Ballistic-resistant SUV offers protection against 'violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. BMW has revealed the new X5 Protection VR6, an armoured version of its popular luxury SUV. According to the Bavarian marque, the X5 Protection VR6 "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime".Power in the X5 Protection VR6 comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine borrowed from the xDrive50i variant. Maximum power is rated at 390kW between 5500 and 6000rpm, while a peak torque figure of 750Nm is on tap between 1800rpm and 4600rpm.
The X5 Protection VR6, named in reference to its certified protection rating, is almost indistinguishable from the standard X5, but is clad all over in high-strength steel armour plating, which overlaps at each panel and trim gap to maximise coverage. Underneath, a thick aluminium splinter shield protects the powertrain and floor from explosive devices such as hand grenades, while the standard X5’s windows have been replaced with 33mm thick, polycarbonate-reinforced glass. The glazing features what BMW calls ‘post-blast protective technology’, which offers protection against secondary attacks in the wake of an explosion. Only the driver’s window is electric as standard, although an electric passenger window is an option.
We know what you want out of your luxury crossover. You want comfort. You want performance. You want protection against anti-infantry hand grenades. Well, BMW has the ride for you! Although it looks like the standard model, the new X5 Protection VR6's armor-plated bodywork protects against attacks by handguns and firearms, including AK-47s. The armored passenger compartment withstands blasts of up to 15 kilograms of TNT from a distance of 13 feet, and its Post Blast Protective Technology protects against secondary attacks; even following a blast, all windows remain firmly in position.The vehicle is fitted with high-strength steel panels in the doors, side frames, roof, and firewall. Overlapping armor plating within the door gaps and bodywork joints prevent penetration by bullets or fragments. Oh, and your suitcases will be safe as well, thanks to aluminum pieces guarding the underbody and luggage compartment.
After being delayed a year, the plug-in hybrid powertrain finally launches on 2020 Range Rover models. Known as P400e, the electrified powertrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor—together they make 398 combined horsepower—and can power the big Range Rover for up to 31 miles on electricity alone. But that's not the only powertrain change for 2020: The base V-6 engine from last year has been replaced with a turbocharged inline-six with electric assist. In the base P360, it makes 355 horsepower and in the HSE P400, it makes 395..
Pros Looks as expensive as it is, posh cabin, wide range of available engines.
Cons Clumsy handling, not enough interior storage opportunities, requires a hefty investment.
The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.A new turbocharged inline-six replaces the previous supercharged V6.New plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Pros Excellent balance of off-road ability and luxury A wealth of interior and exterior options for customizing Long-wheelbase variant provides additional rear legroom Available with a diesel engine
Cons Large wheels can bring vibration and noise into the cabin at highway speeds Capability means compromise, and highway steering may be too heavy for some
The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover's #3 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Large SUVs category. Currently the Land Rover Range Rover has a score of 8.0 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 40 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Robust powertrain options Serene ride Incredible off-road proficiency Comfortable seats
Cons A history of subpar predicted reliability ratings Infotainment system can be hard to use Small cargo hold for the class
