BMW has unveiled two new protection models developed on the basis of the new BMW 7 Series, including an all-electric version. As the first protection sedan with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure) is a genuine trailblazer. (Earlier post.) Power consumption of the standard i7 xDrive60 is 19.6 – 18.4 kWh/100 km.

Driven by two electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new combustion-engine BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 15.6 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions: 355 g/km, provisional figures).

The new BMW i7 xDrive60 Protection.

VR9 stands for the vehicle resistance class according to which a special protection vehicle is certified under the VPAM (Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen) BRV (Bullet Resistant Vehicles) 2009 standard. VPAM BRV tests the whole vehicle and not just the materials used. Civilian security vehicles are divided into the resistance classes VR1 to VR10.

A VR9-level security vehicle protects against attacks with short- and long-range weapons up to 7.62 x 51 (or .308 Winchester) armor-piercing rounds.

The BMW certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (BRV 2009) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (ERV 2010) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the two models even meets the criteria for VPAM 10 classification, representing the highest level of protection for civilian protection vehicles. The armored body of the new BMW 7 Series Protection can also be upgraded to offer VPAM 10 protection as an option.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate “craft manufacturing” process. They are set to make their public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, with deliveries commencing in December 2023.

The integrated protection concept of the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection was factored into the development of the new 7 Series range. With the new BMW Protection Core, the entire supporting structure for the protection saloon’s body is constructed from armor steel for the first time. The BMW Protection Core forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armoring for the underbody and roof, and safety glass.

The special armoring for the roof and underbody has been designed to offer maximum protection against explosives in particular. The occupants are also protected from drone attacks with explosive charges and from fragments dispersed by hand grenades on detonation. The new BMW 7 Series Protection also features a self-sealing fuel tank as a standard. The tank’s casing automatically closes breaches made by the impact of a bullet and thus prevents loss of fuel.

The structural protection concept with BMW Protection Core gives the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection major advantages in other respects as opposed to armoring a finished vehicle at a later date. When seen from the outside, they have a similar look and feel to a regular BMW 7 Series M Sport sedan, and their discreet appearance represents an additional safety factor for people requiring protection. Due to the fully integrated protection concept with BMW Protection Core, the levels of room and seating comfort on board hardly differ from those found inside a conventional BMW 7 Series.

The optimized weight combines with the increase in body rigidity (another benefit of the BMW Protection Core) to deliver well-resolved handling and the dynamic responses expected of a BMW in dangerous situations. The levels of agility shown by the two protection saloons translates into high steering precision, excellent cornering dynamics and outstanding figures for acceleration and top speed.

The BMW i7 Protection brings the all-electric mobility experience to the protection vehicle segment for the first time. Its two electric motors—one at the front axle and one at the rear—together create an electric all-wheel-drive set-up and produce system output of up to 400 kW/544 hp and maximum system torque of 745 N·m (549 lb-ft).

The instantaneous power delivery, distribution of power to all four wheels and intelligent networking of all the powertrain and chassis systems guarantees exceptional traction, directional stability and dynamic prowess. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 62 mph from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph.

In the gasoline-engined version of the new protection saloon, a latest-generation 4.4-liter V8 unit generates maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 N·m (553 lb-ft). 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. In addition, the presence of 48V mild hybrid technology helps to optimize power delivery and efficiency.

The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system directs drive power to all four wheels as required. The new BMW 7 Series Protection accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 130 mph.

The new protection cars come with chassis technology that has been modified and tuned specifically for these models and makes allowance for the additional weight resulting from their special protection features. Due to a robust basic construction and the presence of sophisticated chassis systems, passengers in the rear compartment are also able to enjoy exceptional levels of ride comfort. The protection saloons also convince with precisely controllable handling, even when they are being driven hard, such as when escaping from an attack.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are the first and only protection vehicles in their segments to be fitted with Integral Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only reduces the cars’ turning circle when manoeuvring, it also increases precision and dynamic response through corners taken at speed. Another key attribute of Integral Active Steering—specified as standard here—is how it enhances driving comfort for rear-seat passengers.

Another standout offering in this segment are the 20-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard. As well as enhancing ride comfort, traction and directional stability, these also enable the use of a particularly powerful braking system. The specially developed PAX tires supplied by Michelin in the dimensions 255-740 R510 are equipped with a runflat ring, which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 50 mph even in the event of a total loss of pressure.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with an extensive selection of driver assistance systems. The functionality of this tech is focused on supporting professional chauffeurs with information and warnings, but without actively intervening to control the vehicle. The highly advanced sensors developed for the new BMW 7 Series range and all of the cameras available for the luxury saloon are also fitted on the protection vehicles. These provide precise and detailed information on the area around the vehicle in all situations.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with the latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5 complete with the BMW Curved Display. The system is intuitive to use and operates in a way that will be familiar to BMW drivers. The special functions relevant to occupant protection are also operated via BMW iDrive. They can be activated and controlled in full using the touchscreen capability of the control display.

A camera-based additional interior mirror can be specified as an option. At the touch of a button, this shows the image feed from the Reversing Assist Camera in the control display. A standard-fitted intercom system allows the car’s occupants to communicate effectively with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows.

A wide range of standard and optional equipment available for the new BMW protection saloons provides occupants with custom-spec protection in various attack scenarios. The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection can be tailored precisely, with custom options including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles for use when the car is on official duty, plus other special customer-specific options.