Volvo Cars’ products are renowned for their safety. For example, each of the Swedish marque’s models currently available in SA boasts a five-star safety ratings, with most scoring near 100 per cent and 90 per cent for adult occupant and child occupant safety, respectively. That’s impressive.
However, the company’s focus on safety started many, many years ago — more than six decades, to be more precise. So, let’s take a quick walk back in history…
Although Nash motors commercialised the seatbelt in 1949, it was Volvo Cars who pioneered the seatbelt as we know it today. Indeed, in the following years, the Swedish marque would hone the design and, a decade after, sold the first car fitted with a three-point seatbelt. But that’s not all, the Gothenburg-based brand made this safety system available available to car manufacturers around the globe.
So, everybody knows a Volvo vehicle is safe. However, what if you wanted a Volvo that’s a bit safer. Let’s say, a Volvo that can block bullets? Well, look no further. Volvo Cars South Africa has introduced an armoured XC90 to its portfolio.
But can you spot the armouring? Probably not. It’s been discreetly applied. So nobody will ever know that you are driving a bulletproof Volvo.
The armoured XC90 is equipped with B4 level of protection. That’s to say it will stop handgun bullets in their tracks. The 360-degree ballistic protection fitted to the XC90 features high-strength steel plating, special aramid composites, and reinforced laminated glass. In addition, the chassis set-up and braking system have been upgraded to support the additional weight (around 300 kg, Volvo says).
“We’ve noted a rising demand for armoured vehicles both globally and here in South Africa, with the Volvo Cars Special Vehicles division having received numerous requests to develop an XC90 with ballistic protection over the past few years. The addition of this special derivative to our local range means we can now provide a factory-backed solution to select individuals who desire that extra layer of protection,” said Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director.
So, how much will the armoured XC90 set you back? Well, in short, form R2.5 million. A five-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan are included.