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.
“The Velar plugs a gap in, er, Land Rover's range of Range Rovers. It's bigger than the Evoque but smaller than the Sport ”
PROS Achingly stylish inside and out. Improved engines and plug-in option make the heavy-duty bits more competitive. Relaxed and refined, yet unusually superb off-road.
CONS Infotainment screen not quite Land Rover’s latest and greatest. Expensive once you start speccing it
The Range Rover Velar is a stylish, refined and seriously appealing coupé SUV. If you keep to small wheels, it's a comfy companion while our favoured S trim gets plenty of kit. It’s best to stick to the cheaper trims and engines – once you start moving up the range, the price rises into the realms of better-resolved cars, such as the Audi Q8 and BMW X6.
PROS Decent economy with diesels and plug-in Smooth and punchy D300 engine Good off road
CONS Average rear leg room Wallowy handling Some cheap plastics inside
