The mantlet, the turret sides and the hull noseplate of the AMX-32 are hollow, the outer layers are made of dual hardness steel plates which are particularly effective against kinetic energy projectiles.

The turret roof has been thickened to be protected from autocannons shells fired by fighter-bombers at a steep angle of 30°.

A Thomson CSF DIVT-13 low light television camera (LLLTV) with a ×1 magnification allows night observation up to 1200 m. The image obtained is displayed on two TV monitors (gunner and commander).

The AMX-32 was powered by a 24,790 cc (1,513 cu in) 800 horsepower (600 kW) Hispano-Suiza (then Renault) HS-110-2-SR diesel engine fitted with twin Holset turbochargers and intercooler.

The engine is coupled to an automatic, power shifting, SESM Minerva ENC 200 transmission with five forward and reverse gears.