Armored vehicles vary greatly in design and size. The Cadillac Escalade is a notable choice for armoring, as are large luxury sedans such as the S-Class, which are commonly used to safeguard heads of state. However, you might not expect the Lucid Air Sapphire to be bulletproof. The US Armor Group has customized this Lucid Air Sapphire, dubbing it "the world's fastest armored vehicle." With 1,234 horsepower from the factory and a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of 1.89 seconds, it surpasses any armored Escalade in speed.
In addition to its remarkable speed, this Lucid includes numerous safety features. Instead of conventional glass, the Air Sapphire is equipped with lightweight laminated transparent armor that can withstand a .44 magnum handgun round. The doors and body panels are reinforced with a lightweight composite material, which is said to be ten times stronger and five times lighter than ballistic steel. These enhancements reportedly add only 385 pounds to the Sapphire's overall weight, bringing it to a substantial 5,721 pounds. Despite this, the US Armor Group claims its armored Air Sapphire can still reach 200 miles per hour, and it likely maintains its factory 0-60 time.
For those seeking additional protection, options such as electro-shock door handles, pepper spray dispensers, gun ports, poison gas protection/detection, and stronger armor capable of stopping high-powered rifles and explosives are available. Further upgrades include an "impenetrable" WiFi package to shield against hackers and a scanner system linked to local police and fire departments. There's also a direct connection to the US Armor Group for immediate assistance. Unsurprisingly, this enhanced security comes at a premium. The Lucid Air Sapphire starts at $250,500 from the factory, while the US Armor Group charges $475,000 for its armored version. In the context of the safety and speed provided, this price seems relatively modest.
