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Car security usually means remembering to lock the doors, but these armoured options take protection to a whole new level.
Whether it’s saving their occupants from bullets or bombs, these cars will defend you and then get you out of harm’s way.
We’ve included as much detail as we can of these security-conscious and publicity-shy machines, and we’ve listed them in alphabetical order:
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Audi A8L Security
If the Audi A8 Security is good enough for Angela Merkel, it’s probably good enough for most security conscious passengers. This seemingly standard-looking long wheelbase A8 has been upgraded from the old model’s VR7 armour-proof rating to VR9. This means it can withstand an armour-piercing 7.72mm round fired from an AK47 assault rifle.
The A8 Security will fend off hand grenade blasts, while the multi-layer windows are designed to be shatter-proof. An onboard compressed air system prevents poisonous gasses from entering and when you need to get out there are ballistic door hinges should the locks be damaged. Even so, the 6.3-litre W12-powered model will still manage 130.5mph, as does the V8-powered version which is also available.
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Bentley Mulsanne
Bentley is a favourite choice of royalty all over the world, so it’s little wonder its cars can be ordered with a bit of extra protection beneath the sleek bodywork. The Mulsanne is the most popular choice as it can cope with the considerable weight of the steel and Kevlar plates that can stop bullets and explosive at close range. There’s also bomb- and shatter-proof glass.
An onboard oxygen system means its occupants can breathe normally even when there’s smoke outside, while run-flat tyres keep the car moving. A PA system, siren and separate communications set-up also mean the Mulsanne can continue to work when things all around it are falling apart.
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BMW X5 Protection VR6
BMW has been building factory-made armoured vehicles for longer than most and its current model is based on the X5 M50i. To give an idea of how much protection is fitted into the car, its official combined fuel economy is 21.7mpg compared to the standard model’s 29.1. Carbon dioxide emissions also rise from the normal car’s 226g/km to 298g/km.
Not that you’ll worry about those numbers in a tricky situation. Then, you’ll be glad of the run-flat tyres, 30mm thick glass with polycarbonate splinter protection and ballistic-resistant armour. This includes special panels between any joins in the bodywork such as where the doors open. All of this is certified to VR6 standard and you can add the options of extra protection for the floor and roof.
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Cadillac Escalade
Given the Cadillac Escalade’s popularity with celebrities in the USA, it’s no surprise that armoured versions are commonplace. One of the most popular conversions is by AddArmor and its Executive Cadillac Escalade comes with B6-level bullet-resistance. In other words, it can withstand a hand grenade being thrown at it or a 5kg landmine detonating underneath.
A composite safety shell forms the basis of the cabin protection, while this extra weight is offset by carbonfibre body panels. There are bullet-proof windows and run-flat tyres that will last for up to 30 miles, while the engine has an uprated wiring loom and dual batteries to keep working under duress. Included in the $350,000 (£270,000) price are electric shock door handles to deter assailants from trying to gain entry.
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Citroën CX Haute Protection
After a Citroën DS helped save the life of General de Gaulle thanks to its hydropneumatic suspension - the car was able to go on driving despite bullets from a would-be assassin having punctured its tyres - large Citroëns were favoured as armoured vehicles in France. The CX Haute Protection was based on the 2400 Prestige and had 445kg of additional material built into it to stop gun shots and explosive penetrating the cabin.
Other than thicker door glass, there were no exterior clues to the Haute Protection compared to a standard CX. However, inside, the windows were sealed and the air conditioning was upgraded to a recirculation system should anyone try to attack the car’s occupants with toxic gas.
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Citroën XM
Continuing its association with presidential cars, Citroën’s XM was upgraded to Palace specification with help from specialist Heuliez. A unique saloon model was created for President Francois Mitterand, but most top brass were ferried around in Citroën’s in-house armoured XM.
As well as a beefed-up hydropneumatic suspension and braking system to cope with the extra weight of the armour plating, the protected XMs gained run-flat tyres and bullet-proof glass. The 3.0-litre V6 engine was the only motor used and all of the chauffeurs were specially selected and trained by Citroën to handle the car.
