X5 M60i xDrive, armoured to B6 level

The base is the X5 M60i xDrive, the highest-powered X5 outside of the M, above the xDrive40i and xDrive40d, but below the X5 M Competition. This is the version that retains the most margin once the hundreds of kilos of full protection are installed, and it is also the one BMW uses for its own factory armoured version, the X5 Protection VR6.

V8 4,395 cm3 biturbo S68 engine, 48 V system, 390 kW or 530 hp, 750 Nm, ZF eight-speed gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive. To give an idea of what a full protection package weighs on this base, the factory X5 Protection VR6 has an unladen weight of 3,275 kg, does 0-100 km/h in 5.9 s and reaches 210 km/h. A weight of this order requires upgrades to the brakes, tyres and their load rating, suspension, and door hinges.

B6 level as defined by EN 1063: the test is conducted with 7.62 x 51 NATO with lead core fired at 830 m/s, an assault rifle round. The immediately lower level, BR5, is tested with 5.56 x 45 at 950 m/s, and BR7 deals with steel core rounds at the cost of thicker glazing and higher weight. A B6 is judged by the continuity of the envelope: overlapping doors, reinforced pillars and roof, upgraded floor and firewall, and multi-layer glazing matching the curvature of the original parts.

These figures are for the standard X5 M60i xDrive: the unladen weight, 0-100 km/h time and quoted top speed do not take into account B6-level armouring (VR6 or CEN 1063 BR6 depending on the converter's reference), which adds significant extra weight and reduces performance.

With a B6, execution is as important as the level. Budget conversions leave blind spots at door joints, pillars, and the firewall, invisible once the trim is reinstalled. The named certificate linked to the serial number states the standard and its version, and photographs taken during the conversion document the continuity of the envelope.

Budget for running costs: fuel consumption, tyres with reinforced load rating, braking, hinges and door opening assistance are all specific parts, not standard X5 items. In France, the tax on kerb weight applies from 1,500 kg, based on the value recorded in the documents of the converted vehicle, and a GVWR (PTAC) over 3,500 kg requires a C1 licence to drive.