Luxuriously rough and tough

It’s no secret. BMWs aren’t exactly fare for all. In fact, one can safely say that BMWs strike at the core of a very niche and discerning market — one that has unique needs and preferences. As such, BMW Philippines is often faced with the unenviable task of anticipating the quirks and requirements of its rather "tough" target market. Ah, but here’s the rub — more often than not, BMW Philippines actually meets the sometimes almost unrealistic standards of its clients. Case in point — the recently launched BMW X5 Security.

Quite simply, the BMW X5 Security is an armored Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV, as BMW would like to distinguish it from other similarly equipped "utility vehicles"). Being a BMW, it naturally aims to please on every level — dynamic driving performance and dependable, high-level security included. Surprise, surprise, it actually does. Here’s how the Bavarian engineers did it — they integrated the armoring process to the X5’s industrial standard production process from the onset. The result is a vehicle that ensures optimum protection — even in areas that are not reached when armored retrofitting is done like window sills — even as it provides driving characteristics not unlike its non-armored brethren.

Despite its added heft, for example, none of the BMW X5 Security’s 4.4-liter 8-cylinder engine’s dynamic driving qualities are compromised. Acceleration is pegged at a healthy 7.8 seconds from a standstill to 100 km/h. Neither its steering response nor its body roll are affected much, either. Also, BMW’s patented xDrive all-wheel-drive system continues to allow the BMW X5 Security its workhorse-like demeanor off the roads. Needless to say, the smooth ride on well-paved roads continues to characterize the vehicle’s on-road prowess.

Consequently, the advantages of purchasing an X5 Security against that of a retrofitted rival include not only better driving dynamics, but also more practical fuel consumption numbers. This, plus the fact that the BMW X5 Security was purposely made almost indistinguishable from its non-armored counterpart make the SAV the perfect vehicle for those who require the protection but would also appreciate the relative anonymity (well, comparatively speaking, of course) and efficiency that this vehicle can provide.

Another plus is the BMW X5 Security’s ready availability through any of BMW Philippines’ authorized dealers. Interested parties may either call or walk up to either Prestige Cars BMW (Makati), Autohaus BMW (Libis-Quezon City), Klassik BMW (Araneta-Quezon Avenue), Autozentrum BMW (Alabang), Premiere Cars BMW (Pampanga) or Performance BMW (Cebu) and request for an appointment for a private presentation. Necessarily, the said dealers are also capable of meeting all the service requirements of the BMW X5 Security.

At the very discreet launch of the BMW X5 Security, where only The STAR and two other publications were invited, we personally witnessed just how high the benchmark for agility in sports activity vehicles has been set. Perhaps it’s high time the BMW X5 Security’s intended target market be made witness to it as well. Trust us. To say that the BMW X5 Security is impressive would be an understatement. The vehicle is luxurious, rough and tough on every level.