It was only a matter of time before mainstream car manufacturers were putting armoured vehicles on the market and Volvo has made this bold move with the XC90 Armoured. Although not the first of its kind, it has attracted a lot of attention. These vehicles have been designed to ‘provide safe and comfortable travel with a 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,” – Stephan Green, Marketing Director at Volvo Cars Special Vehicles.
With more turbulent times on the horizon, there is a growing market for armoured vehicles, worldwide and due to requests over the years, Volvo decided to move forward with an armoured XC90. With extensive experience in building police cars (they built their first back in 1929), fire engines and speciality vehicles, this was an obvious move for Volvo.
They started to develop a car with a VPAM VR8 protection rating just over two years ago. A VPAM VR8 certified rating means the car has 360-degree ballistic resistance as well as explosive resistance.
“The XC90 Armoured (heavy) with VR8* protection rating (VPAM BRV 2009/ERV 2010) enables us to offer a car that provides a high level of protection while retaining the car’s fundamental properties. Potential customers include security services who would use the car to transport high-profile individuals,” continues Green.
Due to its size and nature, the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD was the obvious choice to develop into an armoured vehicle which is built at the Torslanda plant in Sweden. After initial production, the car heads to TRASCO Bremen GmbH in Germany, who specialises 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 impressive steel armour is 10 millimetres thick and glass can be as deep as 50 millimetres. The added weight (1400kg) requires an upgraded suspension and brake system. The Volvo XC90 Armoured (heavy) is available to order now and the first customer deliveries will be made at the end of 2019. It helps that the vehicle also looks very cool and technologically, is very advanced.
“Production is carried out with extreme diligence, which is imperative 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.
A (light) version of the armoured vehicle has also been made available, built on the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription or XC90 T6 AWD Inscription and are aimed at a different market, for individuals or companies requiring a car with a higher level of protection due to a geographical risk or a heightened personal threat. This model is created for the Latin American and European markets where demand is highest. Volvo says they provide excellent protection against the threat of handguns. This vehicle will go on sale in the first half of 2020.
For more information contact your local Volvo dealer.
Written by Ian Cole for Client Voyage
