BMW and Chrysler locked in as NSW Police highway patrol cars

NSW Police has unveiled the next generation of highway patrol vehicles to replace home-grown Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons.

After nearly 50 years of locally-developed pursuit vehicles, imported models from BMW and Chrysler have been locked in as the state’s new suppliers, BMW with its turbo-diesel 530d and Chrysler with its petrol-powered V8 SRT.

The announcement follows a three-year trial conducted by NSW Police in which 17 different vehicles were assessed, and mirrors Victoria Police signing on with the BMW 530d earlier this year.

The BMW 5 Series differs from regular retail models, with less niceties but a similar safety arsenal. It channels a police-specific 5 Series already offered to jurisdictions across Europe and the UK, using a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that brings 195kW and 620Nm and sips a claimed 4.7L/100km.

BMW also supplies armoured vehicles to the Australian Federal government and the Prime Minister’s fleet.

The Chrysler, meanwhile, packs a credible 350kW and 637Nm, courtesy of a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine. It is similar to police pursuit vehicles offered in the US, usually badged as Dodge Chargers.

While the Chrysler will bring quicker acceleration, it will demand more frequent re-fuelling with a claimed consumption rating of 13.0L/100km.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said safety was pivotal in the final decision.

“The safety of our police officers and the community they serve is our top priority, and both these vehicles demonstrated the safety levels meeting our requirements,” he said.

“Equally as important, the platform of both vehicles supports the state of the art technology that is key to the government’s focus on reducing the incidents of road trauma across New South Wales.”

Both models are fitted with the latest crime-fighting tech, including automatic number plate recognition systems, speed detection radars, mobile phone detection hardware, high-resolution cameras and digital communication equipment.

The regular road-going version of the 530d retails for $119,990 plus on-road costs, while the SRT is offered from $76,000 drive away. Reduced standard equipment and fleet buying arrangements allow police prices to be significantly discounted.

According to NSW Police, the German-sourced Holden Commodore ZB was considered in the replacement process, but didn’t meet minimum benchmark requirements.