Uncompromising protection and superiority: The new BMW X5 Protection VR6.

Munich. With the latest generation of the security
vehicle built on the basis of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the
luxury class segment, the premium carmaker BMW now meets the increased
need for individual protection and superiority in any situation. The
new BMW X5 Protection VR6 (combined fuel consumption: 13.0 l/100 km;
combined CO2 emissions: 298 g/km*) offers private
individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent
attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. This is often a decisive
criterion, especially in regions like South America, Africa or Russia.

The integration of series components and additional safety-related
equipment of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 into the vehicle architecture
was already taken account of during development. Production is carried
out according to the stringent production standards defined by the BMW
Group. Thus the BMW X5 Protection VR6 combines a standard range of
integrated protective equipment with the driving dynamics, comfort and
advanced technology of the BMW X5. This is complemented by the equally
supreme and discreet appearance of the new security vehicle, which is
almost identical to the production model in terms of driving
characteristics, high-grade interior and design.

The new BMW X5 Protection VR6 fulfils the requirements of resistance
class VR6 in accordance with the internationally recognised official
test criteria of the VPAM (Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende
Materialien und Konstruktionen; Associations of Testing Institutes for
Attack Resistant Materials and Constructions). The official
certification was carried out according to the Guidelines for Bullet
Resistant Vehicles (BRV 2009), Explosive Resistant Vehicles (ERV 2010)
and PAS 300, which define the bullet and explosive force resistance of
security vehicles.

Maximum protection thanks to a holistic safety concept.

The integration of the protective equipment rendering the new BMW X5
a security vehicle of the resistance class VR6 was already taken into
account during the development of the SAV. In this way, it was
possible to implement a holistic safety concept comprising all areas
of passive and active passenger protection. The moulded armour-plating
components and the security glazing were developed exclusively for
each model. They blend in harmoniously with the overall vehicle
concept in terms of function and design. Therefore, both outside and
inside, the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 is barely distinguishable from a
conventional production vehicle. The anonymity resulting from this
constitutes an additional safety aspect.

In contrast to retro-fitted armouring, there are also decisive
advantages with respect to the effectiveness of the protective
equipment and handling characteristics. The holistic safety concept of
the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 makes it possible to already identify
during the development stage potential weaknesses such as body joints
and transitions between metal and glazing and to integrate effective
protective measures. Certification includes the complete vehicle and
not just the materials used. This is the only way to make a realistic
assessment of the effectiveness of the model-specific protective cell.
Likewise, the suspension and brakes on the new BMW X5 Protection VR6
are aligned to the increased weight vs. the production vehicle in
order to ensure hallmark BMW agility also in critical driving situations.

Protected space: armoured passenger compartment and security glazing. 

The interior of the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 offers passengers an
extremely high level of protection against attacks with firearms
and/or explosive devices. The key element of the protective equipment
is the armoured passenger compartment of the SAV. Moulded components
made from high-strength steel adapt perfectly to the contour of the
body within the area of the doors, side frame, roof and front wall.
Furthermore, an aluminium underbody splinter shield, the likewise
armoured luggage compartment partition and security glazing are all
standard and contribute towards a comprehensive protection of the
interior. Multilayered safety glass with a thickness of approx. 33 mm
for the windscreen, doors and luggage compartment partition wall also
withstands attacks by impact weapons and is fitted with an internal
polycarbonate layer as additional splinter protection.  Moreover,
penetration by bullets or fragments is prevented by tightly sealed
protection and overlapping amour-plating, e.g. within the sensitive
areas of door gaps and bodywork joints as well as the transitions
between body panels and glazing.

The combination of amour-plated bodywork and security glazing
facilitates effective protection against attacks by handguns and long
firearms using ammunition up to a calibre of 7.62 × 39 FeC or 7.62 ×
39 SC respectively, as used in weapons of the type AK-47, a most
commonly used weapon in the world. Furthermore, the armoured passenger
compartment withstands lateral blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT
from a distance of four metres. Innovative so-called Post Blast
Protective Technology for the security glazing ensures particularly
effective protection against secondary attacks. Even following a
blast, all windows remain firmly in position, thus eliminating any
formation of gaps between glazing and body.

The armour-plated floor offers protection against hand grenades of
the type DM51. Enhanced underbody reinforcement comprising fibre
composite materials, which also withstands attack by hand grenades of
the type HG85, is optionally available. A particularly extensively
armoured roof is available as a further special option. The additional
reinforcement comprising security steel and fibre composite materials
offers certified protection against drone attacks with explosive
charges of the category DTG5, which, inter alia, includes up to 200
grams of C4 and over 500 fragments.

