Gets VR9 levels of protection and is 200 kg lighter than before.

Armoured cars have always been popular with Heads of State and VIPs and that includes India. And luxury car makers have had offerings available for this clientele. That brings to the car in this story. BMW has unveiled the all new 7 Series Protection for India. The security game goes notches higher with this model. I got a chance to get up close and personal with this tank on wheels.

BMW 7 Series Protection Exterior

BMW has offered the Protection model in previous generations of the 7 Series. This new model is the 6th gen car. The BMW 7 Series Protection offers VR9 class based protection for its occupants, while the glass offers VPAM 10 rated security. At the heart of the matter is BMW’s Protection Core. This core forms a self protective cell and is made separately before it gets the 7 Series body work on the outer side. BMW has a special facility in itself that makes this core, after which it is transferred to the car assembly line. The car also gets glass with 72 mm thickness. As far as the design goes, it doesn’t look different from a regular 7 Series and that’s exactly what BMW wants to showcase. What you notice are flag holders on either side and 20 inch alloy wheels. These wheels are mounted on Michelin PAX tyres. These tyres will be able to run at 80 kmph for a distance of 30 km even after they are fully flat. The new 7 Series Protection is 200 kg lighter than its predecessor.

BMW 7 Series Protection Interior

The doors of the 7 Series Protection weigh 200 kg each and that is apparent when you swing them open. However these doors are motorized so you don’t have to make much effort to close them. Features include a standard intercom system, electric sunblinds, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 28 speakers. The optional Executive Lounge includes comfort seats with a reclining function for the rear seat behind the front passenger. The BMW Travel & Comfort package, available as an option, enhances the overall rear seat experience of the occupants. Another item on the options list is a BMW Cooling Box integrated between the rear seats to ensure the on-board drinks supplies are kept cold.

BMW 7 Series Protection Engine

Power comes from a 4.4 litre V8 petrol with 48V mild hybrid tech. The puts out 530 horsepower with 750 Nm of torque. It does the 0 to 100 kph sprint in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 210 kph. That’s pretty quick for a car that weights 4600 kg. The engine is mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox. The 7 Series Protection also features 4 wheel steering.

The 7 Series Protection in six exterior colour options – Oxide Grey, Brooklyn Grey, Pure Grey, Deep Grey, Black Sapphire and Aventurine Red. Four interior trims options include – Oak High Gloss, Brown Limewood, Carbon Fibre, and Ash Grain Metallic – all get ‘Merino’ black upholstery.

BMW makes only 4 units of the 7 Series Protection in a week. The car maker hasn’t announced at starting price. BMW also offers the X5 Protection that comes with VR6 class security.