Top Cars

You're totally rich, your name's on several buildings and your wife is hotter than three suns. And you love sporty driving -- no chauffeur for you. Thing is, people are always shooting at your Ferrari 599. True, it can outrun bullets -- but what if you're stopped at a light? BMW has a solution for you. Meet the 760Li High Security and its "little" brother, the 750Li High Security, two new flagships providing safe haven from attacks and an entertaining steer. And they're fast. The 750Li has the now ubiquitous 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 407 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Even better, is the mighty heart of the 760Li with its soon-to-be shared with Rolls-Royce 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that not only makes 537 hp but 553 lb-ft of gravity defying torque. That much grunt lets the big dog hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Both cars are electronically limited to 131 mph.

But here's why you really want 'em. Unlike cars that get all up-armored in the aftermarket, the new 7-Series was designed from the very start with armored versions in mind. Meaning that when the lads at the Dingofling factory add a few thousand pounds of bullet-proof steel plating, BMW has already designed a suitable suspension component (be it dampers, bushings or strut top mounting points) to account for all the extra weight. Moreover, as the new factory panels are in fact a perfect match to the parts they're replacing, the High Security cars fit together better and are more tightly sealed -- good news in case of gas attacks. And speaking of gas attacks, there's an assault alarm that automatically puts out fires under the car and in the engine bay. The assault alarm can also detect excess gas levels and automatically shut the vents, raise the windows, locks the doors and pump in purified air. Gotta have that.

BMW's claiming that both cars meet VR7 levels of protection and that the non-see-through bits meet VR9 levels. Sadly, even the internet doesn't know exactly what those levels mean, but they sound safe. In fact, (taking BMW's word for it) the only safer place on four wheels is Obama's Cadillac One, and even you can't buy that. Says BMW, "The two BMW high security sedans set new standards in the protection of persons at risk while traveling in their vehicle." Still not feeling safe? There's an optional compartment to store two machine guns right in the center console. Plus we're sure some "discreet" BMW consultants could help you and your check book make the 7-Series High Security a whole lot safer.

PRESS RELEASE

A new definition of maximum security:The new BMW 7 Series High Security

Munich. With the launch of a new generation of high-security sedans based on the BMW 7 Series, the leading supplier of premium vehicles meets the most stringent safety requirements for persons at risk while travelling in their vehicles. Both, the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security are the first models in the world to be certified to BRV 2009 and both vehicles meet the requirements of the new ballistic protection level VR7.

Due to their highly effective protective armour, the non-transparent body areas of the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR9. Hence, both the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security provide optimum safety in the individual mobility segment in combination with unparalleled comfort of travel, superior drive technology and an abundance of innovative equipment features to guarantee confident motoring at all times. The two BMW high security sedans set new standards in the protection of persons at risk while travelling in their vehicle.

The unique security concept is based on findings which BMW gained as a result of its determined development work and on more than thirty years of experience in security vehicle engineering. The security concept was developed parallel to the production model and the integration of safety components is an integral part of the vehicle production process at BMW's Dingolfing plant. Specific chassis components are perfectly adapted to the increase in weight due to the sedans' armour plating. Hence, reinforced suspension, dampers and suspension strut top mountings are part of the
model-specific component range. This approach ensures finely-tuned vehicle performance characteristics that cannot be achieved by retrofitted armour plating. Reinforced vehicle-specific armour plating made from special steel as well as newly developed safety glazing protect the passenger compartment in particular from attacks of all kinds.

The passenger compartment is protected by armour plating of the doors, the roof, the pillars, the front footwell and the separation wall between passenger and luggage compartments. The steel panels, which were manufactured by means of a special technique, fit the body contours perfectly. The model-specific gap sealing ensures that critical areas such as door cut and body joint lines are safely sealed. The sedans' undercarriage is armoured by special plating which was developed with a particular focus on maximum explosion protection. Another new development is the sedans' 2.4" (6cm) safety glazing. Due to its innovative structure, the multi-layer laminated glass cover provides a unique level of resistance. The
window panes are covered with a polycarbonate layer on the inside in order to prevent shattered glass particles from penetrating the interior.

