Meet the Protection VR6, an armored version of the BMW X5. The ‘VR6’ bit stands for a ballistic protection level that makes the car capable of withstanding continued fire from an AK-47 (7.62mm bullet caliber) and a single explosion of up to 15kg / 33lbs in TNT equivalent yield.
The Bavarian car manufacturer uses special protective panels to shield the vehicle from blasts, but their efficiency varies from one area to another. Customers may opt for an additional armor sheet at the bottom that can withstand a hand grenade explosion. The roof is certified to fend off blasts of up to 200 grams (7 oz) of TNT equivalent yield. The fuel tank sports an anti-combustible construction, and the tires can keep the vehicle going even after full depressurization.
The cabin offers accommodation for up to four passengers. The added weight of the armor makes the SUV predictably clumsier and slower than its production counterpart. Powered by the same 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine as its ‘civilian’ sibling, the BMW Protection VR6 needs 5.9 seconds to get going at 100 km/h (62 mph) and cannot go faster than 210 km/h (130 mph).