Armored BMW X5 VR6 is Bulletproof Done Right
Ever been driving along, minding your own business when suddenly you’re met with the business end of an AK-47? If this sounds like a typical scenario for you, then you might want to consider the BMW X5 Protection VR6.
Added Protection
In all reality, this is a serious car that could mean the difference between life and death for its occupants. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is a vehicle meant for those who take their personal protection seriously, but can’t exactly roll around in an armored tank all-day long. With serious levels of armor protection, the X5 VR6 is a luxury SUV that has all the amenities, plus the little added bonus of saving your life in a gunfight.
What is it?
The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is a “Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the luxury class segment” that “offers private individuals and persons at risk customized protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organized crime.” According to BMW, this is a “decisive criterion” in especially dangerous regions “like South America, Africa or Russia.” Wow, BMW, you didn’t have to call them out like that directly but okay.
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Powertrain
Clearly, the added weight of the armor will heavily affect the performance of the standard X5, so what engine are they using? Before you guess, it’s not a VW VR6 as the name confusingly implies, although your true nerds may have jumped to that. No, the X5 Protection VR6 uses BMW’s 4.4l twin-turbo V8. The powerplant is capable of up to 530 horsepower and around 550 ft-lb of torque. No mention of weight, but the hefty beast can still hop up to 62 mph in a mere 5.9 seconds and top speed is set to 130 mph. What a wild world we live in folks.
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VR6
If VR6 doesn’t stand for the engine being used, then what does it stand for? VR6 is a ballistic vehicle standard that represents the amount of firearm protection a vehicle offers. The VR6 protection level is capable of withstanding up to 7.62 caliber rounds (used by AK-47) and lateral blasts of up to 15 kilos of TNT from four meters away. The armored floor is capable of withstanding the blasts of type DM51 hand grenades and a heavily reinforced roof is available to withstand DTG5 explosives, also known as up to 200 grams of C4. I’d say that’s more than ample to withstand most highjackers, terrorists, rival drug dealers, or rival gangs.
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But Wait, There’s More!
But wait...BMW was not done there. You can’t just slap some panels on and call it good. BMW also added a special sheathing to create a self-sealing fuel tank that doesn’t leak when hit. Run-flat tires with reinforced sidewalls are standard as well. Post-crash functions also allow the vehicle to run to the best of its ability, even after a severe impact, ensuring all electronics and mechanical components do not switch off.
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Don’t Worry
The X5 Protection VR6 is still luxuriously equipped. 4-zone climate control, leather seats, M-Sport steering wheel, and even soft-close doors are still standard kit. Options range from massaging seats, the Rear Seat Entertainment Professional option pack, and BMW Laser Light with Selective Beam headlights. It may protect you from an attack from an AK, but this is still a BMW at heart.
>>Join the conversation about the armored VR6 X5 right here in the 6SpeedOnline Forum!