BMW has been providing armoured limousines for Aussie prime ministers since the Holden Caprice was replaced in 2014, and now the latest version of the high-security luxo barge has been revealed in the form of the Concept 7 Protection, which can brush off blasts from a .44 Magnum.

Based on the current generation of BMW’s top-of-the-line sedan, the Concept 7 is built to the VR9 protection standard, which means it must be able to withstand hazards like fire from sniper rifles and explosive blasts at close range. The model can also be optioned to meet the even tougher VR10 standard.

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Thick, bulletproof glass is an obvious starting point for the Protection’s security features, which also include ballistic steel and fibre-reinforced composites in the doors, and overlaps in the tough materials used in the glass, panels and doors to ensure gunshots and explosives can’t exploit any weaknesses.

Should the federal government decide to buy one for Albo, he’ll also be able to communicate with the outside world via an intercom system while the doors and windows are secured in the event of an emergency. There’s also an attack alarm system that triggers visual and sound alerts. 

The Concept 7 Protection looks remarkably like a non-armoured 7 Series, but there are subtle differences, like the redesigned rear triangular windows, which have been reinforced. And while the standard vehicle’s panoramic glass sunroof remains, that too has been substantially toughened with protective layers.

All that armour will obviously add a significant amount to the already hefty 2450kg kerb weight of the M760e xDrive edition it’s based on. While BMW doesn’t offer specs for the Concept 7, its predecessor was more than 1500kg heavier than the standard car. The M760e gets 450kW from the 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six engine paired with an electric motor to make a total of 800Nm, which should help haul all that protective gear. 

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Inside, the limousine packs the sort of luxury prime ministers and corporate top dogs would expect, including BMW’s Individual Merino leather with Alcantara enhancements. Powered sunblinds deliver privacy and there’s a new rear console with a folding table that features a wireless charging tray, plus a cool box.

When WhichCar by Wheels took a look at the Aussie PM’s limo just after Albo took office in May 2022, we wrote that the vehicle cost more than $500,000 and packed 6cm-thick polycarbonate windows, armoured plates as thick as 10cm, and sensors that can detect toxic gases.

Albo’s Beemer, which uses C1 numberplates, also has compartments for concealing weapons, bespoke Michelin tyres that can still operate after taking multiple gunshots, the capacity to seal off the cabin and pump in two hours’ worth of oxygen, and a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 making 400kW and 750Nm.