Driving dynamics and comfort on a par with production models. Even with the highly effective security equipment, both the exclusive character of the interior as well as the driving dynamics that are typical of BMW 7 Series luxury sedans has been virtually retained. Despite their extensive safety equipment, both the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security can hardly be distinguished from the corresponding production models.

The sedans' high protection level, which is second to none, is combined with a prestigious appearance, outstanding comfort of travel and an impressively powerful drive system. Both the BMW 760Li High Security's twelve-cylinder engine and the BMW 750Li High Security's V8 engine offer a combination of all-aluminium design, BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection with direct fuel injection. Both power units are distinguished by their energetic power delivery from a low number of revolutions, the running smoothness that is typical of BMW luxury sedans and their state-of-the art efficiency. Despite the increased weight of the vehicle, the engine performance characteristics of both models ensure that the new high-security sedans can achieve a dynamic acceleration from standing and a confident engine torque at all speeds. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h. The newly developed V12 unit of the BMW 760Li High Security unleashes its superior power of 400 kW/544 hp at an engine speed of 5,250 rpm. Peak torque of 750 Nm comes at 1,500 rpm. In combination with the newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission, the 6.0-litre twelve-cylinder engine impresses drivers not only with its outstanding running smoothness, but also with its ability to spontaneously translate its seemingly infinite power reserve into precisely adjustable driving dynamics anytime. The BMW 760Li High Security accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 6.2 seconds. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine of the BMW 750Li High Security is the first petrol engine of its kind with turbochargers that are located in the "V" space between the cylinder banks. The V8 engine achieves 300 kW/407 hp at engine speeds of between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm. It mobilizes a maximum torque of 600 Nm that is maintained between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The spontaneously delivered engine thrust is applied to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 750Li High Security accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

The BMW 760Li High Security as well as the BMW 750Li High Security are distinguished by particularly harmonious driving characteristics. Both the comfort and the active security features of both models correspond to the premium quality standards that are typical of the BMW 7 Series. The innovative and in part exclusive BMW driver assistance systems ensure that potentially dangerous traffic situations can be foreseen and avoided, thus allowing for confident motoring. The combination of a double wishbone front axle with an integral V rear axle provides numerous benefits in terms of comfort and dynamics, but above all, it results in an outstandingly harmonious handling of curves, virtually eliminating rolling, swaying or tilting behaviour. Moreover, the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security are equipped with an electronically controlled Dynamic
Damping Control. The dampers adapt to the road surface as well as to the style of motoring. The high-performance braking system ensures excellent deceleration values in all situations. Inner-vented discs and sliding calliper design for optimum efficiency on all four wheels provide extreme stability and maximum braking comfort. Run-flat tyres are equipped with temperature sensors and a separate tyre pressure monitoring system for each wheel. Special options for individual security requirements. Just like the range of comfort options, the security package for both the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security can be adapted to suit individual requirements. An intercom system with concealed microphones and speakers allows safe communication with people outside of the vehicle without the need to open doors or windows.

Additional safety options include an assault alarm, fire extinguishing system with temperature sensor for extinguishing fires in the engine compartment and below the vehicle as well as irritant gas sensors for protecting passengers from gas attacks. If the interior protection system is triggered by excess gas levels, all windows are closed automatically, the central locking system is activated, the fresh air valves are closed and the ventilation system is shut off. An additional internal fresh-air supply system ensures that passengers are provided with breathable air. BMW also offers special options for authorities, governments and embassies. The package provides a range of special features such as flag holders, arrangements for radio installations right through to a gun case with compartments for two machine guns in the center console.

Also included is an external beacon with a roof installation system and integrated LED flashing lights for the front grille. Upon request, the vehicle may be fitted with an acoustic signalling system that can be controlled via the iDrive operating system. In order to accommodate this exclusive circle of customers, BMW provides discreet consultancy and personalized sales and service support all over the world. BMW high-security sedans are serviced by certified special garages only. Access to the vehicles is restricted to very few selected and specially trained personnel. As part of the special customer service, BMW offers special driver training programs for security vehicles.