The Conquest Knight XV doesn't qualify as an everyday kind of ride, but for professional athletes, government officials, and heads of corporations around the globe, it should fit perfectly among their stable of high-priced vehicles. This extravagantly large and armored vehicle was first unveiled at the 2008 SEMA Show and since then, has had an abundant amount of comfort and security features added to it.

The vehicle is the picture of insanity and utter viciousness. We would just like to say that it would be an awesome choice for the next Decepticon in any upcoming Transformers if the production could afford it. It looks ready for the job already.

Find out more about the Conquest Knight XV after the jump

2010 - 2012 Conquest Knight XV

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 - 2012 Conquest Knight XV
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The 2010 model Knight XV received electronic touch handles, hand crafted billet aluminum, and leather steering wheel and shifter handle, retractable custom flat screen television, TracVision satellite system, ultra suede seating and an electrostatic window tinting system. The company has also created a new, high-level security upgrade and options platform for the Knight XV that includes a built-in oxygen survival kit, under vehicle magnetic attachment detection system, multiple armoring levels, under vehicle blast protection system, and a black box system.

In addition to Conquest Vehicle's luxury and security upgrades to the Knight XV, the company has also added other production and design upgrade options including a turbo charger package, commercial grade multilink air ride suspension system, a custom made braking system consisting of 15" vented 2-piece front rotors with high performance 12 piston billet calipers, carbon fiber instrument panel, diesel engine, 24-inch vehicle extension package, and right-hand drive conversion package.

For the 2012 model, the Knight XV has been designed using only the most expensive and highest quality armoring materials on the planet. Nothing - and we mean nothing - about this all-utility ride is weak.

Beginning with the exterior, the 2012 Knight Conquest XV features many of the same design elements as the last model except that this one is wider and a little longer. Among the few changes done on the vehicle include a redesigned and more aggressive front end, a new hood, a new grille, and matching headlights and taillights.

What makes the Knight XV the ultimate in all-utility luxury are the optional packages that it comes in. For the 2012 model, there are plenty heaps of it, including a Luxury Group Package and a Security Package.

For the former, the add-ons feature electrostatic tinting (rear windows, sunroofs, partition), rear power windows, retractable ballistic glass partition, retractable flat screen television, siren, 2-way PA system with loud speaker, hidden front VIP strobes lights, forward and backup sensors and an external intercom communication system, Playstation3 or Xbox entertainment system, a VIP package inclusion of decanter bar, cooler box, and a cigar humidor.

Meanwhile, the latter offers less premium upgrades but has more than enough security features to rival a Las Vegas casino. As part of the Security Package, you’ll receive cool trinkets like an under vehicle explosive protection system and magnetic attachment detector, an opaque floor armor protection, a Black box, a security safe, a fire extinguisher, exterior surveillance camera system, positive pressure defense system against gas attacks, and an oxygen survival kit.

Performance

The Conquest Knight XV has had its share of powertrain options. Initially,

it came with a Ford 6.8 liter V10 engine with E-85 ethanol conversion but for the 2012 model, that has since been changed to a choice between two powertrain options, one with a gas version that features a General Motors-sourced 6.0-liter V8 engine with an output of 325 horsepower and 400 lb/ft of torque. Meanwhile, a diesel engine is also available, thanks to a 6.7-liter Cummins ISB engine that produces 300 horsepower and 660 lb/ft of torque. Both engines come with a Freightliner platform chassis and mated to a five-speed Torqshift automatic transmission.

Pricing

The last Knight XV to hit the market came with a price tag of $489,000, which is, believe it or not, comparatively cheaper than the 2012 model. Thanks to a lot of the added upgrades in the last model that have been turned into standard features, the 2012 Knight XV now commands a king’s ransom worth $629,000.

Competition

It's hard to find a suitable comp for the Knight XV because there aren't a lot of vehicles on the planet that offers all the things it can give, including the price tag.

Hummer has long been discontinued and even the most tricked out versions of those machines still pales in comparison to what you get with the Knight XV.

If we were reaching, though, you could make a case that where the Knight XV has in interior amenities, Paramount Group's Marauder more than makes up for in sheer intimidation alone.

Video Feature

The Conquest Knight XV was once featured in Discovery Channel's "World's Most Expensive Rides". Check out the segment below!