Interested to learn more about armoring? Call us at 1-801-393-1075 or see our videos page.
What makes Armormax custom B6 armoring stand out above our competitors? Well, let’s break it down, there are the changes that are visible, and then there are the changes that are hidden (unless you have access to a rather large cutting torch, and are willing to wreck your vehicle looking for them!). Combined they result in one of the best armoring conversions money can buy.
The first thing you will notice when looking at one of our vehicles is really very little, even when compared to an unarmored version next to it! It’s really important that our vehicles blend in and don’t appear to be armored.
On the visible side, its only when you start opening the doors that you will notice the leather-covered overlaps. These are there to cover the gap between where the bullet-resistant glass ends, and the internal armor starts. We make them as unobtrusive as possible, and use top quality leather to cover them, as they are a vital part of making sure no bullets get through during an attack!
Once you open the tailgate the new armor is certainly apparent. Again covered in the best automotive leather, this section is built like this because the tailgate or boot is simply not sturdy enough to hold our armor. We build an entirely new rear armored section which provides total coverage from any bullets fired at the back of the vehicle. Although it looks pretty intimidating, the lost space is minimal.
Take a really close look inside the vehicle. You will see that all the internal panels have been cut back and finished in such a way that it takes a really trained eye to spot the difference. ( Bearing in mind that we have to trim the dash back by up to 50mm at times!)
We pride ourselves on ensuring that all the safety features of the vehicle like the airbags are retained. We use as much of our synthetic lightweight armor as possible in our builds, but there are some areas where using ballistic steel is unavoidable. Where steel is used it is prepped, primed and painted to avoid any issues with bulletproof window rust, and to make sure that it blends cosmetically. Take a look at the two pics below. One is from a vehicle built by a competitor, and its only 18 months old! The other is from one of our builds. Yes, it results in a longer build time and is more expensive, but the difference that a quality finish makes to the longevity of a vehicle more than makes up for this.
Armormax’s finish:
A competitor finish:
Another area you won’t see is the fuel tank. Here we utilize the same technology as is currently being used by the US Military in the Afghan and Iraqi military theaters. We coat the tank in a special blend of plastics. These turn the tank into a self sealing vessel, and any hole caused by shrapnel that penetrates is immediately sealed.
The armor inside our vehicles is the best that we can use, and we constantly strive to remain on the cutting edge of automotive armor development. One needs to bear in mind that ammunition is constantly developing, and our armor always needs to be at least one step ahead. There are two aspects to our armor which are always under close scrutiny, How can we make it lighter, and how can we improve its efficiency? An example of how we have been able to achieve this balance is when we compare the added armor weight from one of the “Big four” vehicle manufacturers. When armoring their popular SUV they add 1197 kg’s of armor. When we armor the same vehicle we add less than 530 kg’s. Same ballistic level!
Driving an armored vehicle comes with a few small compromises. When entering a boomed area with a ticket dispenser, you will need to pull forward, open the door slightly and take the ticket.( obviously after ensuring there are no visible threats) Should a threat materialize, simply accelerate and the door will close of its own accord. This is far quicker than trying to close a window. See the option list of features that Armormax® can add to any vehicle here.
How long does an Armormax® conversion take? Well on some models of vehicles we will spend over 1000 man-hours to ensure the best job we can do. Will we rush a build? Forget it, we will never compromise the ballistic integrity of a build by rushing. It simply takes as long as it takes, and a vehicle will not leave unless we are happy with the result. (Having said that, Armormax has an incredibly hard-working team who are not averse to working long overtime hours when needed. We do give an estimated delivery time on order and strive as hard as possible to achieve this.)
Reasons having an Armormax® package is different.
1. Armormax® uses the lightest weight armor in the industry (60% less). In B6 we add 1,050 lbs versus 3000+ lbs from our competitors
2. G63’s are very complex. The technicians that work on these vehicles have more than 10 years of experience each
3. Our armoring work compared to our competitors is like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Kia. Only best in class processes and materials are used
4. Armormax armor is $225 per square foot versus steel that cost $8 per square foot (we do use a little steel where Armormax doesn’t fit or is functional)
5. Our vehicles spend a lot less time having service than vehicles that have 3,000+ lbs of steel added
6. Our armored vehicles have a longer life cycle
7. Our armored vehicles have a much greater resale value and are in greater demand on the resale
8. We own a certified service center in Nigeria (fast and professional)
9. Experience: We have built over 10,000 vehicles including vehicles for 47 different Heads of State as well as the Pope.
10. Our vehicles maintain their original appearance and, close to, performance (only a 5-6% reduction in overall performance – – gas mileage, acceleration, etc.)
11. Experience: We have been producing vehicles for nearly 30 years
12. Many of the generally accepted designs and processes were developed by Armormax
13. We have had over 300 documented attacks on our vehicles without a certified fatality
14. We have partnered with 6 different OEM auto manufactures (Ford, Chrysler, Land Rover, Volvo, etc.) through design and production
Interested to talk with a professional. Contact us here or call 1-801-393-1075.
