Based on the 644-horsepower version that BMW will discontinue this summer, the XM is an Emergency Vehicle for 7 Series Protection Cars and part of BMW’s offerings of unique Protection vehicles for more than 45 years.
The First Responder led the way, followed by the armored X5 and 7 Series, with the custom-wrapped example surely drawing a crowd. It is based on the 644-hp version that BMW plans to discontinue next summer. At that point, only the six-cylinder XM 50e and the XM Label will be left.
This exclusive event, taking place at the BMW Development Center in Sokolov, included about 50 people, some of whom were BMW reps from countries like the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Those Series Protection and X5 VR6 Protection vehicles were showcased, with the XM among the fleet.
This modified luxurious M SUV was changed to serve as an emergency vehicle, and joined others at the event, including those from the German police fleet, namely the i4 and the 5 Series Touring.
This showing is no surprise, as BMW has a long tradition of purpose-built vehicles that are typically seen at the RETTmobil, an annual event dedicated to speciality vehicles for emergency medicine and rescue services.
Perhaps the most primary focus at the event was on the heavily armored BMW 7 Series Protection, dubbed the G73, which was shown to selected bodyguards and security personnel. These participants are employed in special units in the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, and are charged with the security of the particularly vulnerable. Given this scenario, elements of the special driver training included demonstrations with explosions and escape maneuvers, providing a realistic and comprehensive training experience.
There were also several dynamic exercises participants took part in, including slalom and evasive maneuvers, acceleration, downhill, uphill driving and emergency braking.
The i7 Protection vehicle, known as the only electric car that combines both armor and strong sustainability, was also introduced by BMW and boasts plenty of interesting specs. For example, the additional armor adds more than 1,500 kilograms to a base i7 xDrive 60, and the vehicle now weighs in at 4,900 kg (10,800 lbs) with a range of 380 km. The door glass is roughly 3 inches thick, and despite its heaviness, the i7 can jump from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62) in about nine seconds.
Standing out due to its innovative Protection Core, the i7 Protection is distinguished from other conventional armored vehicles within the civilian market. And different than the typical approach of adding armor as an additional layer on the existing body, the Protection Core instead replaces the standard components with armor steel of the required strength. Deliveries of this vehicle began last year, and is among other armored vehicles, including the X5 Protection based on the X5 M60i with VR6 certification.
Making its way to Munich and rooted in uniqueness and power, the XM First Responder is truly leading the way in Protection vehicles. Visiting the iconic Welt museum, the XM is front and center. At your service! See what this crowd pleaser has to offer!
