Audi reveals armoured A8 limo

The world is an increasingly dangerous place… That or the armoured car is now the must-have luxury car for the world's rich and famous.

Every luxury car maker of note offers a high-end bullet- and grenade-proof vehicle nowadays – Range Rover just released its own VR8 protective level Range Rover Sentinel — and now it's Audi's turn to trot out its latest blockade runner.

The German car-maker has announced the A8 L Security is now available for order with deliveries beginning in April 2016 and although no price has been set, expect it to cost significantly more than the regular long-wheelbase limousine.

Why? Well, it features hot-formed steel armour plating on the exterior and a range of "extremely resistant materials" such as aramide fabric and special aluminium alloys.

The A8 L Security is built by Audi "in a partnership between the Neckarsulm plant and a secure, top-secret factory".

Compared to the previous VR7-rated Audi A8 L Security, the new VR9 rating comes about thanks to this increased protection from ballistics, explosions and gas attacks.

The A8 L Security also features a armoured communication box in the boot fitted with a communication system and selective door unlocking features.

If the buyer is so inclined, safety options such as an emergency exit and a fresh/contained air system are offered.

Audi reckons the A8 L Security will have unique appeal when compared to the likes of the armoured Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Australian PM Tony Abbott's choice, the BMW 7 Series, by virtue of its all-wheel drive.  

"Its quattro drive makes it the only luxury sedan with an all-wheel drive system that is offered directly from the manufacturer as an armored high-security vehicle," says Audi.

But it's not all about armour-plating, quadruple door seals, bullet-proof windows, ultra tough run-flat tyres and reinforced drivelines. No, the Audi A8 Security is still a luxury car.

As such high-value targets and/or customers can expect standard features such as a reclining rear seat and the options is as long as your arm.

Power options are exclusively petrol-powered. They include a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that punches out 320kW and 600Nm and there's a naturally-aspirated W12 worth 368kW and 625Nm.

Audi notes that top speed has been electronically limited to 210km/h due to the nature of 'exceptional' run-flat tyres.