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BMW has unveiled a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment. The two models developed on the basis of the new BMW 7 Series also include the world’s first-ever protection sedan with an all-electric drive system.
The new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection 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 BMW i7 Protection brings the all-electric mobility experience to the protection vehicle segment for the first time. The two electric motors together create an electric all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of up to 544 hp and maximum combined torque of 745 Nm. It sprints to 100 km/h from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h.
The petrol-engined version of the new protection sedan has a latest-generation V8 unit under the bonnet. The new 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine uses 48V mild hybrid technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency and generates maximum output of 530 hp and a peak torque of 750 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
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 without any limitation.
The new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection come with chassis technology that has been modified and tuned specifically for these models and makes allowance for the additional weight resulting from their special protection features. This is largely thanks to the unique BMW Protection Core, which sees the entire supporting structure for a protection sedan’s body constructed from armour steel for the first time.
Its three-dimensionally engineered elements are all made of exceptionally resistant, hot-formed steel alloys. The BMW Protection Core forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and safety glass.
Special armouring designed to offer maximum protection against explosives in particular has been used for both the roof and underbody of the two protection sedans. This means the occupants are also protected from drone attacks with explosive charges, for example, and from fragments dispersed by hand grenades on detonation.
Also to be found on the list of standard security features for the BMW 7 Series Protection is a self-sealing fuel tank, with a special casing that enables it to seal itself after being hit by a bullet to prevent any loss of fuel. Similarly, the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are the first and only protection vehicles in their segments to be fitted with Integral Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring.
The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels and tyres supplied by Michelin. The PAX tyres have a run-flat ring positioned on the wheel rim which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h even in the event of a total loss of pressure.
In keeping with their status as protection vehicles, the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with an extensive selection of driver assistance systems. The functionality of this tech is focused on supporting professional chauffeurs with information and warnings, but without actively intervening to control the vehicle.
An exclusive convenience feature offered for the first time on a BMW model is motorised assistance for opening and closing the doors, which comes as standard. It is available immediately after unlocking the car and reduces the force required to open or close the armoured doors. Also unique in this segment is a function that enables occupants to close the doors automatically at the touch of a button after climbing in.
The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection can be tailored precisely to any purpose, with items including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguisher with automatic and manual discharge, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles for when the car is on official duty, plus other special customer-specific options.
