BMW unveils an armored version of its new electric i7, a few months after the standard sedan. With a weight that can exceed 3.5 tons, a specific license would be required to drive it.
It has been many years since BMW offers armored vehicles for its customers. The latest is a thoroughly revised version of the X5, which can withstand attacks from AK-K47s and explosives, among other things. Several levels of protection are then available in the range, depending on the needs.
A few months after unveiling its new electric i7, the Bavarian firm is currently developing an armored version, according to Forbes. If nothing has been officially announced by BMW, the media quotes internal sources, which would have confirmed this information.
The first armored electric BMW
According to the business magazine, an official announcement should be made by BMW just after the G7 summit, which will take place from June 26 to 28 in Germany. It would then be the whole first armored car of the brand equipped with a 100% electric motorization. If the technical sheet has not been revealed, this version should take over that of the standard model, strong of 544 horsepower and carrying a 101.7 kWh battery.
According to Forbes, this variation should logically see its weight climb, while the standard BMW i7 already weighs no less than 2,700 kilos. The equipment specific to this version, as well as the shielding, should then add nearly 700 kilos to the balance. The total weight should therefore wait for the 3.4 tons empty.
However, a truck license is necessary when the PTAC (total authorized weight) exceeds 3.5 tonnes. In addition to the car itself, this value includes the weight of luggage and equipment, the weight of transport accessories (roof box) and the weight of the driver and passengers. In other words, the 3.5 ton mark could easily be crossed.
Decreased autonomy?
Another problem arises, however, that of autonomy. Because if BMW does not plan to offer a larger battery to its electric sedan, then it would probably not be able to cover the 590 to 625 WLTP kilometers of the standard version. The 0 to 100 km / h, currently achieved in 4.7 seconds, should also be strongly impacted by the increase in weight.
For the moment, we still do not know much about this future armored version, which should take the name of BMW i7 Protection. According Forbes, several levels of equipment and shielding would be offered, allowing the bodywork to withstand small arms fire up to explosive charges. This newcomer could be unveiled in the coming months.
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