BMW 7-Series get high security treatment

The new 7-Series High Security are part of BMW's 'Security' range, which offers armoured cars that have been reinforced to offer extra protection for important clients. 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.

Both the V8-powered 750iL and the V12 760iL have received the High Security treatment, and are the first models in the world to be certified to BRV 2009 as well as meeting the requirements of the new ballistic protection level VR7 and VR9 standards.

The High Security models are fitted with specific chassis components that are adapted to the increase in weight due to their armour plating. Hence, reinforced suspension, dampers and suspension strut top mountings are part of the model-specific component range.

Reinforced vehicle-specific armour plating made from special steel as well as newly developed safety glazing protects the passenger compartment in particular from attacks. The passenger compartment is protected by armour plating of the doors, the roof, the pillars, the front footwell and the separation wall between passenger and luggage compartments.

The sedans' undercarriage is also armoured by special plating that was developed with a particular focus on maximum explosion protection. The glass has also been double-glazed to a thickness of 2.4 inches.

Both cars have an electronically limited top speed of 209km/h, and the 750iL is able to accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds while the 760iL does that run in 6.2 seconds.

Inside, the safety theme continues, with an intercom system with concealed microphones and speakers allows communication with people outside of the vehicle without the need to open doors or windows. Other features include an assault alarm, fire extinguishing system with temperature sensor for extinguishing fires in the engine compartment and below the vehicle as well as irritant gas sensors for protecting passengers from gas attacks. If the interior protection system is triggered by excess gas levels, all windows are closed automatically, the central locking system is activated, the fresh air valves are closed and the ventilation system is shut off.

There are also options available for authorities, governments and embassies who are interested in the car. These include special features such as flag holders, arrangements for radio installations right through to a gun case with compartments for two machine guns in the centre console. There is also an external beacon with a roof installation system and integrated LED flashing lights for the front grille.

The BMW Security models are built completely in-house at BMW and are available directly through the automaker's dealerships. In order to accommodate this exclusive circle of customers, BMW provides discreet consultancy and personalized sales and service support all over the world. Furthermore, the security models are serviced by certified special garages only. Access to the vehicles is restricted to very few selected and specially trained personnel.