BMW has revealed the latest version of its X5 SUV, called the X5 Protection VR6. If you don't know what that name means, odds are that you're not the 'target' market. This is a highly sophisticated armoured version of the X5, in short, designed to offer 'private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime.' Not really designed for the school run in South County Dublin, then...
Nothing to see here
There's serious armour around the passenger cell of this X5, but, because it's all built by BMW - and apparently was considered when the X5 was developed in the first place - it's better integrated than it would be if someone just added armour to an existing vehicle. Hence, BMW has made it possible for the Protection VR6 to go almost unnoticed. Buyers can specify any of BMW's usual paint colours and most of its interior options, too, though this X5 has just four seats.
It's when a door is open that you might notice the differences - such as the dramatically thick 'security glass' used throughout - as thick as 33 millimetres in places. Only the driver gets an electric opening window, though others are optional - and it's possible to limit the opening to just 10 centimetres, 'to enable communication with the outside world and the exchange of documents while preventing larger objects from entering the vehicle.' Not that you need to speak to those outside via a cracked-open window, as there's an intercom system as standard.
The flashing blue light beacon and in-grille LED lights shown in our images are optional.
Serious firepower
The 'VR6' certification ensures protection against a shocking number of weapons and attacks (specific types of grenades are mentioned, as is the AK-47 rifle, and even explosive attacks by drone) and BMW is confident it far exceeds the VR6 standard. To help drivers outrun trouble (and cope with what must be a significant increase in weight), the X5 has been given its own serious firepower, a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, putting out 530hp and 750Nm of torque. Apparently, it manages 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, but the top speed is limited to 210km/h. Nonetheless, to assist with agility and handling, it does get Active Roll Stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (four-wheel steering) as standard.
Discreet and personal ordering
Naturally, if you are in the market for something like the X5 Protection VR6, you might not want the world to know about it, so BMW mentions offering discreet and personalised advice and even special driver training.