can offer. BMW has been setting new standards in the design and development of armoured vehicles for over 40 years. Our current model continues this tradition in impressive style. Climb in and settle back, safe in the knowledge that you couldn’t be in a more secure or more relaxing environment.
Every Protection Vehicle is custom-built, and every stage of the process is carried out with a craftsman’s attention to detail. The result is a vehicle that meets high standards of ballistic protection, while also fulfilling the most individual of requirements.
“The optimal amount of security depends on the individual circumstances of the driver and passengers, where they are located, the challenges they face in their daily routine and the public attention they attract.”
