Skip to main content

Home > News > How Much Does a Bulletproof Car Cost?

How Much Does a Bulletproof Car Cost?

December 23, 2021 6 Min read

A bulletproof car might not be on everyone’s wish list; however, it serves the purpose of high-profile safety to certain demographics and individuals who need additional protection traveling. Common clients from Armormax® would-be CEOs, athletes, politicians, businesses, celebrities security companies, and any individuals who have a perceived threat that can see the value in having the upgrades on their vehicle.

The vehicles from Armormax® are the safest cars on the road and can withstand shooting, carjacking and are much safer in the event of a car accident. The reason being, assault and attack can happen anytime, anywhere. A cocoon-type shell built around the car is nearly safe from firearms and explosions.

Buying an armored car is becoming more and more common with the insecurity that is happening around the world. The most popular armoring packages can cost from $30k to $90k plus the vehicle, depending upon the level of customization. Some vehicles are easier to modify, while others need special work. Be it a brand new bulletproof car or the used one; it serves the same purpose.

2021 Cadillac Escalade New Version

You can get a variety of SUV, Sedan, Tuck options when you buy a used car, and you will be saving lots. Before you buy a used car, don’t forget to get a quick Revs Check. This report gives a full insight a serious buyer needs to know about a car’s history. It is an easy and quick method of inspecting a car’s specifications and details without being physically present.

Bulletproof Car Cost

The armored car cost depends on various factors:

First is the level of protection – handgun? High powered rifle RPG/Armor piercing?  This is a personal decision based on an individual’s perceived threat.

Secondly is the model of the vehicle being armored.  Some vehicles require more time to armor. European vehicles are generally 10 – 20% more.

Thirdly is coverage area.  Mainly for economic reasons and threats, some clients choose to armor only the glass areas or the glass and the doors` (not the roof or floor or pillar posts or headers).  These armoring packages are lower in cost.

Fourthly, which country is the vehicle armored?  The cost of armoring is much greater in some countries due to shipping costs, importation expenses and skilled labor.  Price can vary up to 30% to standard pricing.

Doors and windows alone can cost from $18,000 to $45,000. The total cost of bulletproofing a vehicle can get up to $100,000. Contact Armormax® here for specific quotes on your needs for armoring packages to specific products.

Windows

Windows made up of regular glass easily break. At the time of the assault, the first target is usually the windows of the car. A fragile glass on the windows is harmful to you and your family. Installing bulletproof windows depends on the level of thickness and its resistance. The most usual thickness of glass used in bulletproof cars ranges from 1 to 3 inches.

If you like to DIY, you can customize the car’s glass to make it bullet-resistant. You can do this with the support of polycarbonate. For extra thickness, you can laminate it with the lead glass as well. 

There are several options when it comes to glass installation in windows. Bet everyone knows the one-way resistance glass. We often see these types of glass used in movies and TV shows that have a thick glass and don’t break easily upon applying heavy pressure. We can’t assure if it can block all bullets. For general safety, you can use the cheaper dense glass like tempered glass, and you don’t have to worry about the shattering of the glass if anything unavoidable happens.

Doors

Bulletproof windows are useless and until you have a bulletproof door. Upon gun firing, the window may resist bullets from entering the car, but the 9mm bullet indeed enters the car through cheap doors. 

Armoring Sample Door Ballistic Test

Armoring the car business is becoming significant, especially in places where the crime rate is higher than normal. You have to protect yourself and a family anywhere, anytime. Companies like Ford, Ferrari, BMW have started making bulletproof version cars. The goal of armoring the car’s door is to make it look normal from the outside but impenetrable on the inside. 

The first step to making the bulletproof door is to remove all the shell inside of the cars. Cut all the pillars and make them vacant. Now, install steel plates around the case of the door and the pillar. The security level always depends on your need; thus, using a combination of ballistic nylon and Armormax composite material should work fine. Ensure the door is not too heavy; it might be problematic during day-to-day usage of the car. 

Moreover, the ceiling and the top of the door can be layered with steel plates along with ballistic fiber. Also, shock resistance and fire-resistant technology should be kept accountable while designing a bulletproof car. A fully armored door can range anywhere from $8k and up.

Tires

Regular tires can’t catch up with the gunfire. It can shred tight through them and stop you from getting away. Tires are often the favorite target because you can’t run away with a flat tire. 

In fact, a rugged tire should be your first option while customizing your bulletproof car. The concept of armored tires doesn’t come from having all-around bulletproof tires. It’s nearly impossible to build bulletproof tires because every tire is made up of rubber, and there is no such rubber as bulletproof.