A further model-specific, integral component of the standard
equipment for the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 is the self-sealing fuel
tank. A special sheathing ensures that the tank closes automatically
following an attack in order to prevent fuel spillage. Standard
runflat tyres with reinforced sidewalls allow the driver to continue
the journey even after a complete loss of tyre pressure. Optional
model-specific post crash functions also serve to retain mobility in
extreme situations. They ensure that the engine of the new
BMW X5 Protection VR6 is not switched off after a collision and that
the energy supply is not interrupted.

Superior engines, model-specific suspension.

Not only in terms of design is the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 almost
indistinguishable from the corresponding production model. A high
degree of agility on the road and impressive off-road performance
provides perfect conditions for safely mastering any situation. The
necessary power comes from an extremely efficient V8 petrol engine
featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The technology package
comprises two turbo chargers located within the V space between the
cylinder banks, one operating at an increased maximum pressure of 350
bar and the latest versions of the fully variable valve control system
VALVETRONIC as well as variable twin VANOS camshaft control.

Spontaneous response and superior power development characterise the
new eight-cylinder in the engine portfolio for the BMW X5. From a
4.4-litre displacement it mobilises a maximum power output of
390 kW/530 hp within a speed range of between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. The
power unit delivers a maximum torque of 750 Nm at 1,800 rpm, which
remains available up to 4,600 rpm. Therefore, the new BMW X5
Protection VR6 is by far the most powerful vehicle within the
competitive environment. The supreme pulling power of its V8 engine
facilitates acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Top
speed of the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 is electronically limited to 210 km/h.

Design and tuning of the suspension for the new BMW X5 Protection VR6
are both oriented towards the outstanding engine performance and the
model-specific weight of the security vehicle. The components and
systems, which have been precisely aligned and combined into a
harmonious overall package, guarantee maximum agility as well as an
outstanding level of comfort. The construction of the suspension
comprises a double wishbone front axle and a five-arm rear axle as
well as a specifically reinforced steel spring system and
electronically controlled dampers with independent characteristic
diagrams. 20-inch light alloy wheels with mixed tyres permit enhanced
lateral acceleration and maximum track stability during dynamic
cornering. The sports brake system also guarantees constantly high
braking performance even under extreme conditions.

Active Roll Stabilisation contributes additionally to the supreme
handling characteristics of the new BMW X5 Protection VR6. The
vehicle’s electric swivel motors ensure fast and precise compensation
of body roll during dynamic cornering. Furthermore, they actively
counter the vibrations triggered by unevenness on one side of the
road. As a result, the vehicle’s self-steering and load change
behaviour are both noticeably optimised. Therefore, Active Roll
Stabilisation enhances the comfort, agility and stability of the new BMW X5 Protection VR6.

Moreover, the standard equipment of the security vehicle also
includes Integral Active Steering. The front and rear wheels steer in
opposing directions or turn in the same direction depending on the
current speed. Thus, agility during cornering and stability during
lane change are enhanced, as are the manoeuvrability of the vehicle in
city traffic and parking.  

Comprehensive comfort and safety features, individual options.

Thanks to its integrated safety concept, the new BMW X5 Protection
VR6 is equipped to cope with every-day traffic conditions as well as
those situations requiring special protection and flexible reactions.
At the same time, it offers the degree of sportiness, versatility and
comfort that is characteristic of the BMW X5. There are four seats
available in the generously sized interior. Due to the holistic
development concept, convenient entry and exit as well as all-round
visibility offered by the production vehicle are fully retained.

The windscreen and front section of the side windows come as standard
with heating function. The security glazing features electric windows
on the driver’s side. Optionally, electric windows can also be
installed at the passenger’s side. In addition, the opening height of
the windows at the front can be limited to around ten centimetres to
enable communication with the outside world and the exchange of
documents while preventing larger objects from entering the vehicle.

Standard model-specific features of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 include
an intercom and an attack alarm system. The intercom facilitates
communication with persons outside the vehicle without the need to
open doors or windows. For this purpose, exterior mirror-integrated
microphones, an external loudspeaker and a hands-free microphone,
which is installed in the roof liner, as well as additional internal
loudspeakers, are used. The attack alarm function ensures at the push
of a button that the doors are automatically locked and the windows on
the driver’s and passenger’s side are closed. Furthermore, audible and
visual alarms are activated. Control elements for the system as well
as further model-specific functions are installed in an additional
switch panel in front of the gear selector lever.

