BMW shows up-armored X5 concept and we can't get near it

Wed, 11 Sep 2013

BMW has brought a slightly different concept vehicle to the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Rather than something that foreshadows a future product or a new design direction, the Munich-based manufacturer has brought an X5 that's designed to be shot at. It's called the Concept X5 Security Plus. The Concept X5 name is a bit misleading, though. It's based on the 2014 X5, while BMW already builds an armored CUV, called the X5 Security. The concept tag has to do with the "Security Plus" part.

Engineered to be compliant with VR6 security standards – the current X5 Security is for VR4 standards - the Concept X5 will quite happily shrug off direct attacks from an AK-47. Thanks to sealed joints, high-strength steel moldings, high-performance steel body panels and special, polycarbonate-coated security glass, Kalashnikov's finest, whether used as a firearm or as a melee weapon, would be useless against this X5.

Built alongside the standard X5 in BMW's Spartanburg, SC factory, the X5 is shipped to a BMW facility in Toluca, Mexico for installation of the armor and security features. The company claims this delivers a more thoroughly engineered protective solution than aftermarket retrofitting.

Underhood, the Concept X5 Security Plus is a lot like what will show up at regular dealerships. A twin-turbocharged, 450-horsepower V8 will sit up front and should deliver enough grunt – even with the extra weight, to escape any baddies that come after it.

We sent out intrepid reporter Jonathon Ramsey to take some pictures of the Bavarian beast, but it seems as though Messe security is spoiling everyone's fun. Says Ramsey, "Without a hint of irony, BMW has put the X5 Armored in the Security Lounge, which I cannot penetrate." Suffice it to say then, that you can have a look at our stock image gallery above, or peek below for the full press release from BMW.

Secure protection for occupants, on and off road: Armoured BMW X5 provides superior security.

Munich. At the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2013, BMW will be presenting the third generation of its highly successfulSAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), together with a third generation of a Security version based on the regular model. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is the only vehicle in this class which fulfills the requirements of protection level VR6. Offering all-round protection against violent assault, kidnapping and organised crime, this model therefore meets the needs of risk-exposed private individuals and prominent public figures with enhanced security needs. Particularly in regions like South America, Africa or Russia, these are often important customer considerations. BMW has also developed a further version, the BMW X5 Security, which meets the requirements of protection level VR4 and provides reliable protection against general street crime. Both the BMW X5 Security and the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus combine effective occupant protection and generous comfort with the dynamic performance, agility and versatility typical of the BMW X models.

Built around an armoured passenger cell. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus protection concept is based on an armoured passenger cell constructed from high-performance steel mouldings and panels and offering secure protection for up to four occupants against assault from the world's most popular firearm, the AK-47. To prevent bullet or fragment penetration it features sealed joints which provide protection specifically, for example, in the critical areas around doors or where panels adjoin body pillars. The security glass specially developed for this protection level is also resistant to attack by blunt weapons. The polycarbonate coating on the inside of the glass provides effective protection against flying splinters. Thanks to its excellent driveability – not least due to the superior performance of the powerful 330 kW/450 hp V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system – the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus can be manoeuvred safely even in difficult situations, both on and off surfaced roads.

Integrated security features for maximum protection. As with all BMW Security models, the preparations for fitting the security-specific components and technologies of the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus were integrated from the outset in the development of the regular BMW X5 production model. As a result, the integrated system takes into account all active and passive safety criteria and offers maximum protection. At the same time the chassis, electronic management systems and brake system have been optimally adapted to the increased vehicle weight. The performance of these models is therefore virtually on a par with a regular BMW X5 model.

In addition, all BMW Security models are subjected to strict tests and internal proving which in some cases go far beyond statutory testing requirements. Hot-climate and cold-climate testing, for example, ensures the reliability and operational capability of BMW Security models even under extreme conditions. The extensive security concept also includes training programmes to instruct drivers in the correct handling and operation of Security vehicles.

Security discreetly integrated ex-works. The Security models based on the new BMW X5 are built in parallel with the regular production models at the BMW Spartanburg plant in the USA. The special security features themselves are installed by a highly skilled specialist workforce at the Toluca plant in Mexico. Unlike retrofitted armouring, which can still leave chinks in the protection, or can put excess strain on certain components due to the extra weight, the integrated factory-fitted BMW security features provide seamless protection and exclude the risk of potential weak links. A further bonus of BMW Security models is the discreet integration of their security features. Even to an expert eye, the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is virtually indistinguishable from a regular production model – because anonymity too can be a useful security feature.

Uncompromising protection and comfort. The BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is equally at home handling everyday driving situations and in situations which call for enhanced protection and nimble reactions. And despite the additional components designed to keep its occupants safe and sound, the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus offers the same comfort and convenience familiar from regular BMW models. Ergonomic design, spaciousness and choice of optional equipment leave nothing to be desired. The Intelligent Emergency Call system is standard, while almost the entire BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio, with its extensive communication and information features and wide range of driver assistance systems, is optionally available.

Customised security solutions. Up front, BMW offers prospective customers discreet and confidential advice from highly competent experts, while the international BMW service network provides personalised support and dependable parts supplies. BMW can also offer unique security specification features which are tailored to the particular personal risk scenarios customers face and precisely meet these individual needs. BMW Security models can, for example, be supplied with LED strobe lights in the radiator grille, roof beacons with a siren system or an auxiliary battery. With this level of flexibility, BMW is able to provide highly customised solutions to meet special requirements, which also means a continuous expansion of the range of security systems and technologies offered.

More than 30 years' experience of security vehicles. The design of the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus is based on more than 30 years of experience in the field. That is how long BMW has been developing special Security models designed to offer enhanced and highest-level protection against violent crime and its consequences. Few if any other carmakers in the world can draw on anything like BMW's extensive range of expertise. With its long experience, its state-of-the-art technologies and high-tech materials, and its innovative engineering capabilities, BMW is ideally equipped to manufacture Security models like the BMW Concept X5 Security Plus, which offer maximum protection for all vehicle occupants in dangerous situations.

By Brandon Turkus