Eco-conscious diplomats rejoice – there’s now a car that’s both green and capable of keeping you safe if you come under attack from terrorists.
That’s because BMW has unveiled its new i7 Protection – the ‘world’s first ever protection saloon with an all-electric drive system’.
The armoured EV comes equipped with protective glass and bodywork that can withstand gunfire and a reinforced chassis and protective shell that can protect occupants against explosives.
But all this extra bulk does make it somewhat slower than the standard i7 limo… and it will likely run out of electricity much faster.
The world’s first armoured EV: Eco-conscious diplomats rejoice – there new BMW i7 Protection is an all-electric car that can keep you safe if you come under attack from terrorists
Even the glass used in the luxury limos meet the criteria for ‘VPAM 10 classification’, which is said to be the highest level there is for civilian protection vehicles
BMW says the i7 Protection – and combustion-engine 7 Series Protection – both offer at-risk individuals class VR9 protection, as tested and certified by the ‘Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen’ (or VPAM, for short), which is the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions in Germany.
The certification means it provides bullet and ballistic resistance as well as blast protection when assailants go to the extreme of using explosive devices.
This is thanks to an armoured steel body, which BMW calls the ‘Protection Core’.
It provides extra strengthening at the doors (which are also electronically assisted so can be opened at the press of a button), underbody and roof to provide ‘maximum protection’ against everything from gunfire, drone attacks and hand grenades.
In fact, the glass used in the luxury limos meet the criteria for ‘VPAM 10 classification’, which is said to be the highest level there is for civilian protection vehicles.
And if you’re particularly twitchy, customers can even upgrade their entire car to VPAM 10 protection, thought at a premium, we imagine.
Not the normal showroom cars off the BMW assembly line, the Protection variants are produced at the specialist BMW Group Plant in Dingolfing in an ‘elaborate craft manufacturing’ process to guarantee their shielding performance.
The armoured EV comes equipped with protective glass and bodywork that can withstand gunfire and a reinforced chassis and protective shell that can protect occupants against explosives
The incredible shielding capabilities are thanks to an armoured steel body, which BMW calls the ‘Protection Core’
The Protection Core provides extra strengthening at the doors, underbody and roof to provide ‘maximum protection’ against everything from gunfire, drone attacks and hand grenades
These are specially developed 20-inch light-alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin run-flat tyres that – even when compromised and devoid of air – will allow a getaway driver to reach speeds of up to 50mph
In order to keep a low profile – and costs as low as what is feasible for an armoured luxury limo – it can only be ordered in solid black exterior paint
Each version gets specifically developed 20-inch light-alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin run-flat tyres that – even when compromised and devoid of air – will allow a getaway driver to reach speeds of up to 50mph.
In order to keep a low profile – and costs as low as what is feasible for an armoured luxury limo – it can only be ordered in solid black exterior paint.
Unique optional extras include blue police lights in the roof, rear windscreen, kidney grilles, wheel arches and wing mirrors, plus mounting points for respective flags on the front wings.
Customers can request the camera-based interior mirror system, which, at the touch of a button, shows the image feed all around the vehicle provided by the reversing assist camera so occupants can see if the coast is clear to make a swift exit.
A standard-fitted intercom system also allows the under-fire passengers to ‘communicate effectively’ with people on the outside – either to negotiate with attackers or guide their bodyguards – without making them vulnerable to bullets by opening the doors or windows.
BMW says the i7 Protection offer at-risk individuals class VR9 protection, as tested and certified by the Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions in Germany
The certification means it provides bullet and ballistic resistance as well as blast protection when assailants go to the extreme of using explosive devices
Unique optional extras include blue police lights in the roof, rear windscreen, kidney grilles, wheel arches and wing mirrors
The i7 Protection uses the same twin-motor setup as the range-topping passenger car sold to the public, though the 0-62mph time is almost twice as long (9 secs) and the top speed is limited to just 99mph
But all this additional shielding and kit comes at a cost to performance.
The i7 Protection uses the same twin-motor setup as the range-topping passenger car sold to the public, which offers 536bhp with power sent to all four wheels.
The acceleration time from a standstill to 62mph for the standard i7 in 4.7 seconds but for the i7 Protection this almost doubles to 9.0 seconds, with the top speed limiter also wound down from 155mph in the standard EV to just 99mph in the armoured car.
Customers can request the camera-based interior mirror system, which, at the touch of a button, shows the image feed all around the vehicle provided by the reversing assist camera so occupants can see if the coast is clear to make a swift exit
A standard-fitted intercom system also allows the under-fire passengers to ‘communicate effectively’ with people on the outside – either to negotiate with attackers or guide their bodyguards – without making them vulnerable to bullets by opening the doors or windows
No prices have been confirmed, but expect it to be a significant mark-up on the £113,970 base price of the regular i7 saloon
And while BMW hasn’t clarified its official range, it has quoted an efficiency figure of 2.0 miles per kWh.
Assuming the i7 Protection uses the same 105kWh battery as the showroom version, the full-charge range will slip from 387 miles to something closer to 200 miles.
The petrol 7 Series Protection, meanwhile, gets a 4.4-litre V8 mild-hybrid drivetrain producing 522bhp, accelerates from 0-to-62 mph in 6.6 seconds and is capable of speeds of up to 130mph.
Both will be unveiled in the armoured flesh at the Munich motor show next month before first deliveries begin in December.
No prices have been confirmed, but expect it to be a significant mark-up on the £113,970 base price of the regular i7 saloon.
