Police will add up to 80 vehicles to their highway patrol fleet by the end of next year, going with high-performance BMWs that sell for $120,000 each.
BMW has teamed up with Victoria Police to produce a fleet of entry-level turbo diesel-powered BMW 530ds stripped back to the basics.
Lacking the luxury features of the retail model, the new highway patrol BMWs will replace the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore V8s.
Victoria Police will add up to 80 vehicles to its highway patrol fleet by the end of next year, going with high-performance BMWs (pictured) that sell for $120,000 each
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said the new vehicles will be fit for purpose, thanks to cooperation with the German car maker.
‘They are the only company to date that has been able to provide a factory fitted “police pack” making the commercial agreement an extremely attractive value for money decision,’ he said.
‘This is a great opportunity, where together with BMW, we can deliver more integrated solutions for policing through technology and innovation while still meeting our performance needs.’
Despite their hefty $120,000 price tag, adding up to almost $10million for 80 vehicles, Victoria Police may pay much less, News.com.au reported.
BMW has teamed up with the Victoria police force (pictured, stock image) to produce a fleet of entry-level turbo diesel-powered BMW 530ds stripped back to the basics
A fleet discount and the removal of luxury fittings and features should translate into significant savings.
The diesel engine of the 530d uses less than half the fuel of the Commodore V8, and its safety technology is more advanced – 5.1L/100km compared to 12.6L.
BMW armoured vehicles are already used by the Prime Minister’s fleet and the Federal Government.
With 200 highway patrol cars on the road, the 80 incoming BMWs will make up almost half the fleet, and other states may follow suit.
New South Wales may introduce the Chrysler 300 SRT8V8 sedan to its highway patrol fleet of 400 vehicles.
Queensland has stated its fleet of more than 200 vehicles will use Hyundais, and South Australia and Western Australia may be considering the new Toyota Camry V6.
BMWs are used by highway police in the UK, Germany and Italy.
‘BMW has a proven history, used widely throughout Europe as police vehicles, and most importantly is one of the world leaders when it comes to safety in cars,’ said Assistant Commissioner Fryer.
Victoria Police said in a statement it will continue to consider a range of different manufacturers for its highway patrol fleet in years to come.
Lacking the luxury features of the retail model, the new highway patrol BMWs will replace the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore V8s (pictured is a stock image of the BMW 530d on display in Germany)