This BMW X5 Is Bullet – And Blast – Proof!

• BMW X5 Protection VR6 revealed.

• The armoured SUV meets VPAM ballistic standards, safeguarding occupants from attacks.

• Gets the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 48V mild hybrid powertrain as the standard X5 M.

• Majority body parts have been replaced with high strength steel and safety glass.

• Gets a self-sealing fuel tank to prevent fuel leakage from a bullet attack.

The BMW X5 has been a significant series-produced protection vehicle in international markets, cocooning important personalities from risk and attacks for eons. And now, after the reveal of the i7 and 7 series armoured saloons, it has been updated to the new edition of the SUV. Here’s everything you need to know about the BMW X5 Protection VR6:

Armoured safety

The safety aspect of the BMW X5 VR6 is accentuated inside out. It begins with the body components that have now been replaced by high strength steel. The passenger compartment has been armoured along with the safety glass that act as the core elements of the protection pack. 

Then comes the armoured partition for the luggage compartment along with extended underbody armouring and additional armouring for the roof, both of which are available as optional extras. Part of the standard safety bolstering package also includes a self-sealing fuel tank with a special casing which, as the name suggests, seals itself in case a bullet tries to pierce it, to prevent any fuel loss. An aluminium splinter guard for the underbody concludes all the armoured changes on this X5.

All these additions and bolstering helps the BMW X5 VR6 attain VPAM ballistic standards, which ensures resistance against ballistic and blast attacks.

Exterior and interior

Even the BMW fanboys will have a hard time telling the X5 Protection VR6 apart from the standard X5 M. The slim front lights flank the kidney grille that holds its ground in the centre of the nose with the signature horizontal BMW M bars and M logo. You get a pinch of sportiness from the mirror caps finished in a black high-gloss shade for the mirror caps, which complement the air breathers behind the front wheel arches and alloy wheels. 

The sleek L-shaped taillights combine to form an X-shaped motif. Even the cabin is indistinguishable, apart from the removal of a seat at the rear, as this one is a dedicated four-seater. Yet, it retains all the opulence that the standard car packs, a few of the creature comforts including four-zone climate control, a 14.9-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch diagonal instrument cluster, electric driver seat with memory function, and more. 

Overall, the BMW X5 Protection VR6 can be considered as a sleeper car with all its protection enhancements, but no visual changes to show for it. But if you do want those, bespoke equipment features can be added including flashing LED lights in the radiator grille, flashing rear lights, roof-mounted light beacons and even a roof antenna with an additional receiver for digital two-way radio. Not so disguised now, is it?

Powertrain

Getting away from a chase or a set up will require some serious power to propel this SUV which, with its added equipment, is much heavier than the standard X5. Thankfully, it can do that without breaking a sweat as it’s propelled by a 4.4‑litre twin-turbo V8 engine cranking out 625PS and 750Nm. The engine is assisted using 48V mild-hybrid tech, the same combination as the standard BMW X5 M. 

The only difference is that due to the added heft, the VR6 X5 does the dash from nought to 100kmph in 5.9 seconds, or about two seconds slower than the standard car. The top speed has been electronically limited to 210kmph. The suspension and the chassis, meanwhile, has been tuned to accommodate the additional weight.

Also Read: Production-spec Mahindra XUV300 Facelift With Floating Touchscreen Infotainment System Spotted Testing

The BMW X5 Protection VR6 will make its public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich. We reckon it would make the perfect support car for the i7 and 7 Series saloons, if you’d rather be in the flagship of the BMW lineup and want a personnel convoy to accompany you for additional safety. Deliveries for the SUV will begin in February 2024.