For the sake of tire safety, a polymer donut is center-lined with a wheel that supports the running of the tire even if it’s flat. The polymer can support as much as 60 more miles at 60MPH on any road condition. 

Armored-Bulletproof-Aston-Martin-with-Armormax-Sports-Car-Front

Customizing a flat tire can cost you as much as $200 to $1500 per tire, depending upon the model of a car and size of the rim. For example, if you are buying a tire for a 18-inches rim, the tire and run, you will be spending around $650, and the 22-inch tire might cost roughly $900.

Bulletproof Engines?

Of course, the engines are hidden under the hood, but it doesn’t mean they are not vulnerable to attack. A single penetration in an engine could result in disaster; thus, keeping it safe should be on your checklist.

Shielding engines doesn’t mean they need to be coated with heavy-duty steels, too much weight on the engine disbalances the car ergonomics. If you are unsure of the weight balance, you can have a professional look after the engine’s coverings and weight. 

Bulletproof Jeep SRT TrailHawk with Armormax Engine and Radiator

However, most engines these days are powerful enough to handle heavy shielding. Depending upon the choice, the bulletproof coating of the engine can roughly cost you, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.

Floor

You don’t want your car to explode reason being the bomb planted underneath the car. Interestingly, you can install a bulletproof and explosive-proof floor to your vehicle to ensure safety. A floor can be coated with a nylon cover that protects from dangers. Also, you can replace the carpet of the floor with something rugged for double safety. 

luxury leather floor mat modern car interior second row close up

An SUV floor might cost more because of its large surface compared to a hatchback. You can expect to invest something from $2,000 to $5,000 protecting your car underneath. 

Bulletproof cars to buy right now

Buying a bulletproof car is not everyone’s choice; instead, it serves as an excellent safety to its niche audience. Here is a list of cars you may consider buying right now. 

BMW X5

BMW is in the bulletproof car market for very long, and the BMW X5 Security Plus is an addition to the list. It’s advertised to withstand, AK-47 rifle due to its thick walls and glasses. Amazingly, BMW claims the BMW X5 Security plus meets the level 6 protection requirements in a car. The cost of the vehicle can roughly take up to $128,000.

Bulletproof BMW X5 by Armormax International Armoring Corporation Back-Side View

Ford Raptor

Ford Raptor is the absolute beast that can protect you from the angry terrorist blast and their gunfire. The car offers smoke glass, flat tires up to 60 miles, and blast-proof mirrors. The night vision embedded in the vehicle can protect you from armed robbers from a distance. You can expect to get the base variant of the Ford Raptor starting $118,000.

Armored Truck Bulletproof Ford Raptor Utah Armormax

Maserati Quattroporte

The Maserati Quattro Porte should be your next ride if you want to go faster, escaping threats down the road. You have an alternative to choose a V6 or V8 engine out of Quattro Porte. Besides gorgeous styling and performance, Maserati Quattroporte offers some solemn bulletproof guarantee to you and your family in the passenger seat. It assures safety from firearms and 9mm bullet shots. Maserati Quattro Porte can be yours if you can invest as much as $145,000.

Genesis G 90 Sedan

The Genesis G 90 is an awe-inspiring sedan with newly equipped security features. The engine of the Genesis can take you anywhere with splendid power and the luxury features you would expect from the Genesis brand. It offers safety and comfort along with armored upgrades. The 360 all-around armored protection can save you from grenades, bombs, and firearms. You could protect yourself and your loved ones while owning the Genesis G90 sedan today starting around $142k.

Armored Genesis G90 Armormax

Mercedes Benz S-Guard

Over the long run in the bulletproof car market, Mercedes has pulled its team together to build Benz S-Guard to protect against severe firearms and blasts. Now, you can expect to safeguard yourself from 9mm bullets and high powered rifles such as a AR-15 and .308, and many others.

The S-Guard model of Mercedes Benz is simply an S-model with armor. The window is thickened with a 3mm glass and heavy coated bulletproof shell. You will be spending one and half a million dollars buying Mercedes Benz S-Guard.

Mercedes S Class Armormax bulletproof

Honestly, customizing your car with bulletproof material is a great way to protect yourself from living in a crime city. You will be better off laying out money on customizing your vehicle rather than buying a bulletproof car; they are likely to cost heavy. If you consider doing all the heavy lifting, it’s better to consult with your mechanic initially.  

For a quote on a specific vehicle and package that you are needing, please contact us here.

Armored Car Company Car Profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of bulletproofing for cars depends on the size and make of the vehicle. Consult an armoring professional to learn your best options.

Bulletproofing a car can cost upwards of $100,000 for a complete armoring job. Truck bulletproofing would be on the higher end due to its size.