BMW Group India has introduced the new BMW 7 Series Protection. The car will be exclusively available with the petrol engine and as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from today onwards.
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “For over 45 years, BMW has set the standard in design and development of armoured vehicles. The new BMW 7 Series Protection succeeds in blending an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, exceptionally advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. This is a new kind of protection vehicle that meets the highest standards of ballistic protection and individual requirements. Even though this is a protection vehicle, you will immediately forget about this fact the moment you sit inside and experience its exceptional luxury.”
The new BMW 7 Series Protection offers customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. It has been classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany’s Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions – VPAM, for short). The certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (VPAM BRV) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (VPAM ERV, third edition) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the model even protects against fire from calibre 7.62x5Li R ammunition – a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 1 0. A partial protection extension is also available as an option for the new BMW 7 Series Protection in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 1 0 ammunition.
In order to ensure the confidentiality of our elite clientele, BMW provides exclusive consultancy and personalized sales and service support all across the country. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is serviced by certified special garages only. Access to the vehicle is restricted to very few selected and specially trained personnel. As part of the special customer service, BMW offers special driver training programs for security vehicles.
The new BMW 7 Series Protection is designed for people with a special need for protection, but it also sets standards in terms of elegance and aesthetics. The core structure of this model is basis the unique protection architecture called the Protection Core. This heavily armoured inner core surrounds the entire passenger compartment and invisibly provides unprecedented protection for its occupants. It forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and safety glass.
The visual highlight on the exterior is the contour line lighting impressively showcasing the BMW Kidney ‘Iconic Glow’, whether at a standstill or while driving. When deactivated, the technology is not visible. The headlights are divided into two parts. At the top are the daytime running lights, complete with the BMW Crystal Headlights. Their sparkling Swarovski crystals reflect ambient light in a multi-faceted way even when not illuminated, resulting in an impressive shimmering effect. Underneath are the LED headlights for high beam and low beam. With BMW Effortless Door, the car provides a motorised assistance for opening and closing the doors. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, which represents a standout offering in its segment and enables the use of a particularly powerful braking system. The PAX tyres have a runflat ring positioned on the wheel rim which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h even in the event of a total loss of pressure. Optionally, the cars can be equipped with All-door Emergency Exits in case one needs to leave the vehicle quickly. BMW Pennant Holder and BMW Flashing Lights and beacons are also available as an option.
The appointments and design of the interior can be adapted to personal needs and desires at a detail level. The BMW Multifunction seats for front and rear offers high level of seating comfort with additional adjustment possibilities. Multifunction seats, BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated seats are all part of standard specification. In the interior, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar defines the revolutionary cockpit design. This backlit bar looks like a piece of crystal jewellery where air vents are integrated almost invisibly. Passengers in the second row of seats in the new BMW 7 Series Protection benefit from the standard electrically operated BMW Sun Protection blinds for the windows on both sides. The sunblind opens by around ten centimeters at the touch of a button to allow a view outside. The standard-fitted Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System lays on a high-end audio experience. The 1,265-watt digital amplifier, individually adjustable equalizers and 28 speakers combine to deliver a full, even sound for all those on board. The standard-fitted Intercom system allows the car’s occupants to communicate with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows. The optional Executive Lounge includes comfort seats with a reclining function for the rear seat behind the front passenger. The BMW Travel & Comfort package, available as an option, enhances the overall rear seat experience of the occupants. Another item on the options list is a BMW Cooling Box integrated between the rear seats to ensure the on-board drinks supplies are kept cold.
The new BMW 7 Series Protection has the latest generation V8 unit under the bonnet. Its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes an upgraded turbocharging system with electrically operated blow-off valve and indirect charge air cooling, along with a cross-bank exhaust manifold. The new 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine uses 48V mild hybrid technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency. The car produces an output of 390 kW / 530 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 – 100 km / hr in just 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 210 Km/hr.
The new BMW 7 Series Protection features the latest generation of BMW iDrive with “QuickSelect” and BMW Operating System 8.5. The advanced display and operating system offer a redesigned entry screen and “QuickSelect” access with an improved menu structure oriented towards consumer electronics devices. The new entry screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other displays that can be individually configured. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps now not only offers an Augmented View display on the Information Display behind the steering wheel, but also improved functions for even more precise and charging station optimised navigation.
BMW ConnectedDrive technology includes BMW ID, MyBMW App, Digital Key Plus, Emergency Call, Real-time Traffic Information, Remote Services, smartphone parking and Amazon Fire TV. BMW iDrive with Operating System 8 on the new BMW 7 Series Protection offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. It is complemented by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant system which has a self-learning intelligence that adopts a driver’s individual habits, proactively provides useful tips on new driving functions and seamlessly integrates smartphone apps.
The spread of Driver Assistance Systems is more extensive and they support the driver and also increase comfort and safety. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is the first and only protection vehicle in its segment to be fitted with Integral Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring, it also increases precision and the dynamic response through quickly taken corners. BMW Park Assistance Plus ensures a better view when parking and manoeuvring, preventing any damages to the car in unclear situations. Standard equipment includes functions like Cruise Control, Attentiveness Assistant, and Reversing Assistant.
BMW EfficientDynamics includes features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution, Driving Experience Control switch and many other innovative technologies.
