Summary
BMW has presented the Concept 7 Protection, a luxury-sedan concept with discreet protection designed for selected handgun threats. The company positions it below its higher-protection vehicles and says it could expand the BMW Protection portfolio.
BMW has presented the Concept 7 Protection, a luxury-sedan concept that integrates protection against selected handgun ammunition into a vehicle designed to retain the comfort and driving character of the 7 Series. BMW says it complies with the new BayB standard and is aimed at everyday, situational and unpredictable security risks. The company describes it as a potential expansion of its protection-vehicle portfolio, with an initial focus on selected European markets.
Armour integrated into the sedan
The concept is based on technology from the BMW M760e xDrive. Its protection features include substantially thicker-than-standard bullet-resistant glass and protective elements made from ballistic steel and fibre-reinforced composites in the doors. These elements are designed to cover the overlaps between doors, glazing and bodywork. Additional protection is fitted around the rear triangular windows, while a steel-and-composite layer beneath the panoramic sunroof protects the roof area. The bulkhead and rear wall are also part of the protection concept.
The exterior retains the appearance of a production 7 Series, but the roof protection affects use of the panoramic sunroof: its sunblind must remain permanently closed. BMW says the front and rear side windows can still be operated electronically, although they cannot be fully opened.
The concept’s scope is designed for selected, particularly common handgun ammunition, including 9×19 mm and .44 Magnum. BMW describes the vehicle as intended for risks such as violent attacks, attacks during road travel and hazardous situations while travelling. This is a more limited protection profile than the company’s higher-protection vehicles; BMW says blast protection requires an extended scope offered by vehicles at a higher protection level.
Driving setup and portfolio position
BMW says the chassis, brakes, drive system and driver-assistance systems have been calibrated as part of the complete vehicle to account for the added protection while retaining a series-like driving experience. The powertrain is based on the M760e xDrive’s plug-in hybrid system: a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. BMW lists the production M760e xDrive’s combined output as 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque as 800 Nm.
BMW places the concept below the higher protection levels of the BMW 7 Series Protection, which is specified at VR9 with VPAM 10 available as an option, and the BMW X5 Protection VR6. The Concept 7 Protection therefore represents a distinct, lower-scope protection approach within the manufacturer’s range, rather than a replacement for those high-security vehicles.
An intercom with microphones and loudspeakers inside and outside the vehicle allows occupants to communicate while the doors and windows remain closed. An attack alarm adds visual and audible alerts. Together with the discreetly integrated protection, these features reflect the concept’s focus on maintaining the appearance and everyday character of a luxury sedan while addressing a defined set of security risks.