Volvo Unveils Armoured SUV in South Africa, Yours For R2.5 Million

Volvo Car South Africa has introduced a specially designed armoured variant of its flagship XC90 SUV to the lineup, with pricing starting at R2.5 million. This unique model provides customers with the discreet option of ordering ballistic protection directly from the Swedish luxury manufacturer.

The armoured XC90 is equipped with certified 360-degree ballistic protection, adhering to the NIJ-IIIA standard, all while ensuring comfort and performance are maintained. The vehicle undergoes ballistic certification tests based on the NIJ-IIIA standard and VPAM BRV 2009 standard (B4), ensuring its resilience against handgun fire.

All armouring materials, including reinforced laminated glass, high-strength steel plating, and specialized aramid composites, are seamlessly integrated into the SUV’s original design to offer protection without altering its appearance. The XC90’s Scandinavian styling exudes both luxury and subtlety, designed to avoid unnecessary attention.

Despite the additional weight of around 300 kg due to the armouring, the XC90’s chassis and braking system have been optimized to preserve the SUV’s core properties, aligning with those of the standard model.

Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, acknowledged the growing global demand for armoured vehicles and emphasized that the armoured XC90 caters to the needs of a select group seeking enhanced protection. The special derivative retains Volvo’s standard five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and includes a maintenance plan.

The local pricing for this armoured XC90 version starts at R2.5 million, including VAT.