BMW X5 Protection VR6 will Protect You from Imminent Danger
Specialized X5 offers safety in an increasingly dangerous world, all the while looking as stealthy as possible.Â
Public figures and crime lords don’t have it easy. They’re under constant pressure to deliver results. And if that doesn’t happen they can lose their jobs, sometimes violently. Fortunately, BMW has these folks in mind. The German automaker recently revealed the X5 Protection VR6, a highly armored and bullet resistant variant of the regular X5. The vehicle is meant to get VIP’s and their retinue to their destination completely intact.
The X5 Protection VR6 is also meant to transport its owners without any compromises. Aside from the svelte looks of the overall exterior of the X5 lineup, BMW modified the powertrain and suspension of the Protection VR6 to handle the additional stress of driving in an unfriendly environment but retained the overall ride and handling balance of the original model. Individuals unable to procure the service of Q should find BMW’s latest creation extremely appealing.
BMW’s Security Vehicle History
The X5 Protection VR6 is latest security-minded vehicle from BMW, but it’s not the first. The automaker first introduced a specialized security vehicle in 1978. That particular model was a 7 Series sedan. The 733i High Security offered enhanced protection right from the factory, which ultimately made it superior to aftermarket models. BMW eventually offered security enhanced versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series as well. In 2004, the automaker stepped up their game with the BMW X5 Security, which earned the distinction of being the first-ever SUV to offer model-specific protective equipment. The 2009 BMW X5 Security Plus went even further by being designed to comply with resistance class 6, which is the highest tier of anti-burglary protection.
BMW envisioned the requirements of the X5 Protection VR6 during the development of the standard X5. That enabled the crossover to earn the VR6 resistance class rating for which it’s named. The armor plating components and security plating were developed for the model so early in the development cycle that the extra pieces blend perfectly into the windows and doors. Visually, the X5 Protection VR6 retains a nearly identical appearance to its civilian counterpart, a feat that ensures the vehicle maintains a stealthy profile.
It’s What’s Inside that Counts
Interior enhancements ensure the BMW can absorb small arms fire and explosive damage without injuring its passengers. The doors, side frame, and roof are fitted with armor fashioned from high-strength steel. The undercarriage is protected with a splinter shield. Even the rear cargo area is armored. Every glass surface is multilayered with about 1.3 inches of thickness overall. The poly-carbonate glass is designed to withstand attacks from impact weapons like hammers or baseball bats. The body gaps found in areas like the doors are also protected with armor. A seal sealing fuel tank and run flat tires are also standard.
The X5 Protection VR6 is specifically engineered to withstand attack from small arms fire and long guns. Basically, any caliber of gun up to the kind used in an AK-47 will fail to penetrate the X5’s defenses. The BMW can also withstand lateral blasts equivalent to 33 pounds of TNT from a distance of thirteen feet. BMW’s Post Blast Protective Technology supplements the X5’s armored components by keeping the windows firmly in place after a blast, which is something not found on aftermarket models. BMW also designed the X5 to withstand certain types of grenades. The armor plated doors can protect against attacks from type DM51 hand grenades. For additional grenade protection, BMW offers enhanced underbody reinforcement meant to withstand the impact from HG85 hand grenades. Buyers can also opt for augmented roof protection meant to protect against drone attacks.
Luxury and Security that Coexist
The interior of the X5 Protection VR6 retains the luxury of the regular model while gaining the enhanced functionality desired by the security-minded. Standard features include four zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, soft close doors and the leather steering wheel reserved for the M model. BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Personal Assistant are also equipped on the X5 Protection VR6. BMW’s 12.3 inch infotainment screen carries over from the civilian model as well. The windshield and front driver and passenger side windows are heated.
Buyers can also opt for ventilated seats and BMW’s Rear Seat Entertainment Professional system. Customers can also choose any interior or exterior color or upholstery option that’s currently offered on the regular X5. Additionally, the Protection VR6 comes standard with an intercom and a specialized alarm system that automatically closes the windows and locks the doors. Only the driver side glass is powered, but buyers can choose to have powered passenger side windows too. Even the opening height of the windows can be restricted.
A No-compromise Powerhouse
BMW engineered the Protection VR6 to have nearly identical ride and handling characteristics as its civilian counterpart. All Protection VR6 models get BMW’s 4.4 liter TwinPower Turbo V8. Output is rated 530 horsepower and 553 Ib-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 is achieved in 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130 miles per hour. Although at that speed, it’s unlikely any nefarious groups will be able to keep up.
The Protection VR6’s suspension has also been optimized without sacrificing capability. To compensate for the additional weight of the armored model, BMW designed a reinforced steel spring system to work with electronically controlled dampers programmed to operate independently of one another. The brakes are also designed for extreme use. Integral Active Steering is also featured in the Protection VR6. The system enables the BMW to steer using all wheels, and the rear units will work with the front at all speeds.
Secure from Day One
BMW’s development process ensured that the Protection VR6 leaves no inherent weakness for seedy elements to exploit. The automaker analyzed every body and panel gap and provided additional armor or security glazing to areas where it was needed. When the time comes to actually manufacture a Protection VR6, BMW applies the same level of scrutiny to the specialized model. At BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, every Protection VR6 receives its unique suspension components on an assembly line it shares with the regular X5. BMW’s Toluca, Mexico plant then outfits every Protection VR6 with the additional protective equipment and safety features that separate the models from their civilian counterparts. The automaker’s strict quality standards guarantee that no aftermarket supplier will match the quality or capability of BMW’s in-house security vehicle.
And before all that takes place, the protective equipment is subjected to a bevy of ballistic tests meant to ensure that the armor and glazing comply with international standards. BMW even goes beyond the regular 90 degree and 45 degree tests and subjects the armor to gunfire from all angles, which means their equipment exceeds the base guidelines. An independent company conducts the actual ballistic tests.
As The Kinks would say, it’s a messed up, muddled up, shook up world. BMW recognizes this and offers the X5 Protection VR6 to customers who operate in dangerous conditions around the globe. The company did a remarkable job of outfitting the specialized model with a substantial set of armor while simultaneously making its exterior profile nearly identical to the regular X5. Better yet, it seems like the company endeavored to make the Protection VR6 just as agile on the road as the standard model, a feat security guards will no doubt appreciate as they speed away from danger.