The previous X5 was also given the Security Plus treatment when BMW took a standard X5 and made it AK-47 proof, while retaining its luxury features. The new car has a similar armour plating system, and applies it to the third-generation X5 SUV.
Changes start with the X5's passenger cell.
The cockpit is surrounded by a steel armours and potential vulnerabilities in the car's structure are protected by pre-shaped aramid and polyethylene components. Special attention has been paid to areas where body panels overlap and gaps in the car's doors.
On top of the armour plating, BMW has fitted its beefed-up X5 with run-flat tires and a self-healing fuel tank. All these changes add up to a car with a ballistics protection level of VR6, although the maximum rating is VR9, which is the highest protection rating.
Glass shrapnel is another one of the big dangers that faces occupants when they're under attack, so the X5 Security Plus has been fitted with laminated security glass, which is thicker and stronger than normal glass.
Under attack, being able to get out of trouble is key. All armoured X5s are fitted with a 330kW TwinPower turbo V8 engine, with power down through BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system.
BMW said the powertrain of the Security Plus has "outstanding driving characteristics", which will allow the car to be "guided securely through difficult situations".
Driver dynamics are also taken care of by standard chassis systems like active steering, which BMW claims give the X5's armoured cousin the same depth of dynamic talent afforded to the standard SUV. BMW hasn't revealed details about pricing, but a big premium over the price of the standard X5 can be expected.
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The BMW X5 Security Plus has been fitted with laminated security glass.
Source: BMW
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