Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Auto

Be the Ultimate Super Hero (or Villain) with this Bulletproof 4×4 SUV

Nicole Raney
By
karlmann king exterior desert

Have you ever looked at your boring old SUV and thought, “This would be a lot cooler if it was bulletproof?” Unfortunately your dad-mobile isn’t Batmobile material, but the Karlmann King is.

Billed as a “ground stealth fighter” and an “unprecedented visual feast,” the Karlmann King originally made its debut at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show. However, we’re taking the time now to marvel at what would be the ultimate ride for a super hero (or villain — we don’t judge).

An intense video — that plays less like a commercial and more like a James Bond film trailer — shows the Karlmann King racing through the open desert and the streets of Dubai. However, if you’re planning on a high-speed chase, you’re going to have to keep it relatively within the speed limit as this hulking beast, which clocks in at over 9,920 lbs, only has a top speed of 87 miles per hour.

Related
Karlmannking complete video

While many of the Karlmann King’s specs come standard, this behemoth is custom-made to each client’s needs. The exterior is comprised of carbon fiber and steel, which is already pretty impressive, but if you need a little extra protection for saving the world (or your villainous pursuits), then you can splurge on the bulletproof option.

Recommended Videos

The exterior is an uncompromising, black, angular shell, but the interior allows for more freedom of choice. Karlmann teases several unique colorways (that you can peep below), each of which is flashier than the next.

1 of 6
karlmann king interior gold
karlmann king interior purple gold
karlmann king interior purple
karlmann king interior white blue
karlmann king interior white brown
karlmann king interior white gold

According to the brand’s website, you can control features like the lights, air conditioning, seats, television, refrigerator, coffee machine, and something called the SOS Emergency with a handy app. There’s also a sweet entertainment system complete with a PS4, although the satellite TV and phone will cost you extra.

Honestly, the entire vehicle is a bit “extra,” and all of these over-the-top additions come with a hefty price tag: $3.8 million. But nobody said that the hero lifestyle came cheap — just ask Bruce Wayne.

Editors' Recommendations

Nicole Raney
Nicole Raney
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nicole Raney is the former Managing Editor of The Manual. You can also hear her on older episodes of The Manual Podcast, a…
Report: Only one-third of car dealerships have an EV available for purchase right now
An electric vehicle being charged.

An electric vehicle being charged. myenergi/unsplash

Many of those searching for an electric vehicle in the past year have concluded that there are slim pickings at their local car dealerships. According to a recent study released by the Sierra Club, those deductions are accurate. It’s been determined that the auto industry is sadly failing to meet consumer demand for electric vehicles in the United States.

Read more
7 cars so incredible they’ll have you rethinking that SUV
These best-rated cars are reliable and fun to drive
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blacking front end angle from driver's side parked on a race track.

Cars aren't nearly as popular as they once were. Most consumers would rather spend their money on an SUV, which offers more ground clearance, a taller driving position, more interior space, and more safety in the case of an accident. Here's the thing, cars are still outstanding, and with consumers moving toward SUVs, automakers have had to make their vehicles even better - leading to some of the best cars the market has seen debuting this year.
Nowadays, you'll find cars with nearly every bell and whistle available as standard equipment. Plus, modern cars offer spirited handling that SUVs can't match until you get into the costly stuff. For consumers willing to look at sedans, sports cars, and hatchbacks, there's more to like in the class than ever before. We've compiled a list of our favorite vehicles in popular segments to help you find an option that's right for you.

Best electric car: Lucid Air
For years, Tesla went unchallenged in the all-electric segment. Between the Tesla Model 3 and Model S, the automaker covered the compact and large segments. With up to 405 miles of range, Tesla was far ahead of any other competitor in the class by a wide margin and used to even boast about the Model S sedan's ability to get to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds and its 1,020-horsepower rating. However, Tesla sat at Mount Olympus a little too long as a small startup brand called Lucid came out of nowhere and drop-kicked Tesla off its pedestal.
The Lucid Air is an impressive feat of engineering. If you opt for the Grand Touring trim, you'll get 516 miles of range. In addition, even though everyone thought Tesla had created a mark that wouldn't be surpassed for years with its 405-mile rating, but Lucid demolished that figure with its official rating.
Beyond having the longest range of any electric vehicle on sale, the Air is also one of the most powerful and quickest ones on sale. Lucid introduced a new Sapphire model with 1,200 horsepower and a zero-to-60-mph time that's less than two seconds. These figures mean it has outpowered the Model S and out-accelerated the Tesla, too.
Automakers continue to introduce EVs at an alarming rate. The EVs are accompanied by cutting-edge tech features and features that seem preposterous, and the Lucid Air is no different. Yet, the Air doesn't feel like a gimmick. It's state of the art, and the fact that it's Lucid's first vehicle ever makes it all the more impressive.

Read more
8 things you didn’t know about buying (and owning) a new Ferrari
Red Ferrari's lined up.

If you know anything about vehicles, you've probably noticed Ferrari's exceptional craftsmanship. They are often regarded as among the world's most spectacular and aesthetically beautiful cars. So, if you've got an overwhelming urge to buy one of these beautiful works of art, it's understandable, especially if you have a strong interest in luxury vehicles. It's also understandable that you'd want (or need) to know more before committing to such a costly investment. 

Known for their use of competitive car technology, primarily their early adoption of V12 engines, Ferrari balances both comfort and performance flawlessly. Although Ferraris are similar to Lamborghinis and other premium vehicles, they are easily distinguished by their prestige and elegance. This is predominantly so given their scarcity, as these vehicles are sought after by many car enthusiasts, with many Ferraris getting more expensive with age. See why we say a Ferrari is actually an investment? 

Read more