When considering vehicle armoring, one of the most common questions is, “How much extra weight will the armor add?” The answer depends on several factors, including the vehicle model, the desired protection level, and the type of armor materials used.
At Big Toy Automotive, we design every armored vehicle to provide maximum protection while maintaining excellent performance, handling, and reliability.
Why Does Armor Increase Vehicle Weight?
Armoring involves reinforcing critical parts of the vehicle with ballistic materials such as the following:
- Ballistic steel
- Composite armor panels
- Ballistic glass
- Reinforced doors
- Armored roof and floor protection
- Run-flat tire systems
Each component adds weight, but together they create a comprehensive protection system capable of resisting ballistic threats.
Average Weight Added by Armor
The additional weight varies depending on the protection level.
| Protection Level | Approximate Added Weight |
|---|---|
| Light Civilian Protection | 150–350 kg |
| BR4 Armoring | 300–600 kg |
| BR6 Armoring | 700–1,200 kg |
| BR7 Armoring | 1,200–2,000+ kg |
These figures are approximate and vary depending on the vehicle size and customization.
Factors That Affect Armor Weight
1. Protection Level
Higher ballistic ratings require thicker armor and stronger ballistic glass, increasing the vehicle’s overall weight.
2. Vehicle Size
Larger SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes-Benz G-Class can carry additional armor more efficiently than smaller sedans.
3. Armor Materials
Modern lightweight composite materials help reduce weight while maintaining exceptional ballistic protection compared to traditional steel armor.
4. Optional Security Features
Additional equipment such as:
- Blast protection
- Fire suppression systems
- Reinforced suspension
- Heavy-duty wheels
- Emergency escape systems
can further increase the vehicle’s total weight.
Does the Extra Weight Affect Performance?
A professionally armored vehicle is engineered to maintain safe and reliable performance.
Without proper upgrades, additional weight can impact:
- Acceleration
- Braking distance
- Fuel efficiency
- Suspension performance
- Tire wear
- Steering response
That’s why Big Toy Automotive upgrades critical components to compensate for the increased weight.
Suspension and Brake Upgrades
Every armored vehicle should include supporting modifications such as the following:
- Heavy-duty suspension
- Reinforced springs
- Upgraded shock absorbers
- High-performance braking system
- Strengthened wheels
- Run-flat tire systems
These upgrades help preserve ride comfort, stability, and control even with the added armor.
Can Luxury Cars Be Armored Without Losing Comfort?
Yes. Modern armoring technology allows luxury vehicles to retain most of their original driving characteristics.
At Big Toy Automotive, we ensure that features such as the following:
- Air conditioning
- Infotainment systems
- Electronic safety features
- Luxury interiors
- Driving comfort
remain fully functional after the armoring process.
Is Lightweight Armor Better?
Modern composite armor offers several advantages over traditional steel armor:
- Reduced overall vehicle weight
- Better fuel efficiency
- Improved handling
- Lower suspension stress
- Enhanced corrosion resistance
- Comparable ballistic protection
The ideal choice depends on your protection requirements, budget, and intended vehicle use.
How Big Toy Automotive Ensures Balanced Performance
At Big Toy Automotive, every armored vehicle is engineered as a complete system———-not just fitted with armor.
Our process includes:
- Vehicle-specific weight distribution analysis
- Suspension recalibration
- Brake system upgrades
- Performance testing
- Quality inspections
- Final road testing
This ensures your vehicle delivers dependable protection while maintaining excellent drivability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does armoring reduce fuel economy?
Yes. Additional weight typically leads to slightly higher fuel consumption, though modern lightweight materials help minimize the impact.
Will my vehicle need suspension upgrades?
In most cases, yes. Reinforced suspension components are recommended to safely support the additional armor weight.
Can armored vehicles drive at highway speeds?
Yes. Professionally engineered armored vehicles are designed to operate safely at normal road and highway speeds, depending on the vehicle and protection level.
Does added armor affect vehicle lifespan?
When the vehicle is properly engineered and maintained, upgraded suspension and braking systems help ensure long-term durability.
Conclusion
The amount of weight added to an armored vehicle depends on the protection level, vehicle size, and chosen materials. While armor inevitably increases weight, professional engineering and the right supporting upgrades ensure your vehicle remains safe, comfortable, and reliable.
At Big Toy Automotive, we specialize in custom vehicle armoring solutions that balance protection with performance, giving you confidence on every journey.
