Bulletproof cars are technically called armoured cars that are built or modified to protect passengers from specific security or ballistic threats. Such armouring includes adding features such as ballistic glass, upgraded brakes and suspension, stronger doors, run-flat tyres and sometimes a protected compartment for the passenger. Bulletproof cars in India have a growing market where private buyers and public figures choose armoured vehicles for their protection.
Bulletproof car price in India depends on the specifications, protection level (BR or VR), customisation or the vehicle itself. The popular choices are SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner or the Toyota Land Cruiser that are often professionally converted, or the BMW 7 Protection and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard that are factory-built. In this blog, you will see the general overview of armoured cars in India, popular models, their protection level, price and specifications of the top 5 bulletproof cars in India.
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List of Bulletproof Cars in India
Bulletproof cars in India are either factory-built or specially converted by professional conversion companies. The table below contains the popular bulletproof cars in India, their protection level, tentative mileage and price range. The mileage of these cars may vary, especially for those that are converted for protection.
| Car | Protection Level | Mileage | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Audi Q7 (Armoured) | BR6/B6+ | 5-7 Km/l | Rs. 85 lakh–1.2 crore |
| BMW X5 (Protected) | VR6 | 11.24 Km/l | Rs. 74.9 lakhs –1.2 crore |
| BMW 7 Protection | VR9 | 8-10 Km/l | Rs. 16 crores onwards |
| Ford Endeavour (Armoured) | BR4–VR7 | 7-9 Km/l | Rs. 1–1.5 crore |
| Lexus LX | BR7–VR9 | 6-8 Km/l | Rs. 3.5–5 crore |
| Mahindra Scorpio (Armoured) | BR4 – NIJ III | 9-12 Km/l | Rs. 70 lakh–1.2 crore |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard | VPAM VR10 | 6-7.5 Km/l | Rs. 10–12 crore |
| Toyota Fortuner (Armoured) | BR4–VR7 | 6-8 Km/l | Rs. 1–1.5 crore |
| Toyota Innova Crysta (Armoured) | BR4–BR6 | 8-10 Km/l | Rs. 80 lakh–1.2 crore |
| Toyota Land Cruiser | BR4–BR7 | 6-8 Km/l | Rs. 2.5–4 crore |
The armoured cars mentioned above are the popular options in India. The protection level differs with the type of customisation for the cars that are not factory-built. Among these, the top 5 options are Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard, Toyota Land Cruiser, BMW 7 Protection, Toyota Fortuner, and Lexus LX that are often used for high-security VVIP protection. We will see the details about each of these bulletproof cars.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard is one of the best bulletproof cars in India that the company claims to have the highest civilian protection level, or VR10. It can withstand shrapnel, explosive charges, and even rifle fire. Its protection details are integrated into its design, as seen in its latest model, S 680 GUARD 4MATIC. Its protection includes run-flat tyres, reinforced doors, an emergency fresh air system, and a fire extinguisher.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard latest model has a power and torque of 612 PS and 830 Nm, respectively. It is heavier with the protective details; therefore, it has lower mileage. Its specifications are,
- Engine: 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-6 turbo-petrol
- Transmission: Automatic
- Mileage: 6-7.5 Km/l
- Airbags: 10-12
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 4-5
- Body Type: 4-Door armoured luxury sedan
Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the best converted bulletproof SUVs in India. Its strong build and higher ground clearance make it suitable for a conversion where it can retain its practicality and carry the extra weight. Its mechanical strength is one of its strong features. Its All-Wheel Drive is more convenient and capable for driving on different road conditions.
Toyota Land Cruiser Specifications
The Land Cruiser upgrades its suspension with heavy-duty coil springs and specific shock absorbers to carry the extra weight. It comes with a fuel tank shield and ballistic steel protecting its battery. The other key specifications are,
- Engine: 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo engine
- Transmission: 10-Speed automatic
- Mileage: 6-8 Km/l
- Airbags: 10 airbags
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 4-5 seats
- Body Type: 5-Door station Wagon
Also Read: Best Luxury Cars in India
BMW 7 Protection
The BMW 7 Protection is a factory-built VR9 armoured car in India. The protective details are integrated into the design to make its appearance regular and comfortable. Its VR9-level protection can guard against ballistic threats and is blast-resistant. Its cabin is made of armoured steel with a self-supporting body. This armoured sedan has multi-layer protective glass as well.
BMW 7 Protection Specifications
The key specifications of BMW 7 Protection are as follows.
- Engine: High-power petrol with different specifications
- Transmission: Automatic
- Mileage: 6.7 Km/l
- Airbags: 7 airbags
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: 4-Door luxury armoured sedan
Toyota Fortuner (Armoured)
The Toyota Fortuner is an armoured SUV with a strong ladder-frame build, high ground clearance, and is most suitable for converting into a bulletproof car in India. The bulletproof Toyota Fortuner will have ballistic steel, reinforced doors, bullet-resistant glass, run-flat tyres, etc.
Toyota Fortuner (Armoured) Specifications
The Toyota Fortuner has a powerful engine which will be useful with the added weight after its conversion. Its key specifications are,
- Engine: 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo engine
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic depending on the main vehicle
- Mileage: 6-8 Km/l
- Airbags: 7 airbags
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 7 seats
- Body Type: SUV
Also Read: Top Selling SUVs in India
Lexus LX
The premium luxury SUV Lexus LX is quite suitable for highly specialised armouring. It has a 4-Wheel drive with strong construction. It can have multilayered glass, ballistic steel, upgraded suspension, as well as brake systems that function well. It provides a high level of security with luxury.
