A new armoured version of the Range Rover has been revealed called the Sentinel. It features reinforced panels which are mean to provide protection against bullets, grenades and other explosives.
The Range Rover Sentinel was worked on by Jaguar Land Rover’s sub-division Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). This is the first Land Rover to be fully engineered by SVO. It will make its public debut later this month at the Defence and Security Equipment International Show in London.
The Sentinel is based on the Range Rover in its range-topping Autobiography trim and using the standard wheelbase. When viewed from the outside, the Sentinel looks pretty much like any other Range Rover.
However, at its core is a six-piece armoured passenger cell, made of super-high-strength steel. The standard glass is also replaced by multi-laminated armour privacy glass which offers bullet protection.
The Range Rover Sentinel also features an anti-tamper exhaust, self-sealing fuel tank and an auxiliary back-up battery, making sabotage of the vehicle incredibly difficult. Thanks to run-flat inserts, fitted to the 20-inch alloy wheels, the Sentinel can be driven even if the tyres are deflated by weaponry.
This SUV even features an Emergency Escape System, accessible behind the rear seats.
Neither luxury nor performance is sacrificed to achieve this incredible level of safety. Buyers can still choose from an extensive range of exterior and interior colours and leather headlining can be added optionally. SVO will also add things like a champagne cooler or sirens if requested.
The engine underneath is a 335bhp 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine like the one available for the Jaguar F-TYPE. It is linked to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Available to order now, the Range Rover Sentinel is aimed mostly at export markets. In Britain, the estimated price is around £290,000.
It might not be armoured, but the Discovery Sport will take you almost anywhere. Check out our video review: