You're looking for some added security. You're a recent dot-com millionaire, the latest Powerball jackpot recipient, or just plain paranoid. Or, perhaps somebody has it in for you. How can you make that trip to the supermarket, if you always have to worry about getting "whacked"? Fortunately, BMW has the answer. It's called the 7-series "protection".

Recognizing the increased worldwide market for armored transportation, last year BMW began offering bullet-resistant versions of the 7-series. These armored "protection" vehicles include all the niceties of the regular BMW flagship, and the additional feature of being able to withstand gunfire from up to a .44 Magnum weapon. Also included in the package is a beefed-up suspension, run-flat tires, and a digital cell phone and navigation system.

Very few of these cars are produced, and even fewer make it to the US. An example, in Jet Black (what else?), sits on the showroom floor at Inskip

The first thing that struck me upon first seeing the car was how close it looks to an ordinary 740. You really can't tell the difference, unless you open the doors, which are extremely heavy. Rick rolled the front steel-reinforced window down a bit (the rear windows are fixed), to demonstrate the thickness of the bullet-resistant glass.

The car weighs in at 4700 pounds, and commands a $30,000 premium for the Protection model, putting it right around 100 grand. I asked Rick if anyone expressed interest in buying the bulletproof BMW. He explained that the only Rhode Island interest, so far, has come from the office of [a notable Rhode Island politician].

The car is believed to be the only new Protection vehicle currently for sale in North America. If you've been in the market for an armored car, this is your chance.
This is real great car!