The BMW 5 Series Security successfully rounded off BMW’s existing range of Security vehicles consisting of the BMW 760Li / 745Li High Security and the BMW X5 Security. Both BMW 7 Series models are High Security vehicles complying with the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR6/VR7. The BMW X5 Security and the new BMW 5

Series Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR4.

With the BMW X5 Security, BMW successfully brought to market the first armoured SAV that has attracted many customers owing to its superior on- and off-road capabilities. With the launch of the 5 Series Security, BMW is now offering an armoured saloon in the

premium segment of the upper midrange. Boasting sporting performance and motoring comfort combined with exclusive equipment options and state-of-the-art security technology, this Security vehicle caters for the needs of the most discerning customers worldwide.

In building Security and High Security vehicles, BMW’s engineers give particular significance not only to ballistic security, but also to the vehicles’ dynamic qualities and performance, which must be more or less of the same standard as with the production models.

This is why the BMW 5 Series will be available with a choice of two engine variants: an eight cylinder engine developing a maximum output of 270 kW/367 bhp (BMW 550i) and a six cylinder engine with a maximum output of 190 kW/258 bhp (BMW 530i).

The BMW 5 Series Security is BMW’s answer to growing violence and criminal threats involving carjacking and kidnapping in Latin and South America, parts of south-east Asia and the Middle East, as well as some European and African states. This kind of crime,

committed on the road and often out of pure coincidence, is not a direct attempt at the occupants’ life. Rather, the perpetrators seek to steal valuables inside the vehicle or, indeed, the entire car.

This is precisely why the 5 Series Security is protected against .44 Magnum revolver ammunition and other handheld weapons in accordance with the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR4. BMW Security vehicles of this kind are used by multi-national companies and organisations as well as by private individuals.

High-performance fibre composites (aramid, polyethylene) and special-purpose steel is used for armouring the chassis. Glass with a thickness of more than 20 millimetres is used for the windows. The armoured glass has been provided with a polycarbonate layer that offers passengers additional protection from splinters.

The BMW 5 Series Security is manufactured alongside the series model at BMW’s Dingolfing plant. While on the production line it is prepared for armouring before being shipped to the centre of competence (CoC) in Toluca, Mexico, where the vehicles (including the BMW X5 Security) complete the final assembly stage. Forming a distinct contrast to production cars retrofitted with security features, the special features especially on BMW’s High Security cars are integrated into the car right from the beginning in a process parallel to the industrial standard production.

Moreover, top priority is given not only to security in BMW Security cars, but also to optimally tailoring and adjusting the vehicle to the increased weight. This is achieved by extensive modifications of the suspension, braking system and rear axle.

The high level of security specification does not inhibit the interior design or ergonomics though and occupants can still experience the same generous dimensions and freedom of movement inside the passenger compartment. The choice of special options for the Security vehicle is almost on par with the range of options available for its production counterpart. Furthermore, even BMW individual packages could be integrated in the car, in order to provide customers with the combination of state-of-the-art security and highest exclusivity. Individual equipment options for authorities (e.g. siren and radio systems as well as LED flashing lights incorporated into the radiator grille) can also be integrated if desired.

Another important argument also speaks in favour of security made by BMW: All of BMW’s Security and High Security vehicles are built to international standards and are certified by non-partisan, official test institutes such as the German ballistic authority.

It goes without saying that the 5 Series Security, like all of BMW’s Security and High Security vehicles, comes with nearly all the passive safety attributes of the regular production models. Through its design features and safety items, this is one of the safest vehicles in the world also in the event of an accident.

From outside, the BMW 5 Series Security hardly differs from its regular unprotected production counterpart. And this is important, since many customers understandably attach great significance to discretion and anonymity. A further equally obvious point is absolute discretion on the groups of customers buying such vehicles as well as comprehensive service provided the world over.

This includes BMW’s own pool of High Security and Security vehicles able to supply the customer with a suitable car whenever necessary at short notice and nearly everywhere the world over. Furthermore, BMW is not only offering Security cars, but also security

driver training in various regions worldwide in order to train people to certain levels, or to keep them regularly trained and updated in theory and practice. Because mobile Security consists of two important and critical factors: the security vehicle itself and the skills of the drivers.