South African armored vehicle specialist SVI Engineering has joined forces with Stellantis South Africa to unveil a stealthily protected version of the five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee. Designed for discerning clients who require high-level personal protection, this upgraded SUV now features a discreet B4+ ballistic protection package—robust enough to resist AK47 rifle fire.
“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 Janus Janse van Rensburg, Head of the Jeep brand in South Africa.
Key Features: SVI B4+ Armoured Jeep Grand Cherokee
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ballistic Rating | B4+ (Resistant to AK47 and handgun fire) |
| Materials Used | Custom armored steel, lightweight composites, 32 mm ballistic glass |
| Window Functionality | Driver’s window lowers one-third of the way |
| Additional Protection | Armoured firewall and rear bulkhead with integrated escape hatch |
| Powertrain | 3.6L Pentastar V6, 210 kW / 344 Nm (unchanged) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (unchanged) |
| Added Weight | Approx. 400 kg due to armouring |
| Driver Assistance Systems | Fully functional post-armouring |
| Build Time | ~3 months |
| Price (B4+ Package) | From R1,236,814 |
| Price (Standard B4 Package) | From R833,684 (also available for seven-seat Grand Cherokee L) |
| Optional Add-ons | Roof/floor armor, PA system, run-flat tyres |
High-Level Protection, Low-Profile Presence
Unlike standard B4 protection—which is already in demand in South Africa for anti-hijack applications—the new B4+ package pushes the envelope. Rated to defend against both handguns and automatic rifles like the AK47, the solution is seamlessly integrated into the Grand Cherokee’s design. To the casual observer, the upgrades are virtually invisible. SVI’s team of expert engineers developed this solution with precision, ensuring a perfect balance between safety and performance.
“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,” noted Jaco de Kock, CEO of the SVI group.
Interior Enhancements and Performance Integrity
Beyond the obvious enhancements to the windows and body, the B4+ package also includes:
- Partial firewall armouring
- A reinforced rear bulkhead behind the second row
- An integrated escape hatch for emergency exits
While the upgrades add approximately 400 kg to the vehicle’s total mass, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine remains untouched, delivering 210 kW and 344 Nm via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Cherokee’s full suite of driver-assistance systems remains functional.
With this upgrade, the Jeep Grand Cherokee not only reinforces its legacy as a luxury SUV but now also stands as a formidable stronghold on wheels for clients who demand both elegance and elite security.
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