New BMW 5 Series Security Debuts At Event
BMW not only offers Security Cars, but also provides Security Driver Training in order to give drivers the skills and knowledge they require to keep their passengers safe. The latest Middle East Security Driver Training programme, conducted in Qatar, brought together two important and critical factors - the Security vehicle itself and the skills of the driver.
The BMW Security Driver Training took place at the Losail International Circuit. This world class MotoGP course was perfectly equipped to host this special training, offering state of the art infrastructure on and off track. Participants were trained on the BMW 7 Series High Security, BMW X5 Security as well as on the brand new BMW 5 Series Security, which made its Middle East debut at the event.
The BMW 5 Series has already proved to be a class-leading saloon and things have been taken to higher level with the introduction of the BMW 5 Series Security (ballistic protection level VR4).
The BMW 5 Series Security successfully rounded off BMW's existing range of Security vehicles consisting of the BMW 760Li / 745Li High Security and the BMW X5 Security. Both BMW 7 Series models are High Security vehicles complying with the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR6//VR7. The BMW X5 Security and the new BMW 5 Series Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR4.
With the BMW X5 Security, BMW successfully brought to market the first armoured SAV that has attracted many customers owing to its superior on- and off-road capabilities. With the launch of the 5 Series Security, BMW is now offering an armoured saloon in the premium segment of the upper midrange. Boasting sporting performance and motoring comfort combined with exclusive equipment options and state-of-the-art security technology, this Security vehicle caters for the needs of the most discerning customers worldwide.
In building Security and High Security vehicles, BMW's engineers give particular significance not only to ballistic security, but also to the vehicles' dynamic qualities and performance, which must be more or less of the same standard as with the production models.
This is why the BMW 5 Series will be available with a choice of two engine variants: an eight-cylinder engine developing a maximum output of 367 bhp (BMW 550i) and a six-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 258 bhp (BMW 530i).
The BMW 5 Series Security is BMW's answer to growing violence and criminal threats involving carjacking and kidnapping in Latin and South America, parts of South-East Asia and the Middle East, as well as some European and African states. This kind of crime committed on the road and often out of pure coincidence is not a direct attempt at the occupants' life. Rather, the perpetrators seek to steal valuables inside the vehicle or, indeed, the entire car.
This is why the 5 Series Security is protected against .44 Magnum revolver ammunition and other hand-held weapons in accordance with the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR4. BMW Security vehicles of this kind are used by multinational companies and organisations as well as by private individuals.
High-performance fibre composites (aramid, polyethylene) and special-purpose steel is used for armouring the chassis. Glass with a thickness of more than 20 millimetres is used for the windows. The armoured glass has been provided with a polycarbonate layer that offers passengers additional protection from splinters.
The BMW 5 Series Security is manufactured alongside the series model at BMW's Dingolfing plant. While on the production line it is prepared for armouring before being shipped to the CoC in Toluca, Mexico, where the vehicles (including the BMW X5 Security) complete the final assembly stage.
Forming a distinct contrast to production cars retrofitted with security features, the special features on BMW's High Security cars are integrated into the car right from the beginning in a process parallel to the industrial standard production.
Top priority is given not only to security in BMW Security cars, but also to optimally tailoring and adjusting the vehicle to the increased weight. This is achieved by extensive modifications of the suspension, braking system and rear axle.
The high level of security specification does not inhibit the interior design or ergonomics and occupants can still experience the same generous dimensions and freedom of movement inside the passenger compartment. The choice of special options for the Security vehicle is almost on par with the range of options available for its production counterpart. Even BMW Individual packages can be integrated in the car, in order to provide customers with the combination of state-of-the-art security and highest exclusivity. Individual equipment options for authorities, (e.g. siren and radio systems as well as LED flashing lights incorporated into the radiator grille), can also be integrated if desired.
All of BMW's Security and High Security vehicles are built to international standards and are certified by non-partisan, official tests institutes such as the German ballistic authority.
The 5 Series Security, like all of BMW's Security and High Security vehicles, comes with nearly all the passive safety attributes of the regular production models. Through its design features and safety items, this is one of the safest vehicles in the world also in the event of an accident.
From the outside the BMW 5 Series Security hardly differs from its regular, unprotected production counterpart. And this is important, since many customers understandably attach great significance to discretion and anonymity.
A further point is absolute discretion on the groups of customers buying such vehicles as well as comprehensive service provided the world over.
This includes BMW's own pool of High Security and Security vehicles able to supply the customer with a suitable car whenever necessary at short notice and nearly everywhere the world over.
-Ends-
If you have any queries, please contact:
Rana Jones:
Corporate Communications Manager,
BMW Group Middle East
Tel: +971 4 31 32 600
Fax: +971 4 33 00 120
Email: Rana.Jones@bmw.com
Malcolm Ward,
Account Director,
MCS/Action
Tel: +971 4 39 02 960
Fax: +091 4 39 08 161
Email: malcolm.w@actionprgroup.com
Media Website:www.press.bmwgroup.com
© Press Release 2006
