BMW’s 7-Series flagship sedan has traditionally been offered with armor protection, and the new i7 electric version is getting the same makeover. According to BMW, the i7 is the first armored sedan with an electric powertrain. This new armoured sedan will be known as the BMW i7 Protection.
The car has a VR9 safety grade from Germany’s VPAM, one of the highest levels of ballistic certification for civilian vehicles. This means that the sedan’s body and glass can withstand military-grade small guns such as M14 and FAL-FN rifles from a distance of 33 feet, as well as at least three bullets from a heavy machine gun such as an M60 from a distance. According to BMW, the vehicle can also withstand aerial drone strikes with explosive charges as well as hand grenade attacks.
To obtain the rating, the manufacturer used what it terms a “Protection Core,” which is a self-supporting body structure constructed of armor steel that is then joined with extra armor plate for the underbody, roof, and doors.
Armoured glass is also utilized for the windows, and the fuel tank has a unique shell that can heal itself after being damaged by a bullet. The 20-inch light alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin PAX run-flat tires. These tires allow the car to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph even when punctured.
The BMW i7 Protection is powered by a 544 horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The added weight of the armor protection hampers performance resulting in a 0-62 mph sprint time of nine seconds and a top speed of 99 mph.
BMW did not specify pricing, but they did reveal that a gas-powered 7 Series Protection sedan will be available as well, with deliveries beginning late this year for both versions.