BMW has unveiled its new protection vehicles – namely the BMW 7 Series Protection, as well as the BMW i7 Protection, the world’s first all-electric protection sedan. Set to make their debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 International motor show, the two protection vehicles have been built centred around the BMW Protection Core, a model-specific self-supporting body structure made of armour steel, which is a first for a sedan.
Both the 7 Series and i7 Protection sedan are fitted with protection-spec doors, alongside additional armouring for its underbody, roof, and safety glass. This contributes to them being classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany’s Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM).
As a result, both protection vehicles offer customised protection for at-risk individuals from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. This includes drone attacks with explosive charges, for instance, as well as protection from fragments dispersed by hand grenades on detonation.
The protection limousines’ glass even protects against fire from calibre 7.62×54 R ammunition – a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 10. Just in case those aren’t enough, a partial protection extension is available for both the BMW 7 Series and i7 Protection as an option in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 10 ammunition.
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Also part of the standard safety features equipped with the BMW 7 Series Protection is a self-sealing tank that comes with a special casing, which like the name implies, enables the fuel tank to seal itself in the case of being hit by a bullet. This is done to prevent any loss of fuel.
Besides physical protection, the ability to be discreet is also a crucial safety feature for occupants of protection vehicles. Despite possessing the aforementioned safety features, only a few details distinguish the BMW 7 Series and i7 Protection from a regular 7 Series Sedan with the M Sport package, making them tough to be identified. This inconspicuous appearance provides people who require protection an additional safety factor when in public.
BMW engineers have also spent efforts in optimising the 7 Series and i7 Protection’s weight, making them lighter than their predecessors. Together with a more rigid body, the 7 Series and i7 Protection can not just carry more load but also possess better handling capabilities.
As a result, the protection cars are now more agile and dynamic on the move, enabling them to deliver precise and safe handling even when driven hard. This allows occupants to be protected even in the case of escaping from an attack.
Powertrain-wise, The BMW 7 Series Protection is powered by a 48V mild hybrid system, alongside a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. With power sent to all four wheels via the xDrive all-wheel drive system, the 7 Series Protection’s total output is rated at 530 hp and 750 Nm. This enables the protection vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 210 km/h.
The BMW i7 Protection, on the other hand, shares the BMW i7 M70 xDrive’s dual motor powertrain. This setup pushes out a total output of 544 hp and 745 Nm, with power sent to all four wheels via the marque’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The 0-100 km/h sprint can be achieved in just 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h.
Both the BMW 7 Series and i7 Protection are the first and only protection vehicles in their segments to be fitted with the brand’s integral Active Steering. This provides multiple benefits, such as reduced turning circles, increased precision and dynamic response when quickly taken through corners, as well as enhanced comfort for rear-seat passengers.
Fitted as standard with the BMW 7 Series and i7 Protection are 20-inch light-alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin-supplied PAX tyres. The tyres feature a run-flat ring positioned on the wheel rim which allows the car to continue travelling at up to 80 km/h of speed, even in the event of a total loss of pressure.
With the possibility of the protection vehicles being used as official vehicles, they can be tailored with specifications such as flashing lights, radio transceivers, and flag poles for official duty uses. The protection vehicles can also be specified with a fresh-air supply system, as well as a fire extinguisher with automatic and manual discharge.
Both the BMW 7 Series and i7 Protection will be built at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate “craft manufacturing” process, and are also set for their public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 International motor show in Munich. Deliveries for both protection vehicles will start in December this year.
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