BMW: Frankfurt 2013

An armoured X5, a new M550d and an electric scooter at BMW. Don't forget the hybrids too...

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 10 September 2013 / Loading comments

Keen to ensure the VW Group doesn't claim all the hybrid plaudits over the next few days, BMW has chosen Frankfurt for the global joint premiere of its 'i' range. We've been impressed by the

already and the

promises to offer something genuinely innovative in the supercar segment.

Plug-in X5 maintains BMW's green cred...

But for something you really don't see every day, have a look at this sentence: 'Offering all-round protection against violent assault, kidnapping and organised crime, this model therefore meets the needs of individuals... with enhanced security needs.'

These are the attributes offered by BMW's latest armoured SUV. The Concept X5 Security Plus, despite the nomenclature, looks ready to defend the world's good guys (and probably some bad ones) from their enemies on the road.

It's built around an armoured passenger cell with mouldings and panels that are specifically AK47-resistent. Sealed joints prevent any shrapnel from entering the cabin and a polycarbonate coating on the windows further boosts protection. For those who know about such things, it's been rated at protection level VR6.

... but the M550d may be our BMW favourite

Whilst the X5 Security Plus looks similar to a civilian model as standard (because anonymity can be a safety feature, remember), it can be kitted-out with LED strobe lights, roof beacons and a siren. And don't worry about the extra weight; whilst BMW doesn't quote an X5 Security Plus kerbweight, the only engine option is the 450hp turbocharged V8.

Though sharing a stand with the armoured X5, the C evolution scooter couldn't be much further apart on the BMW product spectrum. Its synchronous electric motor has a peak output of 47hp and a 75mph top speed, plus BMW claims a range of up to 62 miles. As its 8kWh battery is fairly small, the C evolution can be recharged through a domestic socket in four hours. Could it be the future of urban scooters?

Finally, as if needing to further offset the profligate Security Plus, BMW is introducing a 74mpg plug-in hybrid X5 eDrive plus a 518d as part of the revised 5 Series range at Frankfurt. The latter will be one for fleet bosses the country over, whilst those purchasing their own 5 Series may be keen on the revised M550d range, the original of which rather impressed Monkey back in 2012.