The wraps come off both the new electric and revamped petrol-driven versions of the i7 Protection at the International Motor Show in Munich at the beginning of September.
The move means BMW is the first volume manufacturer to offer a luxury EV saloon designed to withstand a terrorist attack. The car, possibly the world's safest electric, is only available in Europe initially.
So far only a few petrol-hybrid limos have been converted for armoured transport by specialist firms. Mercedes offers only armoured limos with combustion-engine power.
Drive in the electric i7 comes from two electric motors on the front and rear axles with a combined output of 400kW/544hp.
The armour is designed to withstand a bombardment with explosive charges and being shot at with firearms of various kinds. The vehicle can be supplied with blue light system or fire extinguishing systems as well as an intercom.
The car is deliberately hard to tell apart from the standard version but can be recognised by the thicker and darker safety windows.
From a standstill, the bulky electric i7 can speed away from pursuers in 9 seconds from 0 to 100kph, despite all the heavy armour-plating. Top speed is electronically limited at 160kph.
The 20-inch wheel set has a Pax system with run-flat properties, which allows the car to continue driving at up to 80kph even if the tyres are shot to pieces.
The 5.39-metre-long electric i7 is built at BMW's main Dingolfing plant in Germany, with initial customer deliveries set for December. No price has been given, but expect significantly more than the regular i7's price tag of at least €115,000 (RM579,000).