Standard equipment features include, inter alia, 4-zone automatic
climate control, a hi-fi loudspeaker system, Ambient Light, Automatic
Soft Close for the doors and the M leather steering wheel. Additional
standard features are the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the
multi-display set-up of which comprises a fully digital instrument
cluster and a 12.3-inch control display enabling the driver of the BMW
X5 Protection VR6 to use the diverse online-based services from BMW
Connected and BMW ConnectedDrive. This also includes the BMW
Intelligent Personal Assistant, a system that facilitates the
operation of numerous functions by means of natural voice commands.

The range of optional equipment also includes, inter alia, comfort
seats, Active Seat Ventilation and a massage function, Rear Seat
Entertainment Professional and glass applications for selected control
elements. Furthermore, all exterior colours, seat upholsteries and
interior trim strips available for the SAV can be chosen for
individualising the BMW X5 Protection VR6. Additional ease of
manoeuvrability is provided by a reversing camera and Surround View,
including the Remote 3D View function, which transmits a live image of
the vehicle and its surroundings to the customer’s smartphone. BMW
Laser Light with Selective Beam, which increases the high beam range
to more than 500 metres, is also available for the security vehicle as
an alternative to the standard LED headlights.

Moreover, additional optional features designed to suit each model
are available for each desired purpose. Therefore, the new BMW
X5 Protection VR6 can be additionally equipped, for example, with LED
front flashers in the radiator grille, rear flashers, roof-mounted
light beacons including signal tone system, a roof antenna with
additional receiver for digital radio as well as armour-plating for
the vehicle batteries. A pennant holder is also available for
representation purposes.

BMW offers customers discreet and confidential advice from
experienced experts. A high degree of flexibility with regard to
customer needs leads to individual solutions. A further network of
qualified BMW service partners guarantees reliable support with regard
to maintenance, repair and supply of parts. Special driver training is
also offered.

The new BMW X5 Protection VR6: a genuine BMW for customised protection.

Like all of the Bavarian brand’s security vehicles, the new BMW X5
Protection VR6 was subjected to a comprehensive testing regime. This
includes test and calibration drives within the framework of the
serial development process, which guarantee reliable performance and
function also under extreme conditions.

The security vehicle is already fitted with its unique suspension
technology at the BMW Spartanburg plant in the US federal state of
South Carolina, where the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 is produced
alongside the production model variants of the SAV. The subsequent
integration of protective equipment and further model-specific safety
features by highly qualified experts at the manufacturer’s special
plant in Toluca, Mexico, offers uncompromising implementation of the
holistic safety concept. As opposed to retro-fitted armoured vehicles,
which may compromise security or have components subjected to
excessive loads, production is carried out according to stringent BMW
quality standards.

Ballistic testing is carried out by an independent state testing
authority to verify the resistance effect of the armouring and
security glazing in accordance with internationally recognised
guidelines. However, the ballistic tests exceed by far the usual
requirements. In addition to the required 90 and 45-degree ballistic
tests, the test scenario is supplemented by gunfire from additional
angles in order to best reflect realistic conditions. The official
testing and certification of the entire vehicle provides evidence of
the reliability of the safety concept as a whole.

Unique experience: the first BMW security vehicle was built
more than 40 years ago.

All over the world, private individuals, officials and celebrities
alike rely on security vehicles from BMW. The high reputation is built
not least on a unique tradition. The BMW Group has more than 40 years
of experience in the development and production of security vehicles
with model-specific protective equipment. As early as in 1978, BMW
presented the first security vehicle based on a BMW 7 Series sedan.
Even then, the BMW 733i High Security offered a holistic security
concept and hence considerable advantages compared to retro-fitted
security vehicles. For each of the following generations, a high
security version of the luxury sedan was also produced.

Further security vehicles were built based on the BMW 3 Series and
the BMW 5 Series. In 2004, the BMW X5 Security was the first Sports
Activity Vehicle with model-specific protective equipment to arrive on
the market. In 2009, the BMW X5 Security Plus was the first vehicle of
its kind to comply with the requirements of resistance class 6. With
the new BMW X5 Protection VR6, the fourth generation of the SAV is now
offered as a security vehicle. The equipment features designed to
offer protection against attacks and other hazards have been
consistently further developed during the course of time. Thus, once
again, the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 sets benchmarks in the protection
of persons at risk.

The figures for fuel consumption,
CO2 emissions and power consumption are calculated based on
the measurement methods stipulated in the current version of
Regulation (EU) 2007/715. The figures are calculated using a
vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges
stated take into account differences in selected wheel and
tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change
during configuration.

The figures have already been calculated based on the new
WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes.
In these vehicles, different figures than those published here
may apply for the assessment of taxes and other
vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures
and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer
to the “Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and
power consumption of new cars”, available free of charge
at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH
(DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen
and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.