BMW gives criminals some serious Competition

BMW Group Australia has provided the Victoria Police vehicle fleet with a serious shot in the arm by donating one of its fire-breathing M5 Competition super sedans to be used as a highway patrol vehicle.

The special M5 Competition is clearly marked with police livery including blue paint, fluorescent yellow ‘Police’ lettering on the bonnet and rear bumper, the Victoria Police badge on the front boards and signature blue-and-white chequered graphics throughout.

It has been set up to be fully functional as a highway patrol vehicle, including red-and-blue lights mounted on the roof, air intakes and rear number plate.

Criminals looking to make a fast getaway will hope the M5 Competition is not in pursuit, due in part to its 305km/h top speed – the fastest of any operational police vehicle in the country.

The special police vehicle is equipped with the same twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 as consumer versions, capable of pumping out 460kW at 6000rpm and 750Nm from 1800-5860rpm.

Power is delivered via an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving all four wheels through BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-paw system.

Sprinting from zero to 100km/h takes just 3.3 seconds, while combined fuel consumption is pegged at 10.6 litres per 100km.

BMW Group Australia chief executive Vikram Pawah said the combination of performance and practicality made the M5 Competition the perfect donor vehicle.

“Since co-operating in the deployment of BMW 5 Series patrol vehicles in 2018, BMW Group Australia has enjoyed working closely with Victoria Police,” he said.

“Our 530ds have impressed the force with their combination of performance, comfort, dynamics and efficiency.

“Now with the incredible BMW M5 Competition entering Victoria Police service, the performance level has jumped up the scale.

“When combined with the safety of the xDrive four-wheel-drive system, the M5’s all-round ability aspects make it a natural fit for dynamic police duties.”

The BMW and Victoria Police relationship began in 2017, when a fleet of 80 530d sedans was purchased to replace some of the outgoing Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon fleet vehicles that ceased production in the same year.

All 80 examples were modified with the addition of a factory-fitted police pack and the removal of luxurious items such as the sunroof.

BMW supplies vehicles to police forces globally across four continents, including countries such as Germany, the UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong.