2009 BMW X5 Review & Road Test at Automotive.com
»Locate a Dealer»Find a Used Car»Get Financing

The BMW X5 Security Plus

Below is a review of the 2009 BMW X5 written by the automotive experts at Truck Trend Magazine. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with a wealth ...     read more
Find a Car
 
Text Size


First Look: The BMW X5 Security Plus

SUV of Steel
By Carlos Lago
Photography by The Manufacturers
Bmw X5 Security Plus Front View

At 8.2 seconds to 62 mph, the X5 Security Plus isn't faster than a speeding bullet. But, if those bullets leave the barrel of an AK-47, the SUV doesn't need to be. BMW built the defenses of its armored X5 specifically for the Kalashnikov assault rifle. From the press release, the X5's "security features were devised exclusively for this model and thoroughly tested within the framework of product development."

Take that to mean BMW's R&D team has quite a few shell casings lying around the testing facility.

The X5 Security Plus has an armored passenger cabin with molded steel components and sealed joints. The SUV complies with BRV 1999 guideline for bullet-resistant vehicles, with protection according to PAM - APR 2006 in the bullet resistance Class 6.

But, if your attackers run out of bullets and take a hands-on approach, there's still no worry; the security glass withstands clubs and crowbars. From the inside, occupants can use an intercom to plead, ridicule, or, I don't know, sing a song to attackers. Also, a "hold-up" alarm locks doors and widows automatically, and blares an alarm. Controls for both reside in the spot used for cupholders in the standard model.

Need to duck for cover? An optional reverse and front-mounted side-view camera system displays the outside view in the iDrive screen. Trying an off-road escape? Use BMW's xDrive four-wheel-drive system and 355-horse, 4.8L V-8. Don't worry about the tires either; they're run-flats, and last 93 miles at 50 mph after deflation via sharp objects. Or from pesky AK-47 rounds.

Source: BMW

Related Articles

Astra-Based Car Almost Ready for Prime Time
Boxier Styling Cues Cribbed from GLK Playbook
BMW's First Small Hybrid Caught Testing
Just Smaller than a Jetta: Polo Four Door Begins to Take Shape
Edgy New Design to Reportedly Feature Bigger W-12 Engine, Tiny Turbodiesel
2009 BMW X5
  
Select BMW X5 Trim  
First Name
City
Phone
- - x
Last Name
State
Email
Address
Zip