BMW's armored electric vehicle revealed for the Prime Minister

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【Summary】BMW has unveiled an armoured version of its fully electric sedan, the i7 Protection, which offers bullet and bomb-proof resilience. The vehicle is suitable for dignitaries, presidents, and potentially local ministers. It remains to be seen if it will appear in the New Zealand Government fleet, which already has an armoured Seven. The i7 Protection is the first armoured electric sedan offered by a car manufacturer and is certified to VR9 protection standards.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 9:56 AM PT

BMW's armored electric vehicle revealed for the Prime Minister

BMW has introduced the i7 Protection, an armored version of its fully electric sedan flagship. This vehicle is designed to provide both protection and low-emissions luxury, making it suitable for dignitaries, presidents, and potentially even local ministers. The armoured i7 offers bullet and bomb-proof resilience, with features such as bullet-proof glass, protection-spec doors, and armoured steel construction. It remains to be seen if this vehicle will be included in the local Government fleet.

New Zealand already has an armored Seven in the Crown fleet, which is a petrol V12 vehicle from two generations ago. This special car was kept when the current fleet of diesel G11 Series Sevens was acquired in 2015. The armored i7 Protection is primarily used when New Zealand hosts visiting international high-ups who require a high level of security.

The Crown's current VIP cars are due for renewal, and the procurement process is overseen by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Previous Government BMW fleet contracts have focused on runout versions of luxury limousines, but the shift towards electric vehicles has changed this policy. BMW New Zealand has not confirmed whether the i7 Protection is being evaluated by the Government.

The i7 Protection is the first armored electric sedan offered by a car manufacturer. It is certified to VR9 protection standards, providing security against gunfire and explosive devices. The appearance of the vehicle is similar to regular variants, making it more discreet than post-production converted protection vehicles. The car's supporting structure is built from armoured steel, forming a self-supporting protective cell. It also features protection-spec doors, armor for the underbody and roof, and safety glass.

Occupants of the i7 Protection can expect protection from explosives underneath the car and from drone attacks. Specially developed run-flat tires enable the vehicle to continue driving even when fully deflated. Custom options are available, including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers, and flag poles. The weight of the vehicle has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be significantly heavier than the standard i7.

The i7 Protection is equipped with the same dual-motor setup as the showroom i7 M70 xDrive, producing up to 400kW and 745Nm. However, the additional weight affects its performance, resulting in a slower acceleration time of 0-100kmh in nine seconds. BMW offers specialized driver training courses for chauffeurs and a global network of experts to provide service and support specific to the Protection vehicles.