Armoured Range Rover Sentinel announced

The Special Vehicle Operations division of Jaguar Land Rover has developed a high-security version of the standard-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography, offering VR8-standard protection from ballistic threats.

Named the Range Rover Sentinel, the armoured SUV makes its debut at the Defence and Security Equipment International Show in London later this month.

That VR8 rating makes the Range Rover Sentinel competitive with armoured versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the previous generation of BMW 7 Series. 

And it places SVO in direct competition with Mercedes-AMG, which also offers armoured versions of its G-Class and GL SUVs.

The Sentinel can withstand 7.62mm high-velocity, armour piercing incendiary rounds, fired from high-power assault rifles and firearms of similar deadliness. Additionally, the Sentinel protects its occupants from 15kg of TNT or DM51 grenades exploding underneath or above the vehicle.

A six-piece cell formed from super-high-strength steel is complemented by multi-laminated glass to achieve the VR8 rating. Despite the added weight, the Range Rover Sentinel can still transport a payload of up to 650kg. Land Rover has reconfigured the vehicle's stability control and suspension control systems for the mission critical application. The suspension hardware has been beefed up also, and the Sentinel also scores an anti-tamper exhaust, a self-sealing fuel tank, auxiliary back-up battery and a split charging system.

Other bespoke features include a 100mm slot in the driver's window for document delivery, smash-resistant glass in the luggage compartment to keep the cabin secure, and an emergency escape system behind the rear seats in the event the side doors cannot be opened.

Run-flat tyres on 20-inch exclusive alloy wheels are standard, and the ZF eight-speed transmission coupled to the supercharged V6 has been recalibrated for the protective role.

As options, buyers can order the Sentinel with fire suppression systems, a siren, emergency service lights and an external speaker system.

"The Range Rover Sentinel is one of the most extraordinary Range Rovers ever produced," said John Edwards, MD of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations.

"It has been expertly engineered by Special Vehicle Operations to provide class leading levels of protection to occupants against extreme attack, whilst retaining the Range Rover's luxury and refinement with off road capability."

Priced to sell for around €400,000, the Range Rover Sentinel is "aimed primarily at export markets", according to the manufacturer. Land Rover is already taking orders for the armoured SUV, and offering full driver training with every vehicle sold.