Spy shots: BMW's bullet-proof 7-series

Posted Thu Nov 27 2008 4:54 AM by Alex Kaufmann

Clear giveaways that this is the armored model are the wide fail-safe tires and flag holders on the front fenders

BMW will soon be adding another model to its armored ‘Security’ division with the sighting of this 2009 7-Series prototype in Germany suggesting that development of an armored version of the latest saloon is well underway. The latest model comes just months after the reveal of the existing 5-Series and X5 Security models.

Clear giveaways that this is in fact an armored model are the wide fail-safe tires and ministerial flag holders on the front fenders.

Like the current Security models, the new 7-Series version will likely be rated at VR4 ballistic protection level. This means that it will be able to resist attacks with impact weapons as well as hand weapons and handguns up to the calibre of a 44 Magnum.

Key elements in its construction are heavy-duty material and ballistics-resistant steel, plus 22mm-thick bullet-proof safety glass all around. Other safety features should include an intercom system, a camera monitoring set-up, underbody explosive protection, and lightweight but sturdy Aramid fiber mats (the same material used for bulletproof police vests).

Expect to see both six-cylinder and V8 models offered at launch, which should be towards the end of next year.

All Security models are built completely in-house at BMW and are available directly through the carmaker’s dealerships. The vehicles are targeted primarily at buyers concerned about carjacking and kidnapping, especially in parts of Latin America, South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle-East.

Gallery: 2008 BMW 5-series Security

See Full Gallery

Gallery: BMW X5 Security

Gallery: BMW 7-Series Security spy shots

Reader Comments

Thu Nov 27 2008 8:21 AM
Gus says

Just saws the new 7 series in person in LA, they FINALLY got the back end to look good, and now it has nostrils the size of a dragon...
Thu Nov 27 2008 9:38 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says

Gus- So its safe to say that BMW's styling department still has Stevie Wonder on retainer then?
Thu Nov 27 2008 2:15 PM
Edward says

Security???? LOL! Just throw a hand grenade under the car and this POS will turn over like a dead turtle. HAH!!!!
Fri Nov 28 2008 2:18 AM
danDAN says

for the unpopular drug dealer...lol at Edwards comment.
Sun Dec 7 2008 8:05 AM
rawa says

well done edward someone has fnnaly known the dfenition of security
Mon Dec 15 2008 5:18 AM
rami says

yeah security who cares look at lebanon the killed the most protected minister hariri in his car with a flash of light no security programs and shit caqn withstand a bomb might as well drive a bycicle to meeting other than expensive bmws and MCs WTF

MotorAuthority