6 Minutes
It sounds unbelievable at first: a BMW 7 Series listed for more than a brand-new Rolls‑Royce Ghost. There is a catch, and it explains the sky‑high asking price. This is no ordinary 7er for daily commuting; it is a factory-built, VR9‑rated armored limousine engineered for VIP security, executive transport, and high‑threat environments. The model is officially the BMW 760i xDrive Protection VR9, and its ballistic protection and life‑saving systems are the reason it carries a super‑luxury price tag.
What sets the Protection VR9 apart
From the outside the car looks discreet: glossy black paint, relatively modest wheels for its size and no flamboyant aftermarket body kit. The true difference is hidden beneath the surface — reinforced doors, multi-layered armored plating and specially laminated windows that deliver full ballistic protection against armor‑piercing and high‑velocity 7.62mm rounds, including those fired from common assault rifles.
Beyond the armor, the 760i xDrive Protection VR9 incorporates a suite of protective technologies and mission‑critical systems designed to keep passengers alive and mobile during an attack or emergency evacuation.
Design and interior features
The exterior is understated on purpose; it favors discreet presence over ostentation. Inside, the car offers Rolls‑Royce‑level comfort in a BMW package. This example wears Black Sapphire paint and a black leather interior and includes BMW Individual accents for a bespoke feel.
Key luxury and convenience features include the Iconic Glow backlit kidney grilles, automatic trunk lid, soft‑close doors, and multi‑functional front and rear seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions. Climate comfort is handled by a four‑zone automatic system, while ambient lighting and sun protection glazing enhance the VIP cabin environment. A Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, digital radio, cool box and wireless charging pad round out the high‑end equipment list.
Practical luxury touches
- Massaging front and rear seats
- Ventilated seating and four‑zone climate control
- BMW Individual trim and M Sport extras
- Adaptive LED headlights and extensive passive safety systems
Security, armored systems and survivability
The Protection designation is not marketing speak; this car is built to withstand direct attack. Its VR9 rating indicates resistance to armor‑piercing rifle rounds and sustained high‑velocity impacts. Armoring includes reinforced door shells, thick multi‑layered glazing, and comprehensive structural plating to protect occupants in a variety of attack scenarios.
Additional defensive systems listed in the advertisement include:
- Spill‑resistant fuel tank
- External underbody splinter guard
- Automatic fire extinguishing system
- Independent fresh air supply and auxiliary heating
- Emergency engine start system and an intercom for secure communication
- Run‑flat tires mounted on 20‑inch wheels to enable escape under fire
These elements are essential for VIP protection vehicles, allowing occupants to shelter and evacuate safely while preserving mobility.
Photo: Hollmann
Performance and technical specifications
Under the hood the 760i xDrive retains BMW's potent 4.4‑liter twin‑turbocharged V8. Factory output is 536 horsepower (roughly 544 PS / 400 kW) and the standard unarmored sedan is capable of 0–60 mph in about 4.1 seconds. In a Protection VR9 conversion the mass increases substantially, so acceleration and agility are notably reduced compared with a stock 760i.
Official consumption and emissions figures quoted by the seller are approximately 15.7 mpg US combined (15 l/100 km), 9.8 mpg US city (24 l/100 km) and 19.6 mpg US highway (12 l/100 km), with CO2 emissions around 328 g/km. The listed car reportedly carries only delivery miles and is in new condition, ready for service.
Drive and handling considerations
Armoring changes the dynamics of any luxury sedan. Heavier curb weight impacts braking distances, cornering and acceleration. Manufacturers compensate with reinforced suspension, upgraded brakes and run‑flat capable wheels and tires to maintain acceptable ride quality and safety under load.
Market positioning and price comparison
Now for the headline number: the listed price for this BMW 760i xDrive Protection VR9 is €755,650 including tax, which at current rates equals roughly $885,000. Compare that to a standard new BMW 760i xDrive in the U.S., which starts near $124,700 without options and with no ballistic protection. A Rolls‑Royce Ghost, marketed as a more opulent alternative within the BMW Group family, begins at just over $350,000 in many markets.
That means one Protection VR9 could buy about seven standard 760i sedans or two brand‑new Ghosts. But price alone doesn't capture mission capability. Buyers of armored vehicles are purchasing security, life protection and specialized engineering rather than conventional luxury value for money.
Who is the buyer for an armored BMW 7 Series?
Typical buyers include heads of state, high‑profile executives, diplomats and individuals under credible threat. For the average driver an armored limousine is impractical and unnecessary; for those who require it, it can be priceless. If you're considering a vehicle like this, assess threat level, operational needs and maintenance expectations before purchase.
Conclusion
The BMW 760i xDrive Protection VR9 blends BMW engineering, V8 performance and VIP luxury with factory‑level ballistic protection. It is a niche, highly specialized vehicle that trades raw performance numbers for survivability and discretion. Listed through Hollmann.International, this example is aimed at a small group of buyers for whom safety and mission capability justify an extraordinary price. For the right owner — someone who values armored security, executive comfort and subtle presence — this armored 7 Series is worth serious consideration.
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