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Jaguar XJ Sentinel
The Jaguar XJ Sentinel looks and sounds like it was just another model in the luxury British saloon line-up. However, that name denotes a car that British prime ministers have relied on for a decade to keep them out of harm’s way. The aluminium bodywork remains, but there are steel and Kevlar plates hiding behind to absorb bullets and even the blast from 15kg of TNT explosive at close range.
Along with bullet-proof glass and run-flat tyres, the brakes, suspension and wheels were all upgraded to cope with the additional weight and strain. The Sentinel was only offered with the 380bhp 5.0-litre V8 motor that gave 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 121mph. The XJ has recently gone out of production and will be replaced in 2020 with a new all-electric model, and it will be interesting to see if that gets adopted for government duties.
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Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured
Land Rover was determined to live up to its ultimate 4x4 image with the Discovery 4 Armoured. Building on the rugged style of the Discovery, the Armoured came with a 370bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine to shift its 3550kg weight, which was before any options had been added. Standard kit included heavy duty wheels and run-flat tyres, underfloor and side blast protection and armour to BR6 standard, which means it could withstand shots from a high velocity assault rifle.
Options for the Discovery 4 Armoured ranged from an opening driver’s window that dropped 100mm, anti-tamper exhaust and an auxiliary battery. You could also tick the boxes for a fire suppressant system, flashing blue lights and an Armoured Driver Training course. You will often see some of these escorting the British prime minister’s Jaguar; the bodyguards need to be protected too.
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Maserati Quattroporte
Italian dignitaries have been used to travelling in armoured cars for longer than most and in recent times the Maserati Quattroporte has been the base vehicle of choice. It offers a patriotic take on the protection vehicle and they have been made in-house by Maserati for various presidents, prime ministers and other government officials.
Each Quattroporte is based on a Sport GT S model and comes with a fully lined passenger cell, door glass that can repel rifle fire and blast-proof roof and floor. There’s also an onboard air system to resist poison gas attack, while the V8 engine remains unmodified as it’s deemed powerful enough to cope with the 3.3-tonne weight of the car. Maserati won’t discuss the price, but each armoured Quattroporte is estimated to have cost €200,000 and the Italian government has taken delivery of 19 of them.
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Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard
For security-aware lovers of luxury, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard is just the job for you. Starting from £486,000, this is an off-the-shelf armoured saloon that has been built to meet the highest VR10 standard of passenger protection. That means the Maybach can deal with armour-piercing bullets while also shrugging off bomb blasts.
For the asking price, you also get run-flat tyres, upgraded electrical and air conditioning system, as well as uprated brakes and suspension to compensate for the increased weight. Still, with a 621bhp twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine up front, the S650 Guard doesn’t have to worry about getting away from trouble in a hurry.
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard
Mercedes has been building its special protection models for more than 90 years and the latest Guard versions are hand-built from the ground up. Mercedes reckons this gives better integration of all of the security systems as the car doesn’t have to be stripped from a standard production model first.
The company is reticent about what level of protection goes into its Guard models, but we do know the S-Class Guard comes with VR9-level resistance. This makes it one of the most secure armoured cars on the market and there are steel and aramide plates, as well as lots of overlapping to ensure no gaps are left in opening panels. There are also Guard versions of the E- and G-Class models.
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ever wondered why so many VIP motorcades have a Mercedes Sprinter trotting along at the tail end? It’s because these vans are armoured and used to transport both the VIP’s entourage and mobile communications in a vehicle that doesn’t attract much attention.
Several firms offer armour upgrades for the Sprinter and most offer at least VR4-level protection from bullets and explosives. You also get ballistic-resistant glass all-round and run-flat tyres. However, the mechanical package remains untouched as the Sprinter is already built to cope with heavy payloads, so the addition of the protection kit doesn’t overwork the engine.
