BMW India has launched its new-generation BMW 7 protection in the Indian market. The brand unveiled this armoured version of the 7 series at the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich alongside the i7 Protection. The 7 Protection luxury sedan has now become the first offering from the company for 2024. This armoured sedan is specifically for high-ranking officials, CEOs, royals, and VIPs who need protection against any attack. The new car is designed to protect the occupants from blasts, bullets, and even ballistic missiles. The feature-loaded sedan is expected to cost at least INR 10 to 15 crore. The new car can only be bought after getting permission from the Union Home Ministry, and it would take 6 to 8 months for the company to deliver this car. The regular 7 series car is priced between INR 1.81 and 1.84 crore (ex-showroom).
The new model is based on the standard BMW 7 Series, which comes with an enhanced security concept called the BMW Protection Core. The BMW Protection core consists of a self-supporting body structure made from armour steel for the first time. The structure provides protection against explosives, firearms, and even fire caused by high-calibre ammunition. The fuel tank integrated in the sedan also comes with 'self-sealing' technology that can automatically seal off any penetrations, preventing any fuel loss. Along with armoured glass, customers can additionally get armour for the underbody and roof of the sedan. The car ensures cover from attacks with explosives and drone attacks.
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The BMW 7 Protection is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine that comes with 48V mild hybrid technology. The engine churns out 524 bhp and 750 Nm of peak torque. The sedan can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds. Despite being a heavy vehicle, the sedan can reach a high speed of 210 kmph. In terms of measurement, the armoured car measures double the weight of the outgoing 7 series car, as it weighs approximately 4 tons. Compared to the previous model, it is lighter by 200 kg.
BMW is expected to offer the sedan with run-flat tyres, which will help the car cover a long distance even without any tyre pressure. The new-generation BMW 7 Protection comes equipped with 20-inch light-alloy wheels specially constructed by Michelin. The wheels ensure that the car can still reach up to 30 km at 80 kmph in case of a complete loss of pressure. The luxury sedan also comes with Active Steering for rear wheels to minimize the turning radius of this heavy model. The 7 Protection gets an illuminated standard BMW kidney Iconic Glow.
Inside the cabin, the 7 Protection gets updated features, including a Bowers & Wilkins diamond sound system, along with 28 speakers and a 1,265-watt digital amplifier. As a standard, it has heated and ventilated seats for the rear and front. The manufacturer is offering motorized assistance for closing and opening the car doors for the first time. The doors can also be closed from inside via a button. The 7 Protection gets an electric heating function for both the front sections of the side windows and the windscreen, whereas the automaker is also offering a cool box fixed between the back seats. The new BMW 7 Series Protection is available with features like a fresh-air supply system, radio transceivers and flag poles, flashing lights, and a fire extinguisher with AT and manual discharge.
For more protection, the vehicle is also loaded with advanced driver assistance systems incorporating lane departure warning, a fire extinguisher with AT discharge, a fresh-air supply system, and collision warning. It comes with a range of equipment as an option, allowing customers to mold this vehicle according to their security requirements.
