Following the steps of the BMW X5 Security vehicle released by BMW last year, the latest generation security vehicle brings new things to the table. Dubbed X5 Security Plus, the vehicle now complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6.
For those of you not familiar with these standards, let me put it in easier words: the BMW X5 Security Plus “doesn’t fear” an AK-47.
Same as the previous model, the windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass and the car makes use of high-performance steel molded components and panels. The body features sealed joints providing support between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars.
An intercom system and around the car camera system can assist the passengers in extreme cases when stranded inside the car.
BMW X5 Security Plus is powered by the 4.8-litre V8 engine delivering 355 horsepower and peak torque of 350lb-ft (475Nm) at just 3,400rpm. The BMW X5 Security Plus accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 112mph (180 km/h).
What makes this vehicle even more interesting is the fact that even to the most observant person, the X5 Security Plus can pass on as a regular production model, providing discretion and a higher level of security.
Munich. BMW is extending its range of security vehicles by an additional model in a new protection class. The BMW X5 Security Plus complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6 (APR 2006), bringing versatile mobility and comprehensive protection against criminal assault into line with each other. It is the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer to offer a security concept aimed at lessening the danger of attacks using the world’s most widely used handgun of the type AK 47.
The vehicle, which was developed on the basis of the successful BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), offers room for up to four persons inside an exceptionally well-protected passenger cabin. Moreover, its superior drive and suspension technology also allows the driver to cope effortlessly with demanding situations, both on the road and on rough terrain. With the BMW X5 Security Plus, BMW is defining a new benchmark in protection against crime on the road.
The security concept for the BMW X5 Security Plus focuses on its armoured passenger cabin. It guarantees excellent protection, including the use of high-performance steel moulded components and panels. The body features sealed joints, which also provide protection in critical areas – e.g. between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars – thus preventing bullet or fragment penetration, as well as security glass conceived exclusively for this bullet resistance class. Furthermore, the windows resist attack using clubs, crowbars etc. and feature a polycarbonate coating that protects the interior from glass shatter.
BMW X5 Security Plus: Premiere for a new benchmark in security.
The BMW X5 Security Plus was tested in compliance with the BRV 1999 guideline for bullet-resistant vehicles and offers protection according to VPAM – APR 2006 in the bullet resistance class 6. The professional protection concept for the new BMW X5 Security Plus is, inter alia, designed to combat criminal threats such as robbery, abduction or carjacking, however, additionally for employment in hot spots in which the AK 47 has become a typical firearm used by assailants. The BMW X5 Security Plus offers comprehensive protection against these kind of attacks. Its security features were devised exclusively for this model and thoroughly tested within the framework of product development. The integration of the protective components was effected parallel to the series development of the BMW X5.
Effective protection as standard, perfectly tuned to the Sports Activity Vehicle.
Therefore, like all other BMW security vehicles, the BMW X5 Security Plus also offers comprehensive protection as standard. As opposed to retrofitted armour plating, BMW security vehicle assembly guarantees that all components are perfectly adapted to each specific model and, in addition, correspond the stringent BMW quality assurance guidelines. Assembly of the BMW X5 Security Plus is effected parallel to the production vehicle at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina/USA. The installation of protective features is performed in accordance with BMW processes at the Toluca plant (Mexico). BMW’s more than 30 years of experience in security vehicle construction is apparent both in the development and the production of the BMW X5 Security Plus.
The standard security features of the BMW X5 Security Plus include, in addition to the effective armour plating, distinctive technical attributes that provide assistance in dealing with hazardous situations. An intercom system facilitates communication with persons outside the vehicle, without having to open doors or windows. The hold-up alarm ensures that windows and doors lock automatically. Furthermore, acoustic and visual alarm signals are emitted. The system’s control elements are located behind a panel on the centre console.
Optional features include a rear view camera which transmits its images to the control display of the iDrive operating system located on the dashboard, providing assistance during reversing. The camera of the side view system integrated into the front bumper offers a detailed overview of what is going on in front of the vehicle. For example, when leaving a multi-storey car park or driving through narrow gateways, it is possible to identify cross traffic in good time.
Furthermore, the standard features of the BMW X5 Security Plus also include bi-xenon headlights with adaptive cornering light. These ensure optimum visibility thanks to a light beam that follows the course of the bend. In addition, this cornering light function ensures premature illumination of the road ahead when changing direction at road junctions or driveways.
Agile and safe on any terrain.
Over and above the outstanding level of security, the BMW X5 Security Plus also impresses with the highest degree of comfort, first-class handling and extremely sporty road performance. Thanks to its generous interior, its powerful eight-cylinder engine and intelligent four-wheel drive BMW xDrive, it is adequately equipped both for everyday traffic as well as for situations requiring fast and flexible response.
The 4.8-litre V8 power unit of the BMW X5 Security Plus delivers an output of 261 kW/355 bhp and a maximum torque of 475 Nm achieved at an engine speed of 3,400 rpm. The BMW X5 Security Plus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.
Thanks to its intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive, the BMW X5 Security Plus is not restricted to driving on tarmac alone, but can also cope confidently with problematic off-road terrain. The cross-linking of the four-wheel drive with the stability control system DSC within the Integrated Chassis Management system (ICM) facilitates distribution of power that is optimally and precisely adapted to each driving situation. Taking into consideration the data supplied by the DSC sensors, iDrive transfers power at lightning speed to the wheels with the best traction.
The suspension featured by the BMW X5 Security Plus is perfectly adapted to the increased weight. For this purpose, specific suspension components such as springs and dampers have been employed and the software for suspension management has been adapted to the unique characteristics of a security vehicle. In order to further enhance superiority in demanding situations, the BMW X5 Security Plus features as standard a high-performance brake system, speed-dependent Active Steering and the Adaptive Drive system, comprising active anti-roll control and variable damper adjustment.
In addition, the BMW X5 Security Plus boasts tyres with emergency running properties. This ensures that the tyres remain functional even after a total loss of pressure, e.g. after being shot at or after running over sharp or pointed objects. When the vehicle is partially loaded, they permit safe driving over a distance of around 150 kilometres at a speed of up to 80 km/h.
A further advantage of the protection concept available ex factory is the neutrally designed integration of all security components. Even to the practiced eye, security vehicles built by BMW can hardly be distinguished from corresponding production models. This does justice to customer demands for discretion and also provides passengers with a higher level of security.
At the same time BMW offers its customers comprehensive global support. This ranges from discreet consulting and all-round service to the supply of spare parts. All security vehicles are designed to facilitate maintenance and repair at regular BMW garages. The service also includes a company-owned pool comprising security and high-security vehicles.
Moreover, BMW provides special security vehicle driver training. These courses, which BMW has conducted for more than 20 years now, are offered at various grades, depending on the participants’ previous knowledge, and are held at several different locations worldwide. These training courses are conducted by highly qualified experts. The contents range from comprehensive theoretical tuition and practical vehicle handling to instruction on tactical behaviour.
