BMW's latest trim addition to its X5 SAV is another addition to its line of armored vehicles. The BMW X5 Security trim follows the 5 Series Security and the 7 Series High Security by adding armored body panels and bulletproof glass to provide an armored vehicle where you can travel in style. The X5 Security can "stop anything up to a .44 magnum," according to Michael Gallman, BMW's general manager of security and special task vehicles, while the 7 Series High Security can "stop an assault rifle."
BMW performs its own armor work to ensure the armor-laden vehicles conform to BMW handling and driving standards, but ballistics testing is performed by the German government. Testing includes firing 600 rounds of varying caliber size from a variety of angles to simulate possible real-life situations, not just a standard 90-degree angle.
The extra armor and protection on the X5 costs an additional 50,000 ($73,230) over the price of a typical X5, and production time is around five months. The additional armor adds about 136 lb. (300 kg), with underbody armor available for an additional cost. Engine bay armoring is unavailable due to performance inhibition, but BMW has assured that "in nearly all cases, its vehicles will remain operational long enough, even if damaged, to get out of harm's way." All X5 Security SAVs come with the 355-hp, 4.8L V-8.
Gallman states that most of the vehicles are purchased by national authorities and high-level executives along with their families, particularly in South America and other developing countries.
Source: Ward's Auto and Audi UK