Maxabout Review

Bullet Proof BMW

The BMW X5 is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999, making it BMW's first SUV. It’s hard to argue with the new BMW X5 – it’s imposing to look at, amazing to drive and now has a seven-seat option. SUVs don’t come much better. X5’s convex-concave surfaces perfectly support its generous proportions and muscular wheel arches. Dynamic light and shadow progressions demonstrate elegance and presence with their robust appearance and clear structure.

The X5 uses variable ratio steering, changing the lock-to-lock steering wheel distance depending on your speed. The wishbone type front suspension optimizes tire contact on the road and makes the new X5 capable of reaching impressively high cornering forces. One of the more remarkable features in the X5 is its panoramic moonroof, a vast expanse of glass over the front and middle-row seats. Push a button in the overhead console and a large portion of it slides back and lets in lots of fresh air and sun/moon light.

xDrive is a permanent all-wheel drive system, which uses sensors and digital aids in transferring varied levels of drive power between the front and rear axles. Torque-split-by-demand xDrive also helps in cornering. When the vehicle senses that it was about to understeer or oversteer the vehicle can independently cut traction to either of the front wheels or rear wheels to help regain stability and keep the driver on the road. BMW X5’s driver assistant Hill Descent Control system will be helpful while driving on a smooth rocky surface or slippery downhill surfaces.

Only the Porsche Cayenne comes close to the X5 in terms of on-road handling; the X5 can really shift. Swivel motors mounted on the anti-roll bars mean that at slow speed the X5 can ride well, and then when the going gets faster it can tighten itself up to feel more sporting. BMW has now come up with new X5 Security Plus, which complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6. This is, according to BMW, the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer which offers security against attacks where automatic weapons like the AK47 may be used.

Based on the regular X5 sports activity vehicle (SAV), the X5 Security Plus can seat up to four people inside its armoured passenger cabin. It guarantees excellent protection, including the use of high-performance steel moulded components and panels. The body features sealed joints, which also provide protection in critical areas - e.g. between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars - thus preventing bullet or fragment penetration, as well as security glass conceived exclusively for this bullet resistance class.

Furthermore, the BMW X5 Security Plus’ windows resist attack using clubs, crowbars etc. and feature a polycarbonate coating that protects the interior from glass shatter. An intercom system facilitates communication with persons outside the vehicle, without having to open doors or windows. The hold-up alarm ensures that windows and doors lock automatically. Acoustic and visual alarm signals are also emitted.

The X5 Security Plus is fitted with BMW’s powerful 4.8-litre V8, which produces 355bhp and 475Nm of torque - enough to propel the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and to on electronically limited top speed of 180km/h. The xDrive four-wheel-drive system also provides off-road capabilities and electronics like DSC stability control system improve the vehicle’s on-road driving dynamics. While BMW does not sell its security vehicles in India, interested buyers can ask their nearest BMW dealer to import one via the CBU route.