BMW X5 Protection VR6 Arrives As V8-Powered Armoured SUV

2024 BMW X5 Protection VR6 armoured SUV lands as latest armoured car by BMW!

Following the debut of BMW i7/7 Series protection, BMW has unveiled yet another new armoured model, this time based on the facelifted BMW X5 SUV. Cordially known as the BMW X5 Protection VR6, this armoured SUV features bomb-proof body armouring, as well as sporty styling cues to masquerade its toughness.

For starters, several parts of the X5 Protection like the doors, side frame, roof and bulkhead are equipped with moulded high-strength steel plates. Plus, there’s also an armoured trunk divider, while the underbody gets aluminium shielding to prevent bullets and shrapnels from penetrating the X5’s fuel tank. As a second countermeasure, the X5 Protection’s fuel tank comes with a special casing that can seal any punctures, preventing it from leaking.

Should you need more protection, BMW offers optional armouring for both the roof and underbody parts of the X5. However, as it is, the BMW X5 Protection already meets the stringent VPAM ballistics requirement – Europe’s renowned armour standard for armoured civilian vehicles.

The BMW X5 Protection gets several sporty M parts, both cosmetically and mechanically

Visually, the X5 Protection looks pretty much the same as any other facelifted X5 models, with the addition of several M parts that serve as a great mask for this armoured SUV. Highlights include the twin M bars with M badge on its front kidney grille, M side mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, as well as the sporty M exhaust system, featuring two pairs of exhaust pipes.

Aside from the cosmetic M bits, the X5 Protection also gets several performance M parts, including the adaptive M suspension, M Sport differential, as well as an active roll stabilisation system.

Built upon the facelifted BMW X5 M60i xDrive variant, the X5 Protection hides a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol mill under its front hood. Mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system, this powertrain setup delivers 523 HP and 750 NM – good enough to propel this heavy armoured SUV from nought to 100 KM/H in 5.9 seconds. Flat out, the X5 Protection is capable of reaching its V-max of 211 KM/H.

The X5 Protection cabin is a pretty luxurious and well-equipped one, featuring a four-seat layout

On board, the X5 Protection offers a pretty luxurious cabin space, laced with a slew of tech and comfort amenities. Key features include the 14.9-inch central infotainment display, supplemented by a smaller 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for drivers. Featuring a four-seat layout instead of five for better comfort and safety, the X5 Protection comes with a four-zone climate control system, while all seats are wrapped in premium Sensafin leather upholstery.

Elsewhere, the X5 Protection also gets several unique features, including a built-in intercom system, optional LED flashers in the front grille, roof flashers with a horn system, as well as roof-mounted antenna with extra digital radio receiver. On top of that, BMW also offers a special driver instruction program that provides “training in tactical behaviour” for owners and drivers.

Fully-manufactured at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in North Carolina, US, the all-new BMW X5 Protection VR6 will make its public appearance at the upcoming IAA Mobility (also known as the Munich Motor Show) this year. Sales and deliveries are expected to commence later in Q1 2024.