Armored BMW: X5 Security

BMW designed and produced the BMW X5 Security model after decades of armored cars production and it was the first time when a BMW off road vehicle has been given armored plates and glass from a production line. After selling armored BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, customers may choose robust and reliable car now, which has been inspected in Munich and passed ballistic tests with handguns and Heckler und Koch machine gun successfully.

When should you consider buying BMW X5 Security?

First thing which you should know is that X5 car gives B4 protection level to the passengers. This means you’re relatively safe from carjacking, kidnapping, and basic violent crime. Be careful, because B4 protection level doesn’t secure you from AK-47 assassination attempts. Unlike heavy armor which brings B6 and B7 standards, the B4 doesn’t give you guarantee of surviving attacks using mines or heavy grenades. All in all, BMW X5 Security isn’t recommended for usage in zones with high probability of terrorist attack. But if you’re businessman who is in not too much in „danger“, then armored X5 is suitable for your needs.

Armoring and equipment

Heavy duty materials protect entire car body; Hood, windows, borders, and roof which passed test when man shot it from 10 meters. Especially hood ballistic test was very interesting, because if any bullet penetrated the hood, engine would broke down and passengers‘ life would be in danger much more than during assassination attempt. Naturally, run-flat tires are standard part of equipment.

When talking about engine, BMW X5 Security has high torque 4.4 Liter 8-cylinder BMW engine under it’s hood, which allows passengers get away from the attack zone very fast. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in 8 seconds; significant for armored car.

In addition, BMW does waterproof tests which guarantee you that the car is not only bulletproof, but waterproof as well. On the other hand, it would be weird if a bulletproof car wasn’t waterproof too.

BMW also offers drivers and passengers the X-Drive system – all wheel drive system, which is characterized by excellent traction; where traction is divided to all wheels based upon required engine power through special clutch. It all happens in in milliseconds, and it improves handling and driving safety. Basic principle is that every wheel gets required power only. Differences can be seen in curves, or on wet roads. Armoring and latest technologies bring you active and passive safety which raise your chances to survive in critical situations, not only shooting, but through car accidents as well.

Price

Armored plates and glass which fit B4 protection level are usually available for $40000. Additionally, this price is being added to standard model price.

Comparison to Mercedes-Benz cars

Spoken honestly, I would choose Mercedes-Benz G-Class or Mercedes-Benz S-Class rather than BMW X5 Security. It’s because prices don’t reflect importance of passengers’ life. M-B’s history roots at old ages and it’s a matter of prestige in my case. Moreover if you had to choose between Mercedes-Benz E Guard and BMW X5 Security, you’ll appreciate higher protection level which is B4/B5 for cars produced by M-B.

Pictures

Unfortunately we haven’t received any reply about images usage from BMW staff. Anyway, we hope we’ll get permissions to use pictures as soon as possible.

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