Volvo XC90 now available in armoured form
Volvo Cars Special Vehicles has released an armoured version of the XC90. In addition to providing safe and comfortable travel, this XC90 offers high level of personal protection for the occupants.
“We are proud to be able to offer these armoured cars. With our armoured cars, we can provide vehicles with a high level of personal security for individuals who require heightened protection.” says Stephan Green, Marketing Director at Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.
There is a growing global market for armoured vehicles at present. As a result an increasing number are manufactured with various protection ratings. We recently told you about an armoured Skoda Superb.
Volvo Cars has received numerous requests over the past few years to develop an armoured XC90. A certified VPAM VR8 rating means the car has 360-degree ballistic resistance as well as explosive resistance. Work to give the XC90 this certification began two years ago.
The armoured car is built on the Inscription version of the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD. The size and nature of the model are a good fit for undergoing the armouring process.
From its manufacture in the Torslanda plant, Sweden, the car is sent to TRASCO Bremen GmbH in Germany, a company which has specialised for many years in building high-quality vehicles with high protection ratings.
“Production is classified, with stringent procedures and oversight in place in order to attain the stipulated ballistic requirements,” says Green.
The high-strength steel armour is 10mm thick, while the thickness of the glass can be up to 50mm. This armour adds approximately 1,400kg to the XC90. The total weight of the car, including five occupants, is an eye-watering 4,490kg.To cope with the increased weight, the car is fitted with uprated suspension and new brakes.
“Production is carried out with extreme diligence, which is imperative in order to fulfil the exceptionally high requirements placed on this class of security product. 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,” says Green.
The Volvo XC90 Armoured is available to order now and the first customer deliveries will be made at the end of 2019.
Next year, Volvo Cars Special Vehicles will introduce a lighter version of the car. It will still offer protection for occupants, but is aimed at those for whom the heavy version detailed above may just be overkill.
