The Prado That Turns Heads and Stops Bullets

South Africa’s roads just got a whole lot safer—and more stylish. Armormax, the country’s premier luxury armoured car manufacturer, has unveiled its first-ever armoured 5th-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. If the name alone doesn’t make you feel secure enough to drive straight into a Bond movie car chase, the specs will.

Marketing Manager Michael Broom had a tough decision when it came time to build a new demo model. "We could’ve gone with something flashy, but we wanted to strike a balance between elegance and pure, unadulterated protection. Then we saw the Prado at the Nampo show and thought, 'This is the one.' Plus, with a waiting list into 2026, it’s clearly already bulletproof in popularity."

The Big Guns in a Practical Package

The Prado, a beloved icon of the South African roads, has always been a favorite for its rugged durability, versatility, and ability to pull everything from boats to horse trailers. But now, it’s not just pulling trailers—it’s pulling attention. Under the hood, the 2.8L diesel engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission has been deemed “more than capable,” which is marketing speak for “a real workhorse that won’t sweat under pressure, even if you’re towing a herd of wildebeests.”

But the real magic is in the lightweight B4 armouring. Weighing in at just 187kg, it’s as discreet as a secret handshake at an exclusive braai. This armoured Prado doesn’t lumber like a tank; it glides, even on the toughest terrain.

Armoured Elegance

Let’s talk specs, shall we? The B4 package protects against handguns up to a .44 Magnum. Yes, that’s right, Dirty Harry fans—you can finally have a vehicle that asks, “Do you feel lucky, punk?” and means it.

The package armours all doors, panels, and exposed areas with ballistic composites while replacing the windows with 21mm-thick ballistic glass. Even the roof gets the superhero treatment. Add run-flat tires and a push-to-talk intercom system, and you’re driving what can only be described as a rolling fortress.

The cost? A cool R754,000 (excluding VAT). Sure, it’s not pocket change, but can you really put a price on the ability to look stylish while brushing off an attempted armed robbery like it’s just a bad Wi-Fi connection?

Built for South Africa’s Roads—and Headlines

It’s not just the armouring that’s impressive; it’s how quickly it was done. Most new product developments at Armormax take six months. The Prado was completed in just seven weeks. As Broom explains, "The GA-F platform is shared with the Land Cruiser 300 Series, so we were familiar with it. That, and we work fast when we’re excited."

And excited they should be. The 5th-generation Prado is packed with modern tech, luxurious features, and a design that could make a hippo in the Kruger Park stop and stare. With its combination of rugged utility and premium appeal, it’s primed to steal back its crown from new market contenders.

Bulletproof Swagger

Broom is confident the Prado will be a hit, particularly among those who value safety and style in equal measure. “This isn’t just for CEOs and diplomats. Anyone who spends enough time on our roads knows that feeling secure is priceless.”

To prove it, Armormax plans to take their armoured Prado on tour next year, visiting Toyota dealerships and curious car enthusiasts across South Africa. So if you see a sleek Prado cruising through your town, don’t bother honking. It’s not stopping for anyone—or anything.

To learn more about this head-turning, bullet-stopping masterpiece, visit www.armormax.co.za. And remember, it’s not just a car—it’s a lifestyle.