Expanding the range of special security vehicles offering company executives protection from firearms attack, robbery, kidnapping and car jacking, BMW has introduced the X5 Series of vehicles to complement its popular 7 Series.

On the 4.4i model, a “revolutionary” four-wheel drive system offers the perfect deterrent to the threat of ambush or attack, while the car’s reinforced glass will stop ammunition up to a calibre of .44 Magnum pistols from penetrating the interior. The glazing is 20 mm thick and coated in polycarbonate, which acts as splinter protection for the passenger ‘cell’.

Door shuts, cable ducts and door joins are also reinforced to ensure that no munitions can penetrate, while ‘run flat’ tyres allow the trained driver to travel safely for a further 30 miles (at speeds of up to 50 mph) if the tyres have been deliberately punctured in an attack.

In addition, an intercom featuring an ‘assault alarm’ is fitted as standard. Occupants are able to communicate with those outside the vehicle – at a road block, for instance – without opening a door or window thanks to an internal microphone and loudspeakers built-in to the external mirrors.

Source

SMT