BMW announced the newest model in its ‘Protection’ series this season. The 7-Series joins the armored class of the automaker’s bulletproof lineup.

Adding a contemporary executive-level performance sedan to the Protection fleet should pay off for BMW. The automaker’s designers took special care to diverge minimally with the regular production 7-Series; due to interior armoring, the exterior looks all but identical, and interior luxury features allay the unease represented by the necessity of the Protection suite.

Regarding the latter: the 7-Series Protection is outfitted with, the automaker says, ‘the highest level of protection against ballistic attacks or explosions.’ ‘Protection Core’, the foundation of the treatment, is supported by 20-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, and a special interior touch system.

Optional features for the BWM 7-Series Protection include an emergency exit feature and a lights and beacons kit, available with or without audible warning. Other options overlap with the regular production 7-Seires, of course, and include BMW’s ‘Iconic Glow’ headlamps.

BWM’s Protection lineup also includes the X5 Protection VR6.