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BMW X5 "Security" model can handle .44 Magnum fire
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW X5 Security
If you happen to be the Head of State of a controversial nation, have a lot of enemies, or you are just plain paranoid, BMW's latest X5 variation may appeal to you. It's called the BMW X5 Security, and it has been armored by the factory to protect its occupants against some serious firepower (BMW claims safety class "VR4" to resist the penetration from a .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, or a nine-millimeter Luger). While BMW is understandably mum about specifics, we do know that the body panels (including the roof and trunk) have been reinforced with a ballistic-resistant armored fiber developed in the Netherlands. The windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass, and a camera system with intercom keeps the passengers informed of what's happening outside their isolated cocoon. To handle the extra mass (you know its packing some weight) the Security package is bundled to the X5 4.8i model with its 4.8-liter 350-hp V-8. Nearly indistinguishable from the regular model, BMW has reportedly attempted to maintain the X5's driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and brakes. It's apparently no slouch, but we have yet to see any armored car that is considered exceptionally nimble.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Flashpoint 7:08PM (8/15/2008)
I saw that they sell protection model cars to civilians in Brazil and other 3rd world countries where kidnappings and gun fights in the streets were common.
Tell ya what.
If my neighborhood ever got so bad that I needed a bulletproof car for peace of mind...i'd save the money instead of buying this and MOVE THE F**K OUT.
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Seanross 11:12PM (8/15/2008)
But what if they shoot at you in your regular car while on the way to deposit the money that your saving to move out?
wef 1:55AM (8/16/2008)
seanross-
ROFL
WhyNotTheC63? 5:22AM (8/16/2008)
I'll take the S600 guard with B7/B7 protection. Withstands mines, rockets, and anything else Robert Mugabe could throw at you. Plus it's got air conditioned seats. That's the win-win.
xpolarx 7:10PM (8/15/2008)
Damn it...I live in South Ossetia...let me know when they bump it up to 50 cal.
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Henry 7:14PM (8/15/2008)
Funny that BMW would call it 9mm luger rather than the more common 9mm parabellum.
Unfortunately armored vehicles are a cost of doing business in some places. Truthfully I would armor a less flashy vehicle. No one is going to car jack a 1994 Forerunner but a brand new top of the line X5 is pretty attractive to your common thug.
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k.w.a 7:23PM (8/15/2008)
-Henry
This is a car for evil dictators who use the country's wealth as their personal bank. Whoever can afford an armored wouldnt be seen in an Acura let alone a toyota 4runner.
And I'm sure all the "common thugs" have been ethnically cleansed by now
retsel 7:29PM (8/15/2008)
As a common thug... the opposite is true.... i will not jack a brand new wip... its easier for the pigs find... harder to sell for parts and might have tracking tech on it... we thugs aint dumb...
PumaGTO 10:28PM (8/15/2008)
Well k.w.a, surely this car isn´t for poor, but beliave me that this kind of car actualy necessary in some places. Here in Brazil, no matter what you drive, they'll rob you anyway. At least in a X5 they already presume it´s bulletproof and let you alone, but if the thugs go for it, they´ll surely use big guns, so the car is better be well protected.
Gerald 5:48AM (8/18/2008)
"Funny that BMW would call it 9mm luger rather than the more common 9mm parabellum. "
They wanted it to sound more German and less Latin.
fantasyfreddy 7:41PM (8/15/2008)
I read last year that all "bulletproof" glass is defeatable with a close triangle pattern of bullets. I would expect this truck is no different.
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MD Drew 8:20PM (8/15/2008)
If you can put three bullets in a close triangle, then a fourth in the middle of that, then whoever the dumba$$ is that you were shooting at DESERVES to get shot. He should have driven off after the first few shots...
why not the LS2LS7? 10:45PM (8/15/2008)
Bulletproof glass is only bulletproof for a small number of shots. And the closer you can group them, the smaller the area.
In short, it's really not meant to stand up from close range, you're supposed to speed off after the first shot hits. Same with banks, the teller isn't supposed to stand behind the glass and wonder if the next bullet will get through. He/she is supposed to run like hell.
I don't really believe this thing is significantly resistant to .44 magnum bullets. I sure wouldn't count on it.
ugg.tryptophan 1:05AM (8/16/2008)
dont think of it as bulletproof, think of it as bullet-resistant
Sandok 2:17PM (8/16/2008)
LS2LS7, do you really think BMW would put a car with such a bold claim and NOT make sure it works?
Is it your nature to doubt everything on this planet? LOL Anyways, I once saw a awesome documentary of "security" cars from Audi, Benz, BMW and they survived rocket explosions from a few feet away, unscathed...
Awesome cars for an evil dictator like me :D Mouhahaha!
Sean Crowell 8:00PM (8/15/2008)
So is this the "Detroit"or "Oakland" edition?
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nintendo fanboy hater 8:14PM (8/15/2008)
the top is armored.... watching too much "Wanted"?
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paul34 10:16PM (8/15/2008)
Or maybe just overhead rifle fire.
Seanross 4:04AM (8/18/2008)
Yes, cuz we know every just stands on the ground to shoot at you.
mdnetguru 8:15PM (8/15/2008)
What do you think the "Airbag Off" switch is used for in the extra set of security buttons?
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