BMW, which has long had an in-house specialist section that provides armour-plated cars for diplomatic and government use, has revealed the Protection models of both the electric i7 and the regular 7 Series.
High standards
In fact, BMW claims that the i7 Protection is the first ever factory-built, armour-plated electric car. Both it and the 7 Series Protection meet the latest VR9 standards for protection against attacks. What does that mean? Well, it's based on the criteria set down by the German Vereiningung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (or, as we might call it, the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack Resistant Materials and Construction) - the VPAM for short.
Those criteria set down minimum limits for the protection that the car can offer from both bullets fired from guns and from explosive blasts. According to BMW, the Protection models of both the i7 and 7 Series have window glass that meets the higher VP10 standard, and the whole 7 Series can be upgraded to meet that standard if you like.
To reach VP9 standard, both cars are hand-built at BMW's Dingolfing factory on the outskirts of Munich, and they're centred on a new 'Protection Core' construction that uses a body structure made from armoured steel - the first time that such a structure has been used. To that is added extra armoured panels underneath the car, as well as on the roof, and the bullet-proof glass as well, of course.
The roof and undersides of the car are specially hardened to protect against explosives, whether that be from a thrown hand grenade or a drone attack. The fuel tank of the 7 Series Protection is - like that of a fighter jet - designed to be self-sealing to protect it against bullets and explosive fragments.
Live-fire testing
To make sure this all works, the experts from VPAM will conduct live-fire tests - using real guns and explosives - to see how well BMW's work stands up.
On the outside, you'd be hard-pressed to tell that the Protection models are anything special compared to a standard i7 or 7 Series. BMW says that "just a few details distinguish the Protection models." The interiors, too, are only slightly changed, and BMW has ensured that the protection structure doesn't impede much on the existing cabin space.
BMW also claims that the weight of the armour has been, to an extent, balanced out by weight-saving measures inherent to the design of the i7 and 7 Series, although the fact that the i7 Protection is quoted as returning 30kWh/100km energy consumption should give you a clue as to how hefty these cars will be.
It's not just about efficiency, though. BMW has had to ensure that these cars can still accelerate, corner and handle like a true Munich legend, not for driver enjoyment but so that a quick getaway from any danger can be made. The i7 Protection has up to 544hp from its two electric motors, and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds (the standard model does that same sprint in 6.1 seconds).
The petrol 7 Series Protection uses a turbocharged V8 petrol engine that puts out up to 530hp and can do 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds. The cars' suspension and air springs have been specially tuned to cope with the extra weight, and BMW does say that those in the back seats - the ones you're mostly trying to protect - should enjoy exceptional ride comfort. Integral Active Steering ensures agility when trying to outrun an attack, as well as rear-wheel steering to make it easier to pull up in front of the UN building.
Special options
Both models ride on 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin PAX run-flat tyres. Needless to say, the cars still get the usual driver aids technology, including front collision warning, lane departure and automated parking, but BMW says that the tech has been tweaked to offer support and information for professional chauffeurs, without actively intervening to take control of the vehicle.
For comfort, there's now the option of an electrically heated windscreen to ensure unobstructed vision in low temperatures, while there's also an integrated cool box for drinks and water, which can hold up to eight litres and is designed for two water bottles and two glasses to be stored. To keep everyone entertained there's a 1,265-watt Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 28 speakers, and electric door opening and closing for maximum convenience.
There's also an extensive list of options for the Protection models, from surround lighting for the grilles, to individual paint finishes and an Executive Lounge reclining seat in the back. In terms of more security-conscious options, you can have a rear-view camera, an exterior loudspeaker and intercom system, fresh air supply (to protect against chemical attack), automatic fire extinguishers, flashing exterior lights, special radio receivers and, of course, mounting points for flags.
BMW reckons that by keeping its Protection services in-house, it can achieve higher levels of security in its cars than those made by outside contractors working on a bought-in car. The German car maker can also back that up by offering special Protection driver training courses to instruct on how to get the best out of the cars, and if anyone's looking for a Christmas present idea for us, well you've just found it.