Originally shown as a concept in Frankfurt last year, BMW has readied the production version of the new X5 Security Plus that will enjoy its world premiere at next week's Moscow Auto Show.

Being discrete is the name of the game here and the only real telltale sign that this F15-generation X5 can withstand an assault from the world’s most popular firearm, the AK-47, are the thick black borders around the windows that come with a polycarbonate coating.

BMW says the armored X5 SUV meets the requirements of protection level VR6, which is a step below the BMW 7-Series High Security that is fully compliant with the requirements of the class VR7 ballistic protection standard.

To support the added weight, BMW has made changes to the chassis, electronic management systems and brake system, while power comes from a 450PS (444hp) turbocharged V8 gasoline engine.

The Germans said that they will also offer a second armored version of the F15 X5 dubbed Security that complies with requirements of protection level VR4 to "provide protection against general street crime", with further details to be released in Moscow.

By saying 'scary', we mean it in the best way possible. What can ever be wrong about taking a 575 HP, 750 Nm SUV and make it even faster?

Nothing, of course. Especially when you make it look so good. The Manhart MHX5 looks arguably a little better than the X5 M without going overboard on some extremely wide body kit with bells and whistles on. It features a new front spoiler, new badging, blacked out grille, carbon fiber mirror caps, a rear diffuser, a modified exhaust system and last but not ever least, a set of astonishing 23" black forged alloys. Wow, do they look amazing!

Of course, this SUV isn't all show and no go. It utilizes the same 4.4 liter V8 as before only it's been bumped up to 750 HP and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. What this means for the 0-62 time or the top speed is so far unknown. But since the stock BMW X5 will get you to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, we're going to assume that an extra 195 HP and 250 Nm of torque could very well result in a sub 4 second time.

Yes, this here is a 3 second SUV, probably around the 3.9 mark - if it made it that is. Because once you've reached a certain mass and have a certain aerodynamic shape, you can't really keep accelerating faster and faster just by adding more power.

Plus, at 4.2 seconds to 62 mph, the stock X5 M already accelerates just as fast as the 725 HP X5 M G-Power Typhoon.

BMW’s plug-in hybrid SUV, the X5 xDrive40e, has finally made the transition from concept car to production model. The first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand (which doesn’t include the BMW i sub-brand), the X5 xDrive40e combines “sensational sportiness and supreme poise on the one hand and outstanding efficiency on the other.”

The vehicle boasts a total system output of 313PS (309hp) produced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The vehicle also features a lithium-ion battery with flexible charging options.

The hybrid powertrain allows the X5 xDrive40e to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 3.4–3.3 l/100 km (83.1–85.6 mpg UK or 69.1-71.2 mpg US) and a combined electricity consumption of 15.4–15.3 kWh over the same distance. CO2 emissions are rated at 78–77 g/km according to EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Performance-wise, the BMW X5 xDrive40e covers the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds.

The lithium-ion battery can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic power socket or a BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. The battery is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor in order to save space. The vehicle can run on electric power alone for up to 31 km (19 miles) at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).

Standard equipment of the BMW X5 xDrive40e includes the Navigation system Professional, as well as an auxiliary heating and ventilation system powered by electricity from the high-voltage battery or from the mains supply while charging. The Adaptive Suspension Package Comfort including rear air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control is also offered as standard.

With BMW's X5 xDrive40e breaking cover officially a few days ago, the entire landscape of the plug-in hybrid premium SUV market might change dramatically over the course of the next couple of years.

With cars such as the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and the all-new Audi Q7 e-tron, BMW will have their work cut out convincing people to stay away from their rivals and try out their 309 HP eco-friendly SUV. By the way, let's not forget that Volvo has a horse in this race as well.

The X5 xDrive40e's powertrain helps it achieve a combined fuel consumption of 3.4-3.3 l/100km and 78-77g's worth of CO2 emissions per km. That's pretty much what you get with the Cayenne S E-Hybrid so really, it might come down to pricing and brand loyalty. Plus, the Porsche is also quicker in a straight line.

As for the Audi Q7 e-tron, we're impressed with their numbers a quite a lot more since they're using a diesel engine instead of a petrol one.

But while we're waiting for the X5 xDrive40e to show up in more than just one video presentation, right now we'll have to settle for this BMW UK clip, showing off a few of the X5's curves, badging, engine bay and so on.

Overall, it's a good looking car which also happens to make a lot of sense if you're in the market for a brand new premium SUV.

Has Space Grey paint

BMW UK has released a new video with the X5 equipped with M Performance parts.

The third generation X5 has been available with M Performance components since last spring and now BMW has decided to refresh our memory by showing some of the bits and pieces on offer. Wearing a Space Grey paint, this X5 has received a glossy black kidney grille and a carbon fiber front splitter while on the sides it gets carbon mirror caps and sill decals.

It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels and comes with carbon fiber rear side trims while the rear end hosts a spoiler and a carbon diffuser. BMW doesn't show the car's interior but we do know the M Performance catalog includes a carbon-covered gear lever, sports steering wheel with red central marking, along with high-grade steel accelerator and brake pedals as well as M Performance-branded floor mats.

Moreover, there's an M Performance power bump for the xDrive35i which lifts output of the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine by 20 HP & 50 Nm to 326 HP & 450 Nm.

Aside from a mean-looking front-end, the standard BMW X5 is your regular Sports Activity Vehicle that doesn’t necessarily stand out from the crowd.

The X5’s looks aren’t on par with its sportiness, but there’s nothing an aggressive body-kit can’t fix. And the BMW X5 has what it takes (stance, proportions) to be transformed from normal to mad in a jiffy.

These particular examples sports a Lumma wide-body kits comprised of widen fender flares with air inlets at the rear axle, a brand-new front bumpers with integrated daytime running lights, custom made side skirts, and a rear bumpers with an integrated diffusers. There’s no question about it, the vehicle's improved visual elements reflect Lumma’s performance-oriented style.

For example, the vented hood on the black variant was designed for hot countries and big engines, while the rear spoiler lip provides downforce at high-speed.

Since the tuning packages are universal for all engine options, there are no official power figures (TopCar says performance upgrades for diesel and gasoline engines will soon follow), but the kits comes with four oval tailpipes – available on request with sound flaps – and a set of 23-inch new super-lightweight sport rims wrapped in 315/25-23 tires.

The interior can be commissioned in Alcantara or carbon accents, high quality velour floor mats, as well as aluminum pedals with non-slip rubber studs. In fact the vehicle cabin can be customized according to the customer’s wishes.