Police fleets from all over the world are already using certain BMWs, with Australia set to join them next year with 80 units of the new 530d.
Victoria Police will take delivery of the entire batch by the end of next year, although the first ones are expected to become operational as soon as early 2018.
“Lauded by media and customers alike for its combination of performance, safety, and efficiency, the new BMW 5-Series range is a natural fit for police duty”, said the brand’s Australia CEO, Marc Werner, during the official announcement.
However, unlike the usual BMW 5-Series aimed at the masses, the police vehicles will be presented in an entry-level specification, “eschewing some of the higher-end luxuries found on the regular production model”, according to the manufacturer. This means that amenities such as leather and other “meaningless” equipment will be dropped completely, in order to make the cars more police-suitable.
All 80 units will be fitted with a ‘police pack‘, straight from the factory, which will prepare them for their heavy-duty operations.
Standard 530ds use a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that makes 265PS (261hp) and 620Nm (457lb-ft) of torque. Add the police upgrades, and their performance could perhaps improve.
PHOTO GALLERY
