07:39 20-04-2026

BMW X5 M60i VR6: armored SUV with V8 engine and high safety

BMW has unveiled an unusual version of the X5—the armored X5 M60i VR6 crossover, priced at €380,800. Despite its outwardly standard design, the model features protection against automatic weapons and a powerful V8 engine, making it one of the most expensive vehicles in the SUV segment.

The new BMW X5 comes with factory-installed VR6-level armor, meaning it can withstand shots from assault rifles, including the AK-47. This pushes its price above even the Bentley Bentayga, which typically costs up to $350,000. In practice, this isn't just a tuning package but a full factory modification with a reinforced body structure, armored underbody, and special glass.

Under the hood lies a 4.4-liter V8 TwinPower Turbo engine producing 523 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, only slightly slower than the X5 M Competition. Fuel consumption is around 13.6 L/100 km in the combined cycle, which is expected for an armored vehicle of this class.

The model is equipped with adaptive suspension, an all-wheel-drive system, a sport differential, and an automatic transmission. Additionally, it uses RunFlat tires that allow continued driving even after damage.

Such vehicles remain niche, but they reflect a growing trend: demand for protected cars is on the rise. Key competitors include the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, though they don't offer a comparable level of protection in their base configurations.

Overall, the BMW X5 M60i VR6 shows how a seemingly ordinary crossover can transform into a high-tech protected vehicle. Its high price is justified not by luxury but by the level of safety, which is becoming a new factor in buyer decisions today.