BMW’s latest version of its X5 SUV is seemingly so divisive that it’s had to launch a bulletproofed version so that drivers can go out in it.
Well, not quite – you’ll be buying the beefed up X5 if people don’t like you for other reasons, but as least you’ll feel safe inside. The new X5 Protection VR6 is fitted with safety glass, high strength steel at strategic points and meets Germany’s VPAM standards for bullets and bomb resistance. It’s even got a strengthened bulkhead between the cargo and passenger compartment, which probably helps if you buy a lot of smelly cheeses from the supermarket.
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We like the stealthier look of the car – no point making yourself an obvious target – that BMW describes as “an understated appearance with a sporting flavor”. The headlights and grille have been tweaked, while the Protection gets a few black bodywork accents usually reserved for M-badged models.
Other mods include a self-sealing fuel tank and an intercom system for communicating with people outside of the car. Presumably to ask them nicely if they’d stop firing things at you. Optional extras include flashing lights, a roof antenna for two-way radio systems, flag poles and further armouring for the roof and underbody of the car. Better safe than sorry, we always say.
This version of the X5 is a four-seater, and BMW says that the occupants don’t miss out on any space even with the amendments that have been made. Each person gets their own zone of climate control, so there’ll be no violent disagreements inside about what the temperature should be.
Under the hood is BMW’s 4.4-liter V8 producing 523hp and 750Nm of torque (with some help from the 48V mild hybrid system), which means 0–100kph in 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 210kph.
The armored X5 rolls off the same line as the civilian X5 models at Spartanburg in South Carolina, with the ballistic upgrades added after main production.
Note: Thjs story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
