Police BMWs appear so often in news and movies that their presence has almost ceased to be surprising. However, this story did not begin yesterday. Even in the Soviet Union, cars of the Bavarian brand were used by the GAI (State Automobile Inspectorate).
The reasons for BMW's popularity among law enforcement agencies seem obvious at first glance: good dynamics, endurance, and the ability to quickly perform assigned tasks. But there's a less obvious component to this story – the price that agencies get for large purchases.
What Exactly Attracts Police to BMW
The main combination that underpins the brand's success is reliability, speed, and a relatively low cost for government fleets. The last point is particularly interesting, as BMW is not usually associated with affordable cars.
However, police units receive cars in configurations quite different from those found in regular dealerships. Such vehicles lack leather seats, numerous heating systems, and other elements that relate more to comfort and luxury. Government customers opt for maximally simplified versions, retaining only the equipment necessary for service.
At the same time, BMW engines traditionally focus on high performance. The car must be capable of rapid acceleration precisely when a patrol crew requires it.
But power alone is not enough to win government tenders. The cost of the entire batch plays a significant role. Over the past 20 years, BMW's presence in police fleets has grown significantly, and one reason for this has been the substantial discounts the manufacturer provides for large volumes of deliveries.
As a result, the agency receives a car that is simultaneously:
- capable of fast movement;
- withstands intensive use;
- offered in a simplified configuration;
- costs the budget less due to wholesale pricing.
Why Competitors Don't Always Make the Cut
At first glance, BMW has plenty of alternatives. Audi comes to mind first, and among fast cars, the Ford Mustang. However, for government procurement, not only maximum power or brand prestige matters.
Audi does not provide comparable wholesale discounts for large orders. Ford and other competitors also face problems: despite impressive characteristics, they do not always successfully pass specialized police tests.
During such tests, not just speed is checked. Acceleration, handling, and vehicle endurance are important. It is this complex of characteristics that allows BMW to regularly be among the most suitable options.
How BMW Appeared in the Soviet Union
BMW officially arrived in the USSR in December 1973. This visit marked the brand's first official showing in the country, and for it, the head of the company's board himself visited the Soviet Union.
The German side hoped not to limit itself to demonstrating cars. The possibility of organizing two licensed productions was discussed: one was to be related to BMW engines for "Volgas," the other to motorcycles.
An agreement on such cooperation could not be reached. However, the equipment brought for the show remained in the Soviet Union.
A total of five vehicles for various purposes were handed over to Soviet state bodies, although the purchase of Bavarian cars was not initially planned. In essence, the state simply received cars that the German side had independently chosen for demonstration.
Why Germany Uses BMW in Its Own Police Force
For Germany, choosing BMW as police cars is significant not only in terms of technical characteristics. There is also an image component here.
Using cars from a national manufacturer allows for simultaneously demonstrating high-quality technology and supporting the domestic economy. A patrol BMW in this context becomes a kind of statement: German police use technology that the manufacturing country itself trusts.
A fast and robust car visually emphasizes the strength, control, and professionalism of law enforcement agencies. It's no wonder that police in more than 100 countries use BMW vehicles.
For the company itself, government procurement has another value. By offering favorable terms for large tenders, BMW gets the opportunity to showcase its technology to a huge number of people worldwide.
Why BMW Faced Problems in the UK
However, the long-standing dominance of the Bavarian brand no longer seems absolute. Cheaper competitors are gradually catching up, and the story of the British police has been particularly telling.
Problems arose with diesel patrol cars. The vehicles would idle for long periods, causing the engine oil to lose its properties faster. As a result, the engine could fail precisely when maximum acceleration was required from the car.
In addition, cases of vehicle fires were recorded.
After this, the use of diesel 330d, 530d, and X5 models in patrol work was restricted. Some units of the British police subsequently abandoned German cars and switched to Volvo and Skoda.
Who is Currently Pressuring BMW
The most notable competitors to the Bavarian brand are Skoda and Volvo. The former relies on turbocharged engines, while the latter is gradually increasing its presence in police fleets.
In Sweden, Volvo V90 and XC60 are already being tested for patrol duty. According to preliminary reports, these cars have proven to be the best police vehicles ever used in the country.
Nevertheless, BMW is not yet ready to give up its position. The brand retains a combination of characteristics that are difficult to replicate simultaneously: high speed, the ability to withstand intensive use, and an aggressive pricing policy for large purchases.
Therefore, the story of patrol BMWs is far from over. Bavarian cars remain one of the most recognizable symbols of police transport, although competition for government fleets is becoming increasingly fierce.