Germany’s Federal Police Picks the BMW 7 Series Protection Over Mercedes and Audi

BMW has reportedly gained one among Germany’s most essential authorities contracts. In line with Der Spiegel, the Federal Legal Police Workplace (BKA) has chosen the BMW 7 Sequence Safety as its new armored state car, beating out bids from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The BKA’s safety group is liable for defending the nation’s prime officers, together with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. For many years, that responsibility was often dealt with by Mercedes S-Class Guard fashions, so BMW’s win marks a major shift.

Constructed for the Job

BMW’s 7 Sequence Safety (internal code G73) isn’t only a modified model of the usual luxurious sedan. It’s constructed from the bottom up as an armored automobile. The physique shell makes use of what BMW calls a “Safety Core” — a self-supporting construction product of high-strength metal that’s built-in straight into the chassis and roof body. That design offers full 360-degree safety with out the compromises of aftermarket conversions.

The glass and panels can stand up to high-caliber rounds, whereas the underbody is bolstered to guard in opposition to small explosives. In its highest configuration, the automobile meets VPAM 10 requirements — among the many hardest civilian safety rankings — and might resist fireplace from rifles just like the 7.62 × 54 mm R, ammunition generally utilized in Russian sniper rifles and machine weapons.

Energy and Weight

Whereas BMW additionally affords an all-electric i7 Safety, Der Spiegel reviews that the BKA has opted for the combustion-powered mannequin — the 760i Protection. It makes use of a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 paired with mild-hybrid know-how and produces round 544 horsepower. The identical engine isn’t even out there in common German-market 7 Sequence sedans, making it a particular software for presidency use.

The automobile weighs effectively over 4,000 kilograms (8,800 lbs), but it stays able to severe velocity when wanted. BMW’s engineering crew adjusted the suspension, brakes, and stability techniques particularly for the additional mass, guaranteeing predictable dealing with in high-pressure conditions.

Specifically tuned brakes, chassis elements, and Michelin PAX run-flat tires (20-inch alloys) enable the G73 to maintain shifting at as much as 80 km/h even with no air within the tires. A self-sealing gas tank reduces fireplace threat after an assault. The automobile can be engineered to face up to sure explosives, together with drone-dropped units and hand grenades.

Inside, patrons can specify the identical consolation options discovered within the common G70 7 Sequence—Government Lounge seating, therapeutic massage features, privateness blinds, a cool field, and high-end audio. The BMW Curved Show and a devoted Safety Command Contact System combine safety features into the cabin. Even the iDrive infotainment system has been designed particularly for this BMW 7 Sequence Safety. A particular menu offers the driving force and passengers entry to bespoke options, like controlling intercom system and lights, communication with the surface world, and others.

A Win for BMW

For BMW, the deal is greater than a symbolic victory. It locations Munich on the heart of Germany’s state transport operations, a job historically dominated by Mercedes. The 7 Sequence Safety is constructed alongside normal fashions at BMW’s Dingolfing plant, which additionally produces the electrical i7 and 5 Sequence.

[Source: Der Spiegel via BimmerToday]