BMW X5 Security Plus to make Moscow debut

ABLE to withstand AK-47 gunfire and hand grenades, BMW’s 2015 X5 Security Plus armoured SUV is for those who need a little extra protection – which is probably why it is making its debut at the Moscow motor show next week.

The super-safe X5 has been fortified to offer VR6 protection – that means military grade weapons and the body has been reinforced with steel armour, ensuring all gaps and joins are closed.

The windows are laminated with a polycarbonate coating to stop splintering with BMW saying, “it offers protection not just against attacks with blunt instruments and handguns, but also against the world’s most widely used firearm, the AK-47.”As part of the testing process hundreds of a variety of automatic weapons were fired at the X5 Security Plus to ensure it offered VR6 level protection.

Power comes from the same turbocharged 330kW/650Nm petrol V8 in the current X5 xDrive50i, and while the suspension has been modified, BMW says despite the extra weight, it handles like a regular SUV.

It’s not only Russian tycoons who make use of the armoured BMW X5, with Australia’s Federal Police force using them to escort the prime minister’s official car.

Five V8 engined 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i armoured SUVs offering VR4-rated protection, are on the AFP’s fleet at a cost of $300,000 each.

As for private owners, BMW Australia said it had sold about 10 armoured vehicles in Australia.

The news of the BMW X5 Security Plus’ debut at the Moscow show follows Mercedes-Benz's reveal of its new armoured S Class – the S600 Guard – earlier this month, which also offers VR6 protection.