In a world where safety is uncertain, luxury automotive companies have taken advantage of a market opportunity by manufacturing armored cars. These luxury armored vehicles do not come cheap though.
Take a look at the five most luxurious:
5. Audi A8 L
Audi claims the 2015 A8 L Security is the most secure vehicle they have ever manufactured. The A8 L Security combines luxury with a VR 9 ballistic certificate while also meeting requirements to be a certified Explosive Resistant Vehicle. In other words, the A8 L Security can withstand a variety of ballistics – including high powered machine guns and explosives.
The A8 L also offers several technologically-advanced safety features including an intercom system used to communicate with people outside of the vehicle without the driver being placed in a dangerous situation, an emergency exit and a fresh air system that blocks outside air from seeping into the vehicle in the event of a bio-chemical attack, and to top it off, the A8 has an auto-start option allowing the driver to remotely start and maneuver the vehicle.
4. Knight XV Truck
As mentioned in our previous blog post “NBA Player’s Cars: The 5 Most Expensive”, the Knight XV is not only one of the most luxurious armored vehicles, but also one of the hardest to get your hands on since only one hundred were manufactured. The handcrafted armored SUV is capable of withstanding a variety of small military-style attacks. You can check out this ballistic test chart specifying exactly what the vehicle’s body resistance is against different types of ammunitions.
The Knight XV is massive, measuring 20 feet long, 8.2 feet wide, and 8.3 feet tall. This vehicle is so large it could crush a hummer. Tim Chapman, President of Conquest Vehicles, notes that the interior of the vehicle is fully customizable, giving owners a true feeling of personalization and luxury.
3. BMW 760Li High Security
BMW claims that it offers the highest possible level of protection in the armored-luxury sedan market. This 7 series is fully VR7 ballistic protection compliant, meaning it can withstand shots from multiple weapons, explosives, and even hand grenades.
The beauty of this vehicle is its discrete armor. The 760Li still looks and feels like the standard 7 series, it even includes several luxury options that the BMW flagship line offers. The armored vehicle also includes an on-board fire-fighting system which allows passengers to store automatic weapons in order to defend themselves against attacks.
If that doesn’t make you feel safe enough, the 760Li also offers an emergency exit and protection against fire hazards in the engine and under the vehicle. Like the Audi A8 L series, it also has a fresh air system in the event of a toxic gas attack.
If you like to travel in class and comfort while simultaneously ensuring your safety against threats, then this is the luxury armored vehicle for you.
Take a look at BMWs High Security Vehicles video
2. Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne is armored by the Mulliner Division, which just happens to be the same company that manufacturers armored vehicles for Queen Elizabeth.
The armor on this vehicle is able to withstand an arsenal of gunfire, chemical assaults, and even explosives.
In addition to its armor, this ultra-luxurious Bentley is capable of traveling from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds – allowing for a quick getaway. Just make sure you always have enough fuel because this 6,000 pound luxury sedan only gets 11 mpg.
1. The Beast
The Beast is the ultimate armored vehicle fit for none other than the President of the United States. While technically still a Cadillac, the Beast possesses many state-of-the-art features not found in the mass-market consumer Cadillacs.
There is no better armored vehicle in the world. The armor plating is said to be eight-inches thick and its doors weigh as much as those on a Boeing 757 aircraft. Additionally, the Cadillac is entirely sealed from the outside in order to protect its passengers from a biochemical attack. The Beast also comes with some incredible perks such as: its own airplane, a specialized driver that is trained to the same degree as a professional racecar driver, and a miniature arsenal containing everything from gas canisters to grenade launchers.
The only downside to the Beast is its performance, taking a painful 15 seconds to hit 60 mph due to its weight of 8 tons.
Luxury is very subjective IMO. For some people, a Rolls Royce and a butler is luxury. For others however, a beaten-up old Hilux is luxury.
there are various armored vehicles which are counted in luxury category but are missing, I believe much research is necessary.