No doubt, security and protection are high on the priority list, particularly when it comes to hosting foreign heads of state and dignitaries at an important regional summit. As such, for the recent 2026 ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, the event’s Official Mobility partner, BMW distributor, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. pulled all the stops and brought in the best in their stable. That vehicle is the BMW 760i Protection.

25 of these specially armored 7-series units were borrowed and imported to the country just for the event, sourced from the fleet of BMW Protection in Germany. BMW says the sedan is VR-9 rated and is capable of protect occupants from ballistics, explosives, and even chemical attacks. The vehicle is designed to look as discreet as possible in order not to arouse suspicion from attackers.

It is, however, fitted with the top-of-the-line security features BMW’s Protection division can offer. The 760i Protection is built and constructed with armor from the factory floor, not armored after the fact. It features BMW Protection Core, which covers the entire structure of the sedan in armored steel.

It has three-dimensionally engineered elements that are made from hot-formed steel alloys that act as a self-supporting cell. Combined with armored doors, a protected underbody, and safety glass all around, the BMW 760i Protection safeguards from all directions. Its windows can protect occupants against fire from high-caliber rifles that use the 7.62x54 R ammunition, one of the strongest calibers available with even more penetrating power than a 7.62x51 NATO round. Should attackers opt for tear gas or a chemical attack, the 760i Protection also has its own limited oxygen supply for occupants.

The BMW 760i Protection also offers protection from explosives, such as grenades, IEDs, and other types of ordinance. Should the fuel tank be ruptured or damaged, it has self-sealing technology to address the puncture. It also has run-flat tires, using Michelin’s PAX bead lock technology and tires, which allows the car to continue to drive up to 80 km/h even with a total loss of tire pressure.

As one can imagine, all this armoring and protection makes it heavier than a regular 7-Series. In fact, it weighs almost 4,000-kg, 1,500-kg more than the i7 EV. As such, this vehicle uses a 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system that produces 536-hp and 750-Nm. It is then mated to an xDrive intelligent AWD system and an 8-speed automatic. It’s no slouch and can go from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h. BMW also beefed up the suspension and brakes, with M Sport parts, to handle the additional weight of armoring.

Despite all this protection, the 760i Protection still offers the pinnacle of luxury inside. Despite the heavy armoring, all boor windows are still power assisted and can be raised and lowered with the push of a button. The rear windows even feature retractable blinds. Passengers get quilted seats, a small screen to manage their personal climate space and seat settings, as well as provisions to charge their devices.

While in the Philippines, the vehicles were driven by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who were briefed on the characteristics and abilities of the vehicles.

These special units have to return to Germany for other important functions in Europe. However, they will return when the ASEAN Summit continues in Manila later this year.

These special units are not for sale. However, customers that want to purchase a  7-Series Protection for themselves should know that it starts at P50 million, with prices varying depending on the features and protection systems requested. The unit will be delivered at least 6 months after the order is placed.