Photo courtesy of NPR/ Jason Beaubien
Eight Cylinder, turbo-charged engine. 450 hp. Four-wheel drive. Bulletproof. As stated by the Wall Street Journal, BMW recently unveiled its newest security-enhanced vehicles, the X5 Security and X5 Security Plus.
These cars aren’t for everyone, but for some customers, “the risk of armed violence – and in particular, attack with automatic weapons like the AK-47 – is a fact of everyday life.” And for around $120,000-$300,000, owning one of BMW’s X5 Security or X5 Security Plus sport-utility vehicles can be a reality. But BMW isn’t the only automaker offering high-end bulletproof vehicles for security-conscious customers. Daimler AG, Volkswagen AG, and Jaguar Land Rover also offer armored versions of certain vehicle lines.
Seamless Integration of Bulletproof Components
While outfitting a vehicle with bulletproof glass is certainly different than installing a ballistic barrier in a bank or convenience store, the core principle of seamless integration remains. “Like BMW, Jaguar Land Rover aims to ensure its armored vehicles are barely distinguishable from regular models so as not to draw the attention of potential assassins and kidnappers.”
What’s In a Bulletproof Car?
From specialized steel to DuPont™ Kevlar® fiber flooring and run-flat tires, these vehicles are designed to sustain high levels of damage and keep on driving. Engines, panels and gas tanks are also on the list of items that can be reinforced with bullet resistant materials. And let’s not forget the glass itself. Window protection can range anywhere from level 2 to level 8 (protection against 7.62 AP). Check out this video to see just how many times they shot the BMW X5 Security Plus to ensure it met the proper bulletproof standards.
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