The 2024 BMW X5 Protection VR6: A Stealthy Armored SUV with a V8 Punch

The 2024 BMW X5 Protection VR6 is not your ordinary SUV. It is a special protection vehicle that can shield its occupants from threats like gunfire, explosions, and drones while maintaining a discreet and elegant appearance. It is based on the facelifted BMW X5 M60i xDrive, which means it has a powerful V8 engine with mild-hybrid technology, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and a host of digital features. But what makes it different from the standard X5 is its extensive armor covering its body, windows, fuel tank, and underbody.

The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is certified by the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM) to meet the VR6 protection level, which is one of the highest standards for civilian security vehicles. It can withstand attacks from handguns, rifles, and explosives and even offers optional upgrades for enhanced blast resistance. The vehicle also has several special features that enhance its security and functionality, such as an intercom system, LED flashers, flag poles, and a driver instruction program. The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is expected to enter production in February 2024 at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina. It will make its world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich in September, along with the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection. The price of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 has not been announced yet, but it's likely to be much higher than the $83,145 starting price of the regular X5 M60i xDrive.

Let's look closer at the design, performance, protection, and features of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 and see how it offers stealthy and superior protection for its customers.

Design

The design of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is almost identical to that of the standard X5, which gives it an advantage in terms of stealth and inconspicuousness. The vehicle has a new interpretation of the signature BMW headlights and kidney grille, which are narrower and more sculpted than before. The headlights are equipped with Matrix LED technology, adaptive control, and a BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam. The kidney grille has M double bars and an M logo. The vehicle also has gloss black wing mirror caps and black BMW Individual roof rails and can be optioned in several standard or BMW Individual paint finishes.

The interior of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is designed to offer comfort and safety for up to four occupants. The vehicle has a dedicated four-seat configuration with sports seats wrapped in Sensafin leather. The driver and front passenger seats have heating, ventilation, and massage functions as optional extras. The rear seats have their own climate control system and entertainment screens. The cockpit features the BMW Curved Display, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen that runs on the iDrive 8.5 system. The vehicle also has an intercom system that allows communication with people outside without opening the windows or doors.

Performance

The performance of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is impressive for a vehicle that weighs significantly more than the regular BMW X5 due to the added armor. The vehicle is based on the BMW X5 M60i xDrive model, which means it has a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It also has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enhances the engine's responsiveness and efficiency. The X5 Protection VR6 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 131 mph.

The vehicle also has a sophisticated chassis technology that delivers dynamic and assured performance that marks out an SAV from BMW. It has an adaptive M suspension, an M Sport differential, active roll stabilization, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system also enables flexible responses in potentially dangerous situations.

Protection

The protection of the BMW X5 Protection VR6 is what makes it stand out from the crowd. The vehicle has been certified by VPAM to meet the VR6 protection level, which means it can resist attacks from handguns up to .44 Magnum caliber (including .357 Magnum), rifles up to 7.62x39 mm caliber (including AK-47), and explosives up to 15 kg of TNT or drone strikes (with optional upgrades).

The body of the X5 Protection VR6 is reinforced with high-strength steel plates that cover the doors, side frame, roof, and bulkhead. The windows are made of bulletproof glass that can resist penetration and splintering. The fuel tank has a self-sealing mechanism that prevents leaks if it's punctured by bullets or shrapnel. The underbody has an aluminum splinter guard that protects against hand grenades and landmines. And if that's not enough, buyers can opt for additional underbody armor and roof armor that can resist blasts from up to 15 kg of TNT or drone strikes.

Features

The BMW X5 Protection VR6 also comes with several special features that enhance its security and functionality. For example, it has LED flashers in the radiator grille, rear flashers, roof flashers with a horn system, and a roof antenna with an additional receiver for digital radio. These features can be used to signal emergencies or request assistance from authorities or other vehicles. The vehicle also has flag poles on the front fenders that can be used to display national flags or other symbols. Additionally, BMW offers a special driver instruction program that provides training in tactical behavior and evasive maneuvers for situations where escape is necessary.

The BMW X5 Protection VR6 is a unique vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and protection in a discreet package. It's ideal for individuals who need special protection from threats but don't want to compromise on comfort or style. It's also a testament to BMW's engineering prowess and innovation in creating vehicles that meet the highest safety and quality standards.