The security of politicians, celebrities and the ultra-wealthy has just been enhanced further with the new Range Rover Sentinel.

The Range Rover is a popular choice to be armour plated, and Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division has just revealed a revised version of its feared Sentinel.

A 375bhp 5.0-litre V8 engine is a welcome 40bhp boost over the old V6 petrol unit – particularly as all the Sentinel’s glass and body armouring carries more than a tonne of extra weight compared to the already heavy Range Rover. It does mean that performance is somewhat dulled, with the plated model taking 9.8 seconds to accelerate from 0-60mph and has a top speed of 120mph.

With the Sentinel, Land Rover hopes to offer the Range Rover with all its extra protection, but not without sacrificing comfort.

The armoured model features an enhanced protection cell which is built to meet stringent full ballistic and blast certification, while the latest Range Rover Sentinel aims to protect against more modern types of attack – such as improvised exploding devices and fragmentation blasts.

The division has worked hard to ensure the armoured model offers excellent off-roading ability for a car of its size and weight, while advanced wheels and tyres allow for the Sentinel to be driven for up to 30 miles at speeds up to 50mph even if the tyres are damaged.

Armoured glass is fitted, while there is the option to have a public address system that allows occupants to speak to people outside without having to leave their model. Emergency lighting packs and sirens can also be fitted.

As with the latest Range Rover and Sport, the Sentinel features LED lighting, improved cabin space and the firm’s latest Touch Pro Duo twin touchscreen system.

Michael van der Sande, managing director at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “The Range Rover Sentinel delivers the exceptional protection and security required by our VIP clients without compromising the superior refinement of the latest Range Rover.

“The addition of the more powerful 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 engine and a redesigned interior ensures a heightened level of performance and occupant safety.”

For those in need of extra security from their vehicle, there are few classier ways to travel…