Skip to Content

Make smart financial decisions with DailyFinance

Filed under: SUVs, Safety, BMW, Police/Emergency, Special/Limited Editions

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.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Featured Galleries

Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo
Forza 3 Japanese Screen Shots
2010 Lamborghini LP550-2
First Drive: 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
2010 Shelby GT/SR
2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake
Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)
BMW 7 Series M Sport
Peugeot Metromorph Concept
Review: 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera
AOL Autos

Find Your Next Car


Autoblog Video

Autoblog Green

BloggingStocks

Download Squad

Engadget

Joystiq

Autoblog Spanish

Switched.com

FanHouse

Asylum