Jeep Grand Cherokee puts on SVI’s AK47 protective suit

SVI Engineering, South Africa’s specialist armoured vehicle firm, has partnered with Stellantis South Africa to create a discreetly armoured version of the five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee that boasts AK47 protection.

“As our global flagship model and the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4×4-capable Grand Cherokee yet, the fifth generation version of this celebrated SUV now stands apart for yet another reason: the local availability of expertly engineered ballistic protection,” said Jeep brand head, Janus Janse van Rensburg.

B4+ protection

The bespoke armouring package offers B4+ protection, meaning it is rated to withstand attacks from handguns as well as AK47s. The package is completely concealed and therefore imperceptible to the untrained eye.

Comprising custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, lightweight composite materials and special 32 mm ballistic glass, the B4+ solution for the Grand Cherokee was developed by SVI’s team of highly experienced engineers.

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“While standard B4 packages are relatively popular in South Africa as anti-hijack solutions, our collaboration with Jeep goes a step further, culminating in a bespoke B4+ package for the Grand Cherokee that offers protection against higher ballistic threats,” said Jaco de Kock, chief executive officer of the SVI group of companies.

In addition to the concealed body armour and ballistic glass, the B4+ conversion incorporates partial firewall protection and an armoured rear bulkhead – the latter complete with an integrated escape hatch – behind the second row of seats.

No power change

In total, the armouring materials add 400 kg to the Grand Cherokee’s weight, though up front, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine remains unchanged with outputs of 210kW/344nm. The same also applies to the eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition, the Grand Cherokee’s various driver assistance safety systems remain fully operational. The driver’s window, meanwhile, can be lowered approximately one-third of the way down.

How much?

SVI’s B4+ armouring solution for the Grand Cherokee is priced from R1 236 814. The more discreet B4 package, which protects against weapons up to a .44 Magnum, is also available from R833 684 and can additionally be fitted to the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L.

The list of options for each solution includes roof and floor armour, a PA system and heavy-duty run-flat tyres. The project build time is set at approximately three months in each case.

Interested buyers can contact Nicol Louw at nicol@svi.co.za or on 072 664 3539. Further information can be obtained at www.svi.co.za.

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