Israel Orders Armored Audi Worth Nearly 5 Million Shekels

Israel has recently received an unusually expensive passenger car, an armored Audi A8 Security executive sedan valued at 4,907,156 shekels, according to Israeli registration records. The vehicle arrived in the country a few days ago and was handed over in recent days to the Shin Bet, the Israel Security Agency. The article says it is unclear whether the car will be delivered before the next election, either for the prime minister or the president.

Sources familiar with the matter said two vehicles of this model are expected to come to Israel, one intended for the president and the other for the prime minister. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu currently travels in an older Audi A8 Security that has already covered more than 500,000 kilometers. The only passenger car imported to Israel that was more expensive was a Lamborghini Revuelto, priced at five million shekels.

The Audi A8 Security is described as Audi’s top executive sedan. Unlike the standard A8, the armored version includes bullet-resistant protection, special windows, communications systems, and upgraded braking and steering systems. It weighs more than four tons, compared with about three tons for the regular model.

The vehicle for Israeli state use is said to be even more specialized than a standard Security model. After leaving the Audi factory, these cars undergo additional armored installation in Europe under a classified specification designed to meet Israel’s requirements.

The Finance Ministry said, without confirming the details, that the purchase of protected vehicles is carried out under formal procedures, including compliance with the Tenders Law and instructions from the relevant authorities. It added that such vehicles are supplied only to bodies designated as needing them and, like all government fleet cars, come with a full service package and an agreed replacement cycle.