AC Schnitzer’s BMW i8 Is A Police Car People Will Actually Be Happy To See

Every year, a German aftermarket company is chosen to build a police-themed vehicle for the “Tune It! Safe!” campaign.

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, the initiative aims to combat illegal and unsafe tuning. For 2019, the Association of German Automobile Tuners (VDAT) chose AC Schnitzer for the job. In its turn, the tuner selected the BMW i8 Roadster plug-in hybrid sports car as the campaign vehicle and went on to make significant changes to it.

Debuting at the Essen Motor Show (November 30-December 9), the “Police BMW i8 TUNE IT! SAFE! by AC Schnitzer” has a lot going for it.

On the outside, AC Schnitzer lowered the i8 by 20 mm (0.78 in), bringing it closer to the road for increased stability in corners. The BMW i8 police car also received a set of 21-inch AC1 lightweight forged wheels which are said to save 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs) per rim. As a result of the weight saving, AC Schnitzer claims the lateral dynamics of the i8 stand to gain as well.

The tuner also applied an aerodynamics-enhancing kit made entirely of carbon. At the front, the i8 sports spoiler elements, a center spoiler, winglets on the sides of the bumper, as well as a bonnet top. The side skirts, “Racing” rear wing, and three-part rear diffuser round off the aero package, providing more downforce.

Other exterior tweaks include the carbon door handle shells, mirror caps, as well as the front grille for the BMW kidney. Everything is wrapped in a typical blue-silver German police livery with yellow accents and emergency lights.

Inside, the BMW i8 gains more subtle upgrades such as aluminum paddle shifters and pedal set, as well as a cover for the iDrive rotary controller made from the same material. There’s no word on performance upgrades, but even in stock form the i8 will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in about the same time you can pronounce “Eins, Zwei, Polizei.”