Lexus LX Specifications
The turbo engine of the Lexus LX can produce better power and torque even after the heavy-weight additions for protection. The following are its main specifications.
- Engine: 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo engine
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Mileage: 6-8 Km/l
- Airbags: 10 airbags
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Seating Capacity: 5 seats
- Body Type: Premium SUV
Bulletproof Cars in India Summary
There are different types of bulletproof cars in India. It can be factory-built models such as Mercedes S-Class Guard India that can have the highest level of protection, VR10. The other is the converted options, where cars like Toyota Fortuner and Lexus LX are professionally converted into bulletproof cars. While the Toyota Fortuner is one of the reliable models for bulletproofing, the cheapest bulletproof car in India can be the Mahindra Scorpio with a lower level of protection.
These bulletproof cars can be a luxury sedan or mostly premium SUVs, which are known for their higher ground clearance and superior power and torque. As the customisation adds around 200- 1000 kg, such powerful engines are highly beneficial. The specific additions such as steel body, bulletproof glass, etc depend on the customer’s requirements. It is such additions that determine the level of protection. The bulletproof car cost ranges from 75 lakhs to as high as Rs. 16 crores in India. These cars will also have a higher maintenance cost.
Also Read: Low-Maintenance Luxury Cars in India: Top Picks
FAQs About Bulletproof Cars in India
Q. Is it legal for a civilian to own a bulletproof car in India?
Yes, a civilian can legally own a bulletproof car in India. But there’ll be rules and regulations to follow. In case you are altering a vehicle, it must be compliant with the regulations, require approval from the authorities concerned, and must be tested by specified testing agencies. Alternatively, the testing can be done by authorised manufacturers.
Q. How is a bulletproof car different from an armoured car?
A bulletproof car and an armoured car are the same. The technical term is armoured car, which can withstand certain types of bullets as well. The protection is intended to protect against a variety of threats, not just bullets. The armouring is multi-layered and covers the body, glass, the brake system and the suspension. Bulletproof is just a popular term; the proper technical term for this process is armouring.
Q. Why are bulletproof cars so expensive in India?
An armoured vehicle will have specialised materials, such as reinforced doors, multilayer glass, and other features added to its frame. This costs much more than ordinary cars. These cars are also subject to multiple tests and processing. Moreover, the factory-built cars will need extensive development as well. These factors add to the cost of the car. The cost of bulletproofing a car in India can be from Rs. 12 lakhs to up to Rs. 1 crore.
Q. What are the different protection levels of bulletproof cars in India?
The protection levels in armoured cars can be BR or VR. BR stands for Ballistic Resistance and is available from BR1 to BR7. VR ratings are as per European protection standards and offer more protection than the BR levels. VR protection ranges from VR1 to VR10.
Q. Which bulletproof car is most popular in India?
Toyota Fortuner is India’s most popular bulletproof car. Its strong platform and wider service network is a popular choice. Toyota Land Cruiser is another common car for adding additional higher-end security features. The Fortuner is more practical and affordable than converting a sedan.
Q. How does bulletproof glass work?
Bulletproof glass is made of multiple layers. The transparent material is usually made of polycarbonate. The impact on this glass will be absorbed by its different layers, and rather than piercing the glass, the impact is spread, causing cracks in the glass. But it can retain its protective structure. It is often said to have a splinter-protection layer, as seen in the BMW 7.
Q. Is the fuel tank of bulletproof cars protected?
The fuel tank in bulletproof cars can be protected, but it is not common across all cars. It does not come with the converted car by default. The fuel tank protection includes protecting the tank, its fuel lines, and protection for other associated components. Such protection depends on individual customisation and protection levels. It must be specifically opted for.
Q. Why are bulletproof cars heavier?
Bulletproofing a car means adding additional features to its existing structure, leading to an increase in its weight. The added features include doors containing ballistic steel, reinforced hinges, and thicker glass with multiple layers, upgraded brake and suspension systems, etc, that are heavier than standard features. Moreover, they often require stronger hinges and other mechanisms for smooth operation. All of these can lead to an increase in the overall weight of 200-1000 Kg, depending on the additions.
Q. Which cars are easier to convert into armoured cars in India?
The usual choices for converting into armoured cars are SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mahindra Scorpio. Their stronger body can carry the additional weight, making them the popular choice. Their powerful engines have higher torque. This is helpful to maintain good performance even with the weight of the added features.
Q. Are there any special maintenance needs for a converted car?
Yes, the armoured cars need additional maintenance for their added features and their smoother functioning. It requires specialised technicians who understand the changes. The cars will need periodic service as the modified features can experience more stress than ordinary cars. Moreover, the bulletproof car maintenance cost will also be much higher, and will cost more for any replacements as well.
Q. Can the converted cars be used for daily driving?
Yes, as long as you have followed all regulations and have fulfilled every necessity for approval, an armoured or converted car can be used for everyday driving. However, such cars can be heavier than their ordinary models. Therefore, it may not get the same mileage. The mileage of converted cars is always lower, and most of them can hardly clock a mileage of 7-8 Km/l.
Q. What do run-flat tyres mean?
Run-flat tyres have some reinforced structures inside them that allow them to continue moving for a limited distance even when the tyre pressure is lost. It helps in emergencies and do not leave the vehicle stranded.
