BMW’s new generation of i7 and 7-Series Protection limousines

Being properly protected from harm is a top priority when it comes to the leaders of countries. In some countries, the risk is higher than others but all the same, protection is still necessary because these are very important people.

As far back as 1935, Emperor Hirohito of Japan was among the first leaders to travel in a limousine which was given special armour protection by the carmaker. Other leaders too travelled in vehicles which were specially protected against attacks.

Protection installed by carmaker
While some firms specialised in adding protective features to cars not only for government leaders but also corporate leaders and the very rich, some carmakers also began to offer similar services. The advantage was that, being the designers and manufacturers of the cars, they could incorporate protective features as part of the engineering.

In some cases, there are special models which include specific engineering to install amour plating or other equipment. Thus, unlike the specialist firms, there is less modification needed and everything fits so well that it is hard to tell the difference from a standard model.

BMW Protective Vehicle division
Since the early 1980s, BMW has had a secret Protective Vehicle division which, understandably, does not publicise its activities much. Those who need its services will know how to contact BMW. All work is done at its own secure facility somewhere in Munich, Germany.

The division’s job is to add protective features to the car so that it can withstand sustained attack by various types of weapons. If requested, the glass and floor can be made resistant and reinforced to offer protection against even hand grenades.

Protection for electrified vehicles as well
For over 40 years, the Protective Vehicle division has been making many BMW models safer against attacks. Now, with the advent of the electrified models, the capabilities are being used for a new generation of BMW protection vehicles.

The new 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.

The new i7 Protection and new 7-Series Protection models will be built at the Dingolfing in an elaborate ‘craft manufacturing’ process. They will be displayed at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motorshow in Munich, with deliveries commencing from the end of the year.

BMW Protection Core
The stand-out integrated protection concept of the two new Protection models was factored into the development of the new 7-Series range. With the new BMW Protection Core, the entire supporting structure for the protection sedan’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.

There is also self-sealing fuel tank as a standard for the versions which run on petrol. The tank’s casing automatically closes off any holes made by the impact of a bullet and thus prevents loss of fuel.

The optimised weight combines with the increase in body rigidity (another benefit of the BMW Protection Core) for well-resolved handling and the dynamic responses expected of a BMW in dangerous situations. This would be valuable for drivers who have to quickly escape from danger.

The structural protection concept with BMW Protection Core gives the limousines major advantages in other respects as opposed to armouring a finished vehicle at a later date. When seen from the outside, they have a similar look and feel to a regular 7-Series Saloon M Sport, and their discreet appearance represents an additional safety factor for people requiring protection.

The chassis technology has been modified and tuned specifically for these models and makes allowance for the additional weight resulting from their special protection features.

Additionally, these 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.

The 20-inch light-alloy wheels fitted as standard are fitted with specially developed PAX tyres supplied by Michelin. These have a run-flat which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h even in the event of a total loss of air from the tyres.

Varied range of options
The integrated protection concept of the production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing maximise the scope for customers to put their personal touch on the exterior and interior. Besides comfort and aesthetic features, there are also options that are security-related.

For example, 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 provides occupants with custom-spec protection in various attack scenarios. Custom options include a fresh-air supply system, 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.