The FBI confirmed that it is replacing the Chevrolet Suburban with the armored BMW X5 Protection VR6 as the new personal transport vehicle for Kash Patel, the agency’s director.
According to Forbes, the FBI ordered “an unspecified number of luxury armored BMW X5s for Patel’s use,” a decision described by agency spokespeople as focused on both cost reduction and security.
Although the switch has drawn some criticism, Patel said the BMW X5 is less “conspicuous” and would allow him to move more discreetly than directors using the updated Chevrolet Suburbans in the past.
The BMW X5 Protection VR6, in particular, is built on the fourth-generation X5 platform and comes factory-equipped with protection measures, including an armored body capable of shielding occupants from bullets of various calibers, including AK-47 rounds.
Traditionally vulnerable components are reinforced. For example, the X5 Protection VR6 is reportedly able to survive explosions of up to 15 kilograms of TNT at nearly 4 meters, with BMW’s Post-Explosion Protection Technology defending against secondary attacks.
Even in the case of explosions, the German manufacturer emphasizes that the windows will remain intact. Additionally, the X5 Protection VR6 has a self-sealing fuel tank with a specialized coating that “seals after being hit by a bullet to prevent any fuel leakage.”
It’s quite a vehicle, one that could even be James Bond’s car. But it’s worth noting that Patel was recently accused of using an FBI jet for a personal trip to Pennsylvania, where his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, was performing. Patel, however, called the accusation “unfounded.”
Photos: BMW. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
