BMW has unveiled the latest generation of its armored luxury sedans, allowing for an uncompromising level of luxury and high-grade protection. The reinforced vehicles come in two variants, the beloved combustion-engined 7 Series and its new electric variant, the i7.
The i7 Protection represents the world’s first all-electric protection sedan to go into production. Both it and the BMW 7 Series Protection meet the rigorous demands of class VR9 protection, two ratings above standard commercial protection vehicles. The VR9 rating allows for both 7 Series to withstand a large number of armor-piercing rounds.
Additionally, the vehicles have been tested and certified under Germany’s strict VPAM standards and are also fortified against certain explosive attacks. Their glass is even refined to meet the criteria for the elite VPAM 10 classification — the highest level of protection available for civilian vehicles.
The BMW Protection Core introduces a supporting structure constructed entirely from armor steel for the first time, providing a fortified protective shell further fortified with specialized doors, underbody armor and safety glass. This meticulous design is purposefully structured to shield passengers from threats including drone attacks, explosive charges, and hand grenades.
Critical areas like the fuel tank, also feature self-sealing technology, allowing the vehicle to prevent fuel loss in the case of a bullet puncture, as well as unique PAX tires that remain functional after total pressure loss.
All of the protection added to the two 7 Series models comes with no sacrifice to comfort on the interior and both examples still pack a punch performance-wise, even with the added weight. The vehicles mirror the styling of a BMW 7 Series M Sport, offering state-of-the-art driving and comfort.
The electric i7 Protection offers a limited top speed of 99 mph powered by a 400kW/544hp powertrain, while the combustion-engined 7 Series Protection offers a top speed of 130mph powered by a 4.4-liter V8.
MSRP pricing for the 7 Series Protection vehicles has not yet been revealed at the time of writing, however, if you’re looking to roll around in the comfort of Merino leather, listening to your music on a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound, while encased in some of the best armor on the market — than keep an eye out for updates during the debut set for the IAA Mobility show in Munich later this year.
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