Known globally for its unwavering commitment to safety, Volvo Cars has expanded its specialized vehicle offerings to include factory-built, armored versions of its popular XC60 and XC90 SUVs. These "Protection" models are meticulously engineered to provide enhanced ballistic and blast protection while maintaining the discreet appearance and driving dynamics of their standard counterparts. Catering to high-risk individuals, corporate clients, and governmental agencies, Volvo's direct-from-factory armoring offers a unique proposition in the security vehicle market, combining renowned safety with comprehensive warranties and support.
From Standard Safety to Specialized Protection
Volvo's brand identity has been synonymous with safety innovations for decades, from pioneering the three-point seatbelt to advanced driver-assistance systems. This deep-rooted expertise in occupant protection has now extended into a niche but growing market: armored vehicles. Volvo is leveraging its engineering prowess to offer its own "Protection" line of SUVs, starting with the XC90 and later including the XC60.
Unlike third-party armored vehicle conversions, Volvo's approach involves integrating protection directly into the vehicle's manufacturing process. This ensures a seamless fit, optimal performance, and the full backing of a factory warranty.
The Engineering of Enhanced Security
Transforming a luxury SUV into a bullet-resistant fortress involves a complex and precise process:
Integrated Design: The armoring is not an afterthought but is carefully integrated into the car's original design. This ensures that the added protection doesn't compromise the vehicle's structural integrity, safety features, or aesthetic appeal.
Advanced Materials: Key to the protection are multiple layers of aramid, the same material used in bulletproof vests, which are meticulously placed around the sides, roof, and other vulnerable points of the vehicle. Custom-made stainless steel plates are also strategically used to reinforce the chassis, pillars, and overlaps, areas often overlooked by aftermarket modifiers.
Reinforced Glass: All windows are replaced with laminated, reinforced armored glass, which can be up to 0.7 inches (around 19mm) thick. Despite the significant thickness, Volvo claims these specialized windows do not interfere with the vehicle's sensors, cameras, or advanced driver-assistance systems. However, a practical consequence is that the rear windows are typically fixed and cannot be rolled down.
Structural and Performance Upgrades: The substantial additional weight of the armor (which can add as much as 705 pounds, or even significantly more for higher protection levels) necessitates crucial upgrades. The chassis is reinforced, brakes are made more powerful, and heavy-duty 20-inch wheels are fitted to handle the increased load and maintain dynamic stability.
Ballistic Certification: Volvo's armored SUVs are ballistically certified to stringent international standards, including the American NIJ IIIA and European VPAM 2009 standards. Volvo uniquely claims to be the only brand to simultaneously certify for both, providing 360-degree ballistic protection from various angles and distances. For the heaviest version of the XC90 Armored, the target protection rating is VPAM VR8, one of the highest possible for civilian armored vehicles.
Target Market and Advantages
Volvo's armored SUVs are aimed at a discerning clientele including:
High-risk individuals: Celebrities, business executives, and public figures requiring discreet personal protection.
Corporate clients: Companies with personnel operating in sensitive regions.
Governmental agencies: Diplomats, law enforcement, and security services.
A significant advantage of choosing a factory-built armored Volvo is the comprehensive warranty and service that comes directly from Volvo Cars. Unlike third-party conversions, owners can take their armored vehicle to a regular Volvo dealership for maintenance and repairs, simplifying the ownership experience. Furthermore, these vehicles are designed to be driven with a normal driver's license.
While Volvo's long history includes producing military vehicles and components for defense (through Volvo Defense, a separate unit focusing on trucks and heavy machinery), their current armored SUV offerings represent a strategic extension of their core passenger vehicle business, emphasizing safety and bespoke protection for a specialized market. This venture reinforces Volvo's reputation as a pioneer in safety, now providing peace of mind in even the most precarious of situations.