Optional features include armor plating for the fuel tank and battery, a fire extinguisher, fresh air system for the cabin, and an emergency exit system that uses explosives to open the doors in the event of a power failure.

The A8 L Security is available with one of two engines: a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 435 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque or a 6.3-liter W12 with 500 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard.

Despite all that power, the A8 L Security’s armor adds a few pounds (Audi won’t say how many) to the curb weight. That explains the relatively leisurely 0 to 62 mph times of 7.5 seconds for the V8 and 7.1 seconds for the W12. Audi also had to fit special tires with a higher load index to deal with the bulk.

Speed may be a better bet than endurance when escaping the bad buys. Audi estimates fuel economy for the V8 model to be in the neighborhood of 21.5 mpg, or 17.4 mpg for the W12.

Audi is taking orders for the 2015 A8 L Security, with deliveries set to begin in the third quarter of 2014. The price is classified, for n0w.