BMW has revealed the Concept 7 Protection, an armored vehicle based on the 7 Series platform. This concept aims to integrate armor discreetly within a luxury sedan, targeting common street-level threats such as robberies and traffic altercations.
The Concept 7 Protection is designed to blend in with regular vehicles and is intended to complement BMW's existing Protection models rather than replace them. It remains a study, exploring the integration of handgun-focused protection in a lighter package. The concept is based on the M760e xDrive, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers 603 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
The vehicle incorporates thicker bullet-resistant glass and ballistic steel, which are hidden beneath the exterior. Fiber-reinforced composites are used in other parts of the shell. These protective elements are designed to be out of sight, maintaining the sedan's original proportions and interior. An intercom system allows occupants to communicate with people outside the car without opening windows or doors.
The concept is engineered to comply with the new BayB standard for civilian protection vehicles, focusing on resistance to 9x19 millimeter and .44 Magnum rounds. This differs from the standard 7 Series Protection and i7 Protection models, which offer higher ballistic ratings for rifle-grade and blast-resistant armor. BMW suggests this concept indicates a potential expansion of its Protection portfolio for private and corporate buyers seeking factory-backed security without the visual impact of diplomatic-grade vehicles.