This Lexus LX 600 stops AK-47 bullets, withstands grenade blasts

Have you ever wondered why Lexus can’t seem to offer bulletproof vehicles right out of the factory? Well, based on our previous report, there’s actually a policy that doesn’t allow Japanese automakers from manufacturing such vehicles.

Under Japan's policies, if Lexus or Toyota built a vehicle with ballistic protection, the government could consider it a weapon. This means it will not be allowed for production without specialized permits, much less export.

So what’s the best alternative if you want your Lexus to come with ballistic protection? You hire the services of companies like Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing. Their latest offering comes in the form of the LX 600 which is rated for CEN 1063 BR6 level of protection. In a nutshell, this means the luxury SUV can withstand 7.62x39mm caliber bullets from an AK-47, as well as resist two simultaneous explosions from hand grenades.

The SUV can do all of these thanks to the use of thick ballistic glass windows, bulletproof doors, and a heavily protected passenger cell. In fact, the third row of the LX 600 is heavily encased in bulletproof armoring and has a bulletproof door (aside from the armored tailgate) at the back for extra protection.

It also benefits from underbody protective covering, an armored fuel tank, and a reinforced suspension to take on the extra weight. It also comes with run-flat tires for extra peace of mind when escaping dangerous situations.

Optional upgrades available for the LX 600 by Inkas include strobe lights, night vision cameras, a siren and public address system, heavy-duty wheels, as well as a fire suppression system for the engine bay.

Powering the LX 600 is the familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline V6. It cranks out 415 PS and 649 Nm of torque. It’s then paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with a full-time 4WD system. While the engine is powerful enough as it is, we won’t be surprised if the extra armor and protection made the LX 600 slightly slower than the non-armored version.

Still, we wouldn’t mind being inside the bulletproof LX 600 if it means there is a better chance of surviving an attack.