Utilising the design of the award-winning BMW 7 Series, the two new models blend an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. As the world’s first ever protection saloon with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure for the German market) is a genuine trailblazer. This model variant meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new combustion-engined BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 18.1 mpg; CO2 emissions: 355 g/km, provisional figures for the German market).
The new protection models offer at-risk individuals customised protection from attacks with firearms and explosives. They have 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 (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 armoured body of the new BMW 7 Series Protection can also be upgraded to offer VPAM 10 protection as an option.
The standout 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 armour steel for the first time. The BMW Protection Core forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and roof, and safety glass.
The special armouring 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.
In the petrol-engined version of the new protection saloon, a latest-generation 4.4-litre V8 unit generates maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm (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 optimise 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.
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.
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.
