Continuity mistake: Just after the explosion in the square, we see a shot of the Mercedes' door, and it's still bright silver. In the shot immediately afterwards of George Clooney and Nicole Kidman getting to their feet, it's charred black. (00:51:10)





Answer: Presumably they couldn't take the risk that removing the wire would stop that plate detonating, and/or were worried that there might be a failsafe to detect a wire being cut. Physically removing the charge seemed like the safer bet.
Jon Sandys ★