Jeff Seabrook

BMW unveils a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment.
The two models developed on the basis of the new BMW 7 Series succeed in blending an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, exceptionally advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. As the world’s first ever protection sedan with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure) is a genuine trailblazer. Driven by two powerful electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new combustion-engine BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 14.6 l/100 km [19.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions: 328 g/km, provisional figures).

The integrated security concept of the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection was factored into the development of the new BMW 7 Series range. It centres around the new BMW Protection Core, which is unique worldwide and comprises the model-specific self-supporting body structure made from armour steel. This is then combined with features such as additional armouring for the underbody and roof and armoured glass. Both models will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate “craft manufacturing” process. The two protection vehicles are set to make their public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, with deliveries to customers requiring special protection commencing in December 2023.

The new protection models offer customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. They have been classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany’s Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions – VPAM, for short). The certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (VPAM BRV) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (VPAM ERV, third edition) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the two models even protects against fire from calibre 7.62x54 R ammunition — a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 10. A partial protection extension is also available as an option for the new BMW 7 Series Protection in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 10 ammunition.

The first all-electric model in its protection category and offered exclusively in Europe, the BMW i7 Protection demonstrates how outstanding qualities in terms of security level, driving dynamics, ride comfort and interior comfort are perfectly compatible with a rigorous focus on sustainability. Its arrival sees the BMW Group once again acting as a pioneer in the field of locally emission-free mobility for individuals requiring special protection. At the IAA Mobility 2021 show, the company presented the BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6, the first protection vehicle with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell drive system to be certified anywhere in the world. It showcased the BMW Group’s ability to come up with sustainable solutions even in this specialised vehicle segment by applying its standout development expertise.