Conquest Vehicles unveils Knight XV, the world’s largest armoured SUV
Canadian firm Conquest Vehicles is hand-building 100 examples of the Knight XV, a military-inspired SUV with full armouring, a 6.8-litre V10 and a £350,000 price tag.
Conquest Vehicles, a Canadian specialist manufacturer, has revealed the Knight XV, which it claims is the world’s largest fully armoured SUV. The company plans to build just 100 examples, each assembled by hand over a three-month process.
The Knight XV’s dimensions are hard to ignore. At 6,096mm long, 2,337mm wide and 2,540mm tall, it is larger than most production SUVs and even some military vehicles. The wheelbase stretches to 3,576mm, while ground clearance stands at 355mm. The kerb weight is a substantial 5,454kg, reflecting the scale of its armouring and luxury fittings.
Armouring and chassis
Conquest has based the Knight XV on a heavily modified Ford F-550 Super Duty chassis. The SUV is powered by Ford’s 6.8-litre V10 petrol engine, which the company says can run on E85 ethanol. Power output is quoted at 400hp, delivered through a five-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. A 151-litre fuel tank gives the Knight XV the range expected of a vehicle intended for high-risk environments.
The armouring specification is extensive. The Knight XV uses a combination of ballistic glass, high-strength steel, aluminium, advanced composites, ceramics and aramid fibres for opaque armour. There is also a firewall separating the engine bay from the passenger compartment. Ballistic run-flat tyres are fitted as standard, specifically 20-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Radial ATZ units.
Interior and equipment
Despite the military styling, the Knight XV’s interior is focused on luxury and technology. Buyers can specify Wilton wool carpeting, polished 20-inch rims, rear seat laptop stations, keyless entry, and dual tinted moonroof panels. Night vision capability is provided by FLIR cameras mounted at the front and rear, aimed at security-focused customers.
Market and positioning
With a starting price of $500,000, the Knight XV targets a niche market of high-net-worth individuals, security firms and anyone requiring military-grade protection in a civilian package. The SUV’s specification and scale place it well outside the mainstream luxury SUV segment, competing instead with bespoke armoured vehicles and high-end conversions.
Conquest Vehicles has positioned the Knight XV as a statement of both security and exclusivity. While the company has not confirmed the identities of early buyers, the model’s combination of size, protection and luxury is likely to appeal to a small but global clientele. The Knight XV’s limited production run and hand-built nature further underline its rarity in a market increasingly focused on mass-produced SUVs.
