BMW has revealed the Concept 7 Protection as an armoured version of its flagship 7 Series sedan. The automaker says that it’s aimed at individuals, companies and organisations that need protection without compromising on comfort, driving experience and discretion. The Concept 7 could pave the way for additional ‘Protection’ models in the future, according to BMW.
- Features ballistic steel, fibre-reinforced composites and bulletproof glass.
- Gets built-in intercom and attack alarm systems.
- Debuts a rear console with a coolbox and a fold-down table with wireless charging.
- Uses the M760e xDrive’s 612hp plug-in hybrid powertrain.
BMW Concept 7 Protection armour and safety details
New ‘BayB’ standard is said to offer protection against common handgun fire
The new Concept 7 Protection sits below BMW’s other ‘Protection’ offerings such as the X5 Protection VR6 and 7 Series Protection VR9 (‘VR’ stands for Vehicle Resistance). According to the German brand, the Concept 7 Protection is designed to thwart attacks when passing through regions with uncertain security. Complying with the new BayB standard means that the occupants will be protected against 9×19 mm and .44 Magnum ammunition.
The doors of the Concept 7 Protection feature ballistic steel and fibre-reinforced composite elements, with the overlaps between the doors, glass and bodywork forming an integral part of the overall design. BMW has installed bulletproof glass that’s considerably thicker than the ones used in the regular 7 Series. These are electrically operated (like in the regular car), but cannot be fully lowered.
The top sunblind also stays shut at all times due to the layer of protective steel and composites under the panoramic sunroof. Not only is the bulkhead and rear wall armoured, but the rear-quarter glass features discreet armour protection as well. There’s an intercom system with microphones and speakers located both inside and outside the Concept 7 Protection, while an attack is set to trigger visual and audible warnings. BMW says that the intercom and alarm systems are controlled through a corded handset placed in the centre console. However, clients seeking blast protection will have to upgrade to models with a higher protection level (VR6 or VR9, for example).
BMW Concept 7 Protection design and features
The styling elements are mostly familiar while the cabin showcases a new rear centre console
The discreet integration of the armour means that the Concept 7 Protection looks almost identical to a regular 7 Series. The concept showcased by the brand sports a dark grey finish, along with split headlamps, an ‘M’ badge on the kidney grille, black ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors) and dual-tone alloy wheels. The rear features quad exhaust tips and an ‘M760e’ badge on the bootlid.
Inside, the Concept 7 Protection gets Smoke White BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery with quilted seats, Alcantara trim and a BMW M Anthracite Alcantara roofliner. The steering wheel gets an M badge and a red centre marker.
Some of the convenience tech onboard include powered sunblinds, a digital IRVM (inside rearview mirror), a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and rear-door-integrated digital displays. There’s also the new BMW Individual rear console, which comes with a built-in coolbox and a fold-down table with a wireless charging tray. According to BMW, this will be offered in other 7 Series cars from the second half of 2027.
BMW Concept 7 Protection powertrain details
Shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the M760e xDrive
The Concept 7 Protection uses the plug-in hybrid setup found in the M760e xDrive. This means a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 426hp on its own, plus an electric motor that generates 197hp. The claimed system output is 612hp and 800Nm, which is routed to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system. Transmission duties are handled by an 8-speed automatic.
BMW says that the drivetrain, chassis, brakes and driver assistance systems of the Concept 7 Protection have been recalibrated to account for the added protection. The result, BMW claims, is a driving experience that feels familiar to anyone used to the standard 7 Series. The Concept 7 Protection hints at the 'Protection' line-up expanding to cover more types of users, with the initial focus being select European markets.