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When photos of a sleek BMW carrying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim surfaced online, some assumed it was his brand-new official car
In reality, it's an existing government asset: a purpose-built armoured vehicle built to protect its occupants from military-grade threats. Here is everything you need to know about the heavily fortified sedan.
1. The vehicle is not the prime minister's new official car
The Prime Minister's Department has clarified that the vehicle belongs to the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA).
It is a pre-existing state asset typically reserved for visiting foreign heads of state and government to meet international diplomatic protocols. The Royal Malaysia Police recommended its temporary use by the prime minister, as his official car is currently undergoing routine maintenance.
2. It is a highly specialised BMW 7 Series Protection model disguised as a standard sedan
To the untrained eye, the vehicle spotted at the Teksi Madani launch appears to be a standard, pre-facelifted G70 BMW 7 Series sedan fitted with slightly smaller 20-inch Style 905 alloy wheels.
However, a closer inspection reveals unusually thick black frames surrounding the windscreens and windows, along with noticeably thicker tyres.
The vehicle is actually a factory-built BMW 7 Series Protection, which has been heavily reinforced by the automaker to withstand high-calibre ballistic threats, targeted sniper fire, and close-range explosions.
3. The unique "Protection Core" offers certified resistance against sniper fire and drone strikes
The manufacturing process for this discrete fortress takes place directly at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany rather than through local assembly lines.
It relies on the innovative BMW Protection Core, a unique body structure constructed for the first time from hot-formed armoured steel. Germany's Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM) officially certified the chassis with a VR9 bullet and explosive resistance rating.
The specialised safety glass achieves the highest VPAM 10 rating, enabling it to withstand heavy 7.62x54mm R sniper and machine gun ammunition.
4. The sedan features high-tech self-sealing fuel systems and proprietary run-flat tyres
To prevent the vehicle from becoming stranded during an ambush, BMW equipped the sedan with a specialised self-sealing fuel tank. If a bullet punctures the shell, the material automatically seals itself to prevent any catastrophic fuel loss or fire hazards.
Also, the unassuming Michelin Primacy 4 tyres conceal a proprietary solid-ring PAX run-flat technology developed by the French tyre manufacturer. Rather than relying on stiff sidewalls like conventional passenger run-flats, this internal mechanical ring allows the heavy vehicle to safely escape danger on completely flat tyres at speeds reaching up to 80km/h.
5. A twin-turbo V8 engine provides massive firepower to counteract the immense weight of the armour
While the German automaker offers this armoured vehicle with a fully electric powertrain, the quad tailpipes on this particular petrol-powered unit confirm that it is powered by an S68 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
Supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the powertrain generates a commanding 530PS and 750Nm of torque delivered through a standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The immense heft of the structural plating adds significant weight, meaning the car takes 6.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100km/h, exactly 2.4 seconds slower than a standard 760i, before topping out at a maximum speed of 210km/h.
6. The interior incorporates bespoke tactical modifications, including a dedicated "spy" seating view
The cabin blends absolute security with executive luxury, featuring multifunction seats upholstered in premium Merino leather. The automated doors operate without traditional outward-presenting buttons to eliminate any risk of external sabotage or forced entry during a security event.
The roller sun shades feature a unique "spy" configuration position. This discreet adjustment allows its occupants to closely observe the external surroundings while remaining completely shielded from public view. For added tactical presence, the exterior features almost-invisible blue flashing grille lights alongside official flag holders.
