In South Africa, where security concerns are high, Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers can now choose state-of-the-art ballistic protection. A unique partnership between Stellantis South Africa and SVI Engineering enables the SUV to withstand attacks from AK-47 rifles. Most importantly, these armored modifications do not affect the Jeep’s original factory warranty, providing peace of mind for vehicle owners.
With this plan, the five-seat Grand Cherokee retains Jeep’s 5-year/62,000-mile warranty and maintenance plan. SVI Engineering is providing a separate 1-year/31,000-mile warranty on the B4+ level armor components. “Our global flagship model now has expert ballistic protection available,” said Janus Janse van Rensburg, Jeep South Africa. This feature is ideal for anti-hijacking needs in the region.
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SVI’s B4+ package includes armored steel plates, lightweight composite materials, and 32-mm ballistic glass. This package guarantees protection against rifles such as the AK-47, and offers partial firewall armor and an armored rear bulkhead with an integrated escape hatch. The driver’s window can be partially opened for practicality in everyday use.
The armored modifications add approximately 880 pounds to the vehicle. However, SVI claims that the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine (282 horsepower, 254 lb-ft of torque) is capable of handling this weight. The vehicle’s driver-assistance safety systems are fully functional even after the conversion, ensuring user comfort.
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For those in South Africa who need protection against handguns, SVI also offers a B4 Discreet package, available for five- and seven-seat Grand Cherokee models. The B4+ package starts at USD 65,000, while the B4 package is available from $21,456. The conversion process takes about three months.
While aftermarket specialists like ArmorMax offer similar services, factory partnerships are rare. Manufacturers like BMW produce armored vehicles with high certifications, but the SVI-Stellantis partnership is notable for maintaining Jeep’s warranty. This project provides an innovative solution to security needs in South Africa.