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Range Rover Sentinel
Most think Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations is about adding a bit of zip to its cars, but if you’re of a nervous disposition the Range Rover Sentinel is ideal. The luxury SUV comes with a 375bhp supercharged V8 to cope with more than a tonne in extra weight of armour and still sees off 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds.
Based on the Autobiography model, the Sentinel is built from the ground up with an armoured passenger cell to VR8 standard. It can withstand rifle fire and grenade blasts, while run-flat tyres keep it moving when under attack. An escape hatch in the armoured panel behind the rear seats allows occupants to exit through the boot in an emergency. There is also a public address system and emergency lighting, which explains why Land Rover describes the Sentinel as a ‘mobile fortress.’
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Renault Espace by Centigon
A collaboration between Renault Tech and Centigon has created the Armoured Espace Executive. Like any vehicle aiming to protect its occupants from bombs and bullets, it has a full 360-degree security cell, though this does mean foregoing the third row of seats as there is now a protective bulkhead behind the second row.
As well as being able to resist attack from rifle fire and explosives, the Armoured Espace has DM51 floor protection and a self-sealing fuel tank should a landmine go off underneath it. There’s also battery protection and an optional onboard fire suppression system to keep the Renault mobile. All Armoured Espaces use the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
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Rolls-Royce Phantom Armoured
Rolls-Royce built one of the first ever armoured cars that was used in the First World War. Nowadays, its clients want something more subtle, which is where the original Phantom Armoured came into the equation. It surrounds the passenger cell with a composite bullet-proof lining and adds anti-ballistic glass.
Underneath, bomb-resistant shields fend off explosive devices, while run-flat tyres and protection around the engine mean the car keeps mobile. All of this adds to the Phantom’s already considerable heft, but the 6.75-litre V12 engine remains in standard form as its torque is enough to power the car.
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Skoda Superb
If you ever wonder how a humble Skoda Superb could notch up a price tag of £118,688, take a look under the skin of this one. It’s built to meet PAS 300 civilian protection standards, which means it will shrug off bombs and bullets.
Created to offer a more discreet way to transport VIPs than the usual luxury saloons but still offer limousine levels of rear seat space, the Skoda also comes with sirens, run-flat tyres and flashing blue lights. For the not inconsiderable asking price, you also get new suspension and brakes to deal with the weight of the extra protection.
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Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most commonly converted cars to armoured spec. This is because it’s so popular with the military, charities and government agencies as a means of transport in the world’s hot spots. Its strength also makes it ideal for armoured duties and British firm Jankel is a leader in this field.
Jankel’s Hot-Formed technology creates the armoured shell with fewer pieces to reduce the number of gaps and possible weak areas. It also means 70% less welding is required, the armour is lighter and it’s cheaper to install. It’s built to VR7 standard and can withstand 15kg of TNT being detonated underneath the Land Cruiser. It also comes with a 138-litre fuel tank to give a range of up to 465 miles.
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Volvo XC90 Armoured
There’s no ambiguity in the naming of this Volvo. The XC90 Armoured comes with 1400kg of extra protection that includes 10mm thick steel plates around the entire passenger cell. There are strengthened roof and floor panels, plus 50mm thick glass with a polycarbonate layer inside to protect occupants from glass fragments.
Built to VR8 standard, the XC90 Armoured also comes with a self-sealing fuel tank, run-flat tyres and emergency exit. Uprated brakes and suspension cope with the 4.5-tonne weight, while the T6 model’s engine takes care of performance. All of this will set you back from £450,000.
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Zil 41052
Among Zil’s line-up of state limousines, the one to be in during an alert is the 41052. This is the armoured version and was built between 1988 and 2002 to ferry Soviet and then Russian presidents and high-ranking government officials and the president, including Mikhail Gorbachev.
The armour-plating was up to 10mm thick and the grenade-resistant glass measures up to 47mm thick. All of this helps account for the 41052’s 5.5-tonne weight and that required a 311bhp 7.7-litre V8 engine. Even so, 0-62mph took a leisurely 13 seconds and top speed was 118mph in this behemoth.
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