X5 M60i xDrive, armoured

The X5 M60i xDrive is the highest engine option for the X5 outside of the M, above the xDrive40i and xDrive40d, and below the X5 M Competition. This is the base that BMW itself has chosen for its factory armoured version, the X5 Protection VR6: torque is available very low down and the drivetrain is designed for a high mass.

V8 4,395 cc biturbo S68, 48 V system, 390 kW or 530 hp, 750 Nm, ZF eight-speed gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive. Built on this mechanical base and certified according to the German VPAM BRV and ERV standards, the factory X5 Protection VR6 weighs 3,275 kg unladen, about 930 kg more than a standard M60i, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 s and a top speed of 210 km/h. These figures give an idea of what full protection means on this base.

For this class of vehicle, protection is a matter of structure: high-strength steel shell on the doors, sides, roof, underbody and rear bulkhead, multi-layer security glazing, self-sealing tank under a casing and aluminium blast shield under the floor, with the factory offering as options an extended underbody armour and reinforced roof. The weight then requires upgrades to the brakes, tyres and their load rating, suspension and door hinges.

These figures are for the standard X5 M60i xDrive: the unladen weight, 0-100 km/h time and top speed quoted do not take the armour into account, which adds significant extra weight and reduces performance.

Two scales are in use and do not overlap. VR6 comes from the German VPAM BRV standard, tested at 7.62 x 39 at 720 m/s. B6, or BR6, comes from the European standard EN 1063, tested at 7.62 x 51 NATO with a lead core at 830 m/s, a more penetrating round which is covered by VR7 on the VPAM side. EN 1063 qualifies materials, including glazing, while VPAM BRV certifies the assembled vehicle, including joints. The named certificate linked to the serial number states the standard and its version: this is the only reference enforceable with an insurer.

On the French side, the tax on kerb weight is due from 1,500 kg, based on the value entered in the documents of the converted vehicle, and a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) over 3,500 kg requires a C1 licence.