- The armoured vehicle market is expected to reach $10.68 billion USD by 2025.
- Protection upgrades on luxury vehicles cost up to $1.5 million USD.
- Rising carjackings increase demand for fortified transportation in New York.
Luxury car trends tend to come and go—one minute, it’s all about sleek coupes; the next, it’s oversized SUVs, and lately, electric cars are taking over the spotlight. But in New York City, there’s a new status symbol on the streets: armoured supercars. The ultra-wealthy aren’t just splurging on Lamborghinis and G-Wagons; they’re also bulletproofing them.
This isn’t some passing fascination with James Bond-style gadgets. It’s a direct response to rising crime, particularly an increase in carjackings. The popularity of armoured vehicles in New York shows a global movement where personal protection has become just as important as premium leather seats and advanced entertainment systems.
The Rise of Rolling Fortresses
The global market for armoured vehicles is expanding, and estimates show an increase from $9.94 billion USD in 2024 to $10.68 billion USD in 2025, which means it’s growing at a steady 7.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). While much of this demand actually comes from military and law enforcement sectors, a growing share is also driven by private buyers who want their luxury cars to offer more than just a smooth ride.
In New York, reports of high-profile carjackings and armed thefts have wealthy residents taking action. Companies like Bespoke Home & Yacht Security, which is led by ex-Austrian commando Matthias Fitzthum, are stepping in to meet demand. Fitzthum’s company specialises in transforming high-end vehicles like Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Classes, and Lamborghinis into secure transport solutions, and he explains the need for this:
“Families and executives are worried about ambushes or random acts of street violence while driving.”
Beyond Basic Protection
Forget clunky, tank-like aesthetics — modern armoured vehicles combine high-end design with cutting-edge security. Reinforcements include B6 and B7 ballistic protection, which is capable of stopping rounds from assault rifles, and run-flat tyres make sure the car keeps moving even after undergoing damage. Engine bay fire suppression systems and hidden strobe lights further improve safety and give drivers the tools to escape dangerous situations.
The technology provides environmental protection as well. Oxygen overpressure systems maintain high internal pressure and make sure passengers breathe pure oxygen by preventing harmful gases from entering through ventilation.
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There are also external microphones available, which allow passengers to communicate with the outside world without rolling down a window. And speaking of windows, don’t expect them to budge. In most cases, driver-side glass lowers just 10 centimetres, and the rear windows are permanently sealed for maximum security.
Among the most popular choices for Manhattan’s security-conscious elite are the Land Rover Range Rover Sentinel, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, and Cadillac Escalade ESV — all of which combine first-class interiors with military-grade protection. Customisation is also available for prices ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million USD, depending on the security levels.
Even with the sky-high price tags and months-long wait times, demand for these armoured vehicles is only increasing. In a city where wealth has always been synonymous with exclusivity, the latest must-have isn’t a rare paint job or a custom interior — it’s protection. And for those who can afford it, rolling through Manhattan in a bulletproof Lamborghini is the ultimate power move.
