PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
The first-ever BMW i7 Protection, the new BMW 7 Series Protection.
Wed Aug 09 00:01:00 CEST 2023 Press Kit
Utilising the design of the award-winning BMW 7 Series, the two new models blend an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned.
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Chris Overall
BMW Group
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Author.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
BMW unveils a new generation of protection vehicles in the
luxury saloon segment.
Utilising the design of the
award-winning BMW 7 Series, the two new models blend an unrivalled
protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and
spaciousness, advanced equipment features and the class-beating
dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. As the world’s first
ever protection saloon with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7
Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle:
30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure for the German market) is a
genuine trailblazer. This model variant meets all the requirements of
class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new
combustion-engined BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined
in WLTP cycle: 18.1 mpg; CO2 emissions: 355 g/km,
provisional figures for the German market).
The new protection models offer at-risk individuals customised
protection from attacks with firearms and explosives. They have been
classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the
internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany’s
Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und
Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant
Materials and Constructions – VPAM, for short). The certification is
based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for
Bullet Resistant Vehicles (BRV 2009) with regard to ballistic
resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (ERV
2010) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the
two models even meets the criteria for VPAM 10 classification,
representing the highest level of protection for civilian protection
vehicles. The armoured body of the new BMW 7 Series Protection can
also be upgraded to offer VPAM 10 protection as an option.
The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection will
be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate “craft
manufacturing” process. They are set to make their public debut at the
IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, with deliveries
commencing in December 2023.
Innovative protection concept featuring unique BMW Protection
Core.
The standout integrated protection concept of the
new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection was factored into
the development of the new 7 Series range. With the new BMW Protection
Core, the entire supporting structure for the protection saloon’s body
is constructed from armour steel for the first time. The BMW
Protection Core forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then
combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and
roof, and safety glass.
The special armouring for the roof and underbody has been
designed to offer maximum protection against explosives in particular.
The occupants are also protected from drone attacks with explosive
charges and from fragments dispersed by hand grenades on detonation.
The new BMW 7 Series Protection also features a self-sealing fuel tank
as a standard. The tank’s casing automatically closes breaches made by
the impact of a bullet and thus prevents loss of fuel.
Greater spaciousness, lower weight and sharper agility
combined with uncompromising occupant protection.
The
structural protection concept with BMW Protection Core gives the new
BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection major advantages in
other respects as opposed to armouring a finished vehicle at a later
date. When seen from the outside, they have a similar look and feel to
a regular BMW 7 Series Saloon M Sport, and their discreet appearance
represents an additional safety factor for people requiring
protection. Thanks to the fully integrated protection concept with BMW
Protection Core, the levels of room and seating comfort on board
hardly differ from those found inside a conventional BMW 7 Series Saloon.
The optimised weight combines with the increase in body rigidity
(another benefit of the BMW Protection Core) to deliver well-resolved
handling and the dynamic responses expected of a BMW in dangerous
situations. The unrivalled levels of agility shown by the two
protection saloons translates into high steering precision, excellent
cornering dynamics and outstanding figures for acceleration and top speed.
BMW i7 Protection: outstanding security, zero tailpipe
emissions and no compromises.
The BMW i7 Protection
brings the all-electric mobility experience to the protection vehicle
segment for the first time. Its two electric motors – one at the front
axle and one at the rear – together create an electric all-wheel-drive
set-up and produce system output of up to 400 kW/544 hp and maximum
system torque of 745 Nm (549 lb-ft).
The instantaneous power delivery, distribution of power to all
four wheels and intelligent networking of all the powertrain and
chassis systems guarantees exceptional traction, directional stability
and dynamic prowess. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 62 mph from
rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph.
BMW 7 Series Protection: unwavering protection, superior
dynamics.
In the petrol-engined version of the new
protection saloon, a latest-generation 4.4-litre V8 unit generates
maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft).
Its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes an upgraded turbocharging
system with electrically operated blow-off valve and indirect charge
air cooling, along with a cross-bank exhaust manifold. In addition,
the presence of 48V mild hybrid technology helps to optimise power
delivery and efficiency.
The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system directs drive
power to all four wheels as required. The new BMW 7 Series Protection
accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach a top
speed of 130 mph.
Model-specific chassis technology for assured performance.
