In a significant move for the South African armoured vehicle market, SVI Engineering, the country’s leading specialist in ballistic vehicle protection, has joined forces with Stellantis South Africa to launch a discreetly armoured version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This latest innovation offers a new level of personal security for discerning customers, delivering B4+ protection capable of withstanding assault-rifle fire—without compromising the SUV’s luxury, performance, or factory warranty.
Factory-Backed Armour for the Modern Grand Cherokee
As Jeep’s most technologically advanced and luxurious SUV to date, the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee now offers more than just off-road prowess and premium appointments—it also provides protection against one of the most prevalent threats in South Africa, the AK47.
This B4+ ballistic protection package is developed exclusively for the five-seater Grand Cherokee and remains invisible to the untrained eye, thanks to meticulous engineering and seamless integration. Importantly, the Jeep retains its 5-year/100,000 km factory warranty and maintenance plan, while the SVI-supplied armouring components carry their own 1-year/50,000 km warranty.
“The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee 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.
B4+: Discreet Protection Against Higher Ballistic Threats
Unlike the more common B4-level protection (typically designed to stop handgun rounds), the new B4+ solution includes enhanced materials and coverage capable of stopping 7.62×39 mm rounds fired from an AK47. The ballistic package comprises:
- Custom-fabricated armoured steel plates
- Lightweight composite materials
- 32 mm ballistic glass, curved to match OEM specifications
- Partial firewall protection
- Armoured rear bulkhead with an integrated escape hatch
Despite the approximately 400 kg increase in total mass, the vehicle’s standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 – delivering 210 kW and 344 Nm – handles the additional weight with ease. All driver assistance and safety systems, including those reliant on forward-facing sensors, remain fully functional.
“Our collaboration with Jeep goes a step further, culminating in a bespoke B4+ package that offers protection against higher ballistic threats,” noted Jaco de Kock, CEO of the SVI Group of Companies.
Premium Security, Maintained Practicality
SVI’s armouring strategy ensures practicality remains intact. The driver’s window lowers by a third, enabling interaction with parking or biometric systems, while the rest of the glasswork—including imported curved ballistic panels—blends discreetly with the vehicle’s original design.
For those seeking more flexible configurations, SVI also offers a standard B4 discreet package (handgun protection up to .44 Magnum) for both the five-seater and extended seven-seat “L” models, with pricing starting from R833,684 (ex VAT). The B4+ version starts at R1,236,814 (ex VAT), excluding the cost of the base vehicle, with build time set at approximately three months.
Additional options include:
- Roof and floor armour
- Heavy-duty runflat rings
- PA systems and more
SVI: Engineering Excellence Since 2004
Founded in 2004, SVI Engineering has built a reputation as Africa’s leader in armoured vehicle solutions. Serving clients across private, corporate, security, mining, and government sectors, SVI is a certified OEM with ISO 9001:2015 accreditation from TÜV Rheinland and holds a Level 2 B-BBEE certification.
This collaboration between SVI and Stellantis SA not only reinforces South Africa’s position at the forefront of ballistic automotive innovation but also offers peace of mind to those who demand more than just luxury from their vehicles—they demand safety, discretion, and uncompromised quality.
