Protect and Swerve
Autocar UK|April 10, 2024
When even a five-star safety rating won't do, BMW has something to offer. High-value asset Greg Kable samples the armoured yet agile i7 and 760i xDrive limousines
Greg Kable
Protect and Swerve

The Dragunov SVU OTS-03 isn't just a firearm; it's an instrument of lethal precision. With a range of up to 1200 metres, its ammunition can penetrate a regular steel car body with ease which is bad news for those inside. But there is a way to keep safe from a Dragunov and still travel in some luxury: the BMW 7 Series.

But not just a regular 7 Series: what we're talking about here is the electric i7 xDrive60 Protection, or, if you prefer combustion power, the petrol-engined 760i xDrive Protection. Whichever propulsion method you plump for, the real novelty is in the body: the pair are among a select few armoured limousines to offer certified defence against one of the world's most feared handheld weapons.

They meet the highest of ballistic standards within the automotive industry and have been designed to repel repeated rounds from the 7.62x54mm-calibre Russian-produced sniper rifle, as well as many varied explosive devices, including grenade-carrying drones, bombs consisting of up to 15kg of TNT and much more besides.

Their secret? The so-called Protective Core, a unique self-supporting structure made from the latest generation of armoured steel and other exotic materials. Encapsulating the luxuriously equipped cabin, it supplements the modified body shell of the 7 Series. Together with heavy armour for the underbody, roof and pillars, along with strengthened front and rear windscreens and doors featuring specially developed multi-layer glass, it provides the latest in a long line of BMW Protection models that carry the coveted VPAM VR10 rating. That's basically like a five-star Euro NCAP rating, only for protection against assassins.

Esta historia es de la edición April 10, 2024 de Autocar UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición April 10, 2024 de Autocar UK.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUTOCAR UKVer todo
Poster car that went from rusty to trusty
Autocar UK

Poster car that went from rusty to trusty

One evening, two years ago, George Pappas was being driven down his local high street by a mate and mulling over whether to replace his Mk4 Golf diesel, a recent purchase that was boring him to death, when his girlfriend, also in the car, spotted an old BMW 3 Series at the side of the road with a 'for sale' sign in the window.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
THE SEVEN-SEATER THAT VOLVO DARE NOT KILL OFF
Autocar UK

THE SEVEN-SEATER THAT VOLVO DARE NOT KILL OFF

The current-gen XC90 has been on sale since 2015 for good reason

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80
Autocar UK

GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80

Where the story begins, in the Hyundai premium marque’s luxury saloon

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
LEXUSLBX
Autocar UK

LEXUSLBX

Can you shrink premium quality to fit an SUV this small? We now know

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Rolls boss ready to 'define the next chapter'
Autocar UK

Rolls boss ready to 'define the next chapter'

Nine months into the job, Rolls-Royce CEO and car guy Chris Brownridge tells STEVE CROPLEY what he's learned and where the firm's heading

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
Once more, with feeling
Autocar UK

Once more, with feeling

AC Cars' recreation of the classic MkII Cobra is at first glance a faithful facsimile of a 1960s performance benchmark. SIMON HUCKNALL drives it

time-read
7 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE
Autocar UK

MERCEDES-BENZ CLE

Does a PHEV set-up work in a coupé that exudes such old-school vibes?

time-read
9 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
ANALOGUE SUPERSPORT
Autocar UK

ANALOGUE SUPERSPORT

Lotus Elise specialist uprates 1990s icon with an eye on track days

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
ALPINE A290
Autocar UK

ALPINE A290

The hot hatch is alive and well, and living in France. On both road and track, there's much to savour`

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 13, 2024
UK HANGS ON TO OLD CARS
Autocar UK

UK HANGS ON TO OLD CARS

Average car age climbs as high prices dampen demand for new models

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 13, 2024