AssetID: 52948245
Headline: BMW Unveil First Electric Armoured Car For Heads Of State
Caption: **RAW VIDEO** BMW has unveiled a heavily armoured electric vehicle designed to keep heads of state safe while reducing the emissions they produce while travelling. Two new models have been developed on the basis of the new BMW 7 Series - with an electric version billed as the world’s first-ever protection sedan with an all-electric drive system. The BMW i7 Protection is driven by two powerful electric motors. The integrated security concept of the new BMW i7 Protection and its combustion engine sibling, the BMW 7 Series Protection 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. They offer customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals and 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. The BMW Protection Core has an entire supporting structure 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. As part of the certification process, the special protection elements must demonstrate their ability to resist attack by undergoing a demanding procedure. In addition to this, experts from an independent state testing institute conduct firearms and explosive tests on the vehicle. The new designs also offer additional benefits over traditional armoured vehicles - as they are less conspicuous when on public roads, have more spacious cabins, and are lighter than previous models. The latter means that they have a considerably higher load-carrying capacity and better handling abilities - meaning it is easier to escape from danger should it arise. The BMW i7 Protection also offer heads of state or VIPs the ability to walk the walk as well as talking the talk on climate change without compromising their safety. The two electric motors together create an electric all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of up to 400 kW/544 hp and maximum combined torque of 745 Newton metres (549 lb-ft). It can sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h (99 mph). The petrol-engined version uses hybrid technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with an extensive selection of driver assistance systems supporting professional chauffeurs with technology, information and warnings. Highly advanced sensors and all cameras are fitted on the protection vehicles. These provide precise and detailed information on the area around the vehicle in all situations. A standard-fitted intercom system allows the car’s occupants to communicate with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows. Key features here are microphones integrated into the exterior mirrors, an outside speaker, the hands-free microphone embedded in the headliner and supplementary speakers in the interior. Added to which, a rod microphone can be fitted as an option in the centre console storage tray to enable effective communication with people outside the car even when the windows are closed. Additional items for customers offering additional protection include 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.
Keywords: bmw,armoured car,climate change,electric cars,motoring,cars,ev,feature,photo,video,armoured cars,protection,heads of state
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