Among the various versions of the all-new BMW X5 that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the German automaker will showcase the Concept X5 Security Plus, which is an X5 wearing some heavy armor.
BMW says the Concept X5 Security Plus is the only vehicle in its class that fulfills the requirements of protection level VR6. This means it offers all-round protection against “violent assault, kidnapping and organized crime,” according to the release.
It is therefore obvious what type of customers BMW targets with the armored X5: “risk-exposed private individuals and prominent public figures with enhanced security needs,” originating from regions like South America, Africa or Russia.
Not that you will notice them, since the armored model looks like any other X5 from the outside, which is exactly what the customer of an armored car wants. However, things are very different beneath the layers of paint.
The Concept X5 Security Plus’ protection concept is based on an armored passenger cell made from high-performance steel moldings and panels. The cell offers protection for up to four passengers against assault from the world’s most feared rifle, the AK-47 or Kalashnikov. Featuring sealed joints in critical areas around doors or where panels meet body pillars, the cell prevents bullet or fragment penetration.
The all-wheel-drive BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is powered by the 442hp (450PS) twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine to compensate for added weight. BMW says the chassis, electronic management systems and brake system have been adapted to the increased weight, with the performance of these models being “virtually on a par with a regular X5 model.”
Concept X5 Security Plus aside, BMW also offers the X5 Security, which complies with protection level VR4 – general street crime. Security models based on the third-generation BMW X5 are built at the Spartanburg plant in the United States, while special security features are installed at the Toluca plant in Mexico.
By Dan Mihalascu
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