Car... or tank?
This armoured Volvo SUV has a secret escape hatch and can withstand an explosion
For decades, Volvo's made the most robust models with the highest protection standards cars can have. But it's latest model takes it to a whole new level. It's called the XC90 Armoured. It might look like any other big Volvo SUV but it's a 4.5-tonne fortress on wheels that will shield its occupants from gunfire and explosives. It even offers them a secret escape route if they come under attack.
But while it might guarantee your welfare in a battle zone, the £450,000 asking price could blow a bank account into smithereens.
This is the first Volvo to ever be awarded with a VPAM VR8 protection rating. Why's that important? Because it's only granted to vehicles that has 360-degree ballistic and explosive resistance.
Volvo says customers have been asking for it to make an armoured car for years, and now it can supply one to those who require 'heightened protection', says Stephan Green, marketing director at Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.
His department - based in Torslanda in Sweden - starts with a Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription model and retrofits it into a tank.
'Production is classified, with stringent procedures and oversight in place in order to attain the stipulated ballistic requirements,' says Green.
But he does reveal some of the bombproof specifications. For instance, the high- strength steel armour plating is 10mm thick and the window glass is 50mm deep to withstand bullets.
All of this extra protection does mean more bulk, though. The armour adds approximately 1,400kg to the XC90, which brings the total weight of the car up to 4,490kg - inclusive of five occupants.
To cope with the increased weight, the car is fitted with upgraded suspension and new brakes.
Other modifications include a ear- splitting horn and secret escape hatch hidden behind the centre seat in the second row. Slip through the gap and there's an emergency boot release so the underthreat individual can make a run for it.
'Production is carried out with extreme diligence, which is imperative in order to fulfill the exceptionally high requirements placed on this class of security product,' Green added.
'We strive to ensure that the car retains its properties despite the extensive armouring. The armour is fitted discreetly to make the car barely distinguishable from a standard XC90. Every customer also has their own unique requirements, which we satisfy by means of customised production.'