When a car weighs more than 4.4 tons and stretches almost 5.4 meters, you need space to explore its limits. This is exactly what BMW offered a small group of customers in the future Mobility Development Center (FMDC) in Sokolov, Czech Republic. The mixture of urban streets, rural roads and high -speed sections of the facility enabled it to protect the armored BMW 7 Series (G73) in situations that reflect real escape scenarios.
Installed the protective core
In contrast to older armored limousines, which begin as regular production cars and are later reinforced, the G73 is built from scratch using the “Protection Core” approach from BMW. Armored steel is integrated directly into the structure, whereby the roof, underbody and glass form a continuous protective cover. This design not only improves rigidity, but also keeps the interior near that of a standard -7 series.
Drive options: V8 or all -electrical
Two versions are available. The 760i protection uses a 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 with mild hybrid tech and produces 530 hp and 750 Nm torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and can drive up to 210 km/h. The i7 protection is fully electrical, whereby dual engines generate 544 hp and 745 Nm and reach 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and are limited to 160 km/h. Both meet the ballistic VR9 standards and can be specified to the higher VPAM 10 level, which can withstand high top performers such as 7.62 x 54 mm R rounds.
Weight against mobility
The FMDC tests made it clear how the G73 behaves under pressure. In slalom runs, the body role was significant -inappropriate for a vehicle of this mass that was more tailored to comfort than stiffness -but the steering remained predictable and reaction fast. Emergency brake exercises showed how the front end dived under hard -delayed delay, but the car remained stable and controllable. The rear steering, part of the integral active steering system, helps to reduce the rotary radius and to support the stability in fast maneuvers.
Tires, brakes and survival features
Specially coordinated brakes, chassis components and Michelin-Pax-Lauf-flat tires (20-inch alloys) enable the G73 to move up to 80 km/h even without air. A self -defined fuel tank reduces the fire risk after an attack. The car is also constructed in such a way that they withstand certain explosives, including devices and hand grenades dried by drones.
Interior and equipment
From the outside, the protective models from a standard -7 series, which is equipped with the M Sport package, can almost be distinguished. Inside, buyers can indicate the same comfort functions that can be found in the regular G70-carried out lounge career opportunities, massage functions, privacy, a cool box and high-end audio. The BMW -curved display and a dedicated protection command to integrate security functions into the cabin.
Training for the worst
BMW also offers driver training for the owner’s security personnel. This includes the planning of classrooms and practical exercises in alternative maneuvers to ensure that drivers can fully exploit the abilities of the car in a real emergency.
In Sokolov, the sessions showed that the protection of the 7 series consist of heavy armor in order to quickly get out of the difficulties. It is not so built that it is fast for it – it is built so that it is fast when it is most important. Although it is as difficult as a tank … [Source: BMW Czech Republic]