The new protection saloons come with chassis technology that has
been modified and tuned specifically for these models and makes
allowance for the additional weight resulting from their special
protection features. This produces superbly assured performance in any
situation. Thanks to a robust basic construction and the presence of
sophisticated chassis systems, passengers in the rear compartment are
also able to enjoy exceptional levels of ride comfort. The protection
saloons also convince with precisely controllable handling, even when
they are being driven hard, such as when escaping from an attack.
Unique in the segment: Integral Active Steering and 20-inch
light-alloy wheels with exclusive PAX tyres.
The new
BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are the first and
only protection vehicles in their segments to be fitted with Integral
Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only
reduces the cars’ turning circle when manoeuvring, it also increases
precision and dynamic response through corners taken at speed. Another
key attribute of Integral Active Steering – specified as standard here
– is how it enhances driving comfort for rear-seat passengers.
Another standout offering in this segment are the 20-inch
light-alloy wheels fitted as standard. As well as enhancing ride
comfort, traction and directional stability, these also enable the use
of a particularly powerful braking system. The specially developed PAX
tyres supplied by Michelin in the dimensions 255-740 R510 are equipped
with a runflat ring, which allows the car to continue its journey at
up to 50 mph even in the event of a total loss of pressure.
Driver assistance systems with information and warning
function.
The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series
Protection are equipped with an extensive selection of driver
assistance systems. The functionality of this tech is focused on
supporting professional chauffeurs with information and warnings, but
without actively intervening to control the vehicle. The highly
advanced sensors developed for the new BMW 7 Series range and all of
the cameras available for the luxury saloon are also fitted on the
protection vehicles. These provide precise and detailed information on
the area around the vehicle in all situations.
Extensive comfort-enhancing features with exclusive
details.
In order to optimise visibility in low ambient
temperatures, an electric heating function for both the windscreen and
the front sections of the side windows comes as standard.
Model-specific pre-heating is available as an option. An exclusive
convenience feature also included as standard is motorised assistance
for opening and closing the doors.
Another item available on the options list is a cool box integrated
between the rear seats to ensure drinks are kept cold. The
standard-fitted Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System,
meanwhile, lays on a high-end audio experience.
Varied range of options for individualising the exterior and
interior.
The integrated protection concept of the
protection saloons and production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing
maximise the scope for customers to put their personal touch on the
exterior and interior. The BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow are
offered as an option alongside the standard illuminated BMW kidney
Iconic Glow and almost all of the body colours offered for the new BMW
7 Series range are available. Inside, customers will find
multifunction seats, BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, with
seat heating and ventilation as standard. A massage function can be
specified for all seats as an option. The range of optional seat and
interior surfaces is also carried over from the richly varied options
list for the new BMW 7 Series.
BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display and integrated operation of
model-specific security functions.
The new BMW i7
Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with the
latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5
complete with the BMW Curved Display. The system is intuitive to use
and operates in a way that will be familiar to BMW drivers. The
special functions relevant to occupant protection are also operated
via BMW iDrive. They can be activated and controlled in full using the
touchscreen capability of the control display.
A camera-based additional interior mirror can be specified as an
option. At the touch of a button, this shows the image feed from the
Reversing Assist Camera in the control display. A standard-fitted
intercom system allows the car’s occupants to communicate effectively
with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows.
Effective protection measures for a variety of attack
scenarios.
A wide range of standard and optional
equipment available for the new BMW protection saloons provides
occupants with custom-spec protection in various attack scenarios. The
new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection can be tailored
precisely, with custom options including a fresh-air supply system, a
fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers and
flag poles for use when the car is on official duty, plus other
special customer-specific options.
ENDS
All figures relating to performance, fuel/electric power
consumption and emissions are provisional.
All of the stated model variants, equipment features, technical
data and fuel/electric power consumption and emissions figures
relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and
measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany.
These may vary depending on the items of optional equipment selected.
Official fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power
consumption and electric range figures were determined based on the
prescribed measurement procedure in accordance with European
Regulation (EC) 2007/715 in the version applicable. Where a range is
shown, the WLTP figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.
Only official figures based on the WLTP procedure are available
for new models that have been type tested since 01.01.2021. In
addition, according to EU Regulation 2022/195, the NEDC values will
no longer be included in the EC certificates of conformity as of
01.01.2023. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement
procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and
specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in
the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch,
die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen'
(Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power
consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of
charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH
(DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and
mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30
production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger
vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit
before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues
amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group
had a workforce of 149,475 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the
future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and
efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from
the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.
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CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
BMW i7 Protection: electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure
BMW 7er Protection: fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 15.6 l/100 km [18.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions: 355 g/km, provisional figures