But what if I told you that BMWs are quite often chosen by different countries as their police cars, way more than any other luxury brand and in similar numbers as normal cars. Around 45 countries currently use or have used BMWs in their police fleet, which is similar to Volkswagen and much more than Mercedes if we exclude vans and trucks.
While Mercedes cars are primarily used for executive roles, BMWs usage is way more extensive, from normal traffic patrols to more specialized roles.
But before we go deeply on why BMWs are so widely used as police cars, let's first see some different reasons why some countries use very expensive cars in their fleet.
In some countries, high-end and exotic cars are incorporated into police fleets as a means of enhancing the country's image, projecting wealth and sophistication. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in Dubai, stands out as a prime example of this phenomenon. The Dubai police force has an astonishing collection of luxury vehicles. From sleek Mercedes and BMWs to ultra-exclusive Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and even multi-million-dollar Bugattis
However, these cars are not primarily intended for use in high-speed chases or regular patrol duties. Dubai, known for its low crime rates and exemplary public safety, has little need for such vehicles in traditional law enforcement roles. Instead, these high-performance cars serve a different purpose: they are a strategic component of the city's effort to craft a global image as a leading luxury destination.
Similarly, in Germany, the use of high-end vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the police fleet follows the same logic. These brands are pillars of the German automotive industry, representing quality, precision, and durability. By choosing these vehicles, the German police not only ensure they have access to reliable, high-performance cars that can be easily maintained with locally available parts, but they also support their domestic economy. Moreover, having police forces equipped with such esteemed brands elevates the image of these vehicles globally, reinforcing their reputation as durable, reliable, and perfectly suited for the demanding needs of law enforcement.
while performance and officer feedback are crucial, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is often an equally important—if not more critical—factor in the decision-making process. Total cost of ownership includes not just the initial purchase price of the vehicle but also long-term expenses like maintenance, fuel efficiency, insurance, and potential resale value.
These financial considerations are particularly significant for public agencies operating within tight budgets and facing the need to justify every expenditure to taxpayers and government oversight bodies. At first glance, one might assume that the high initial purchase price and potentially higher running costs of BMWs would disqualify them from consideration by cost-conscious police departments. Indeed, compared to other brands, BMW vehicles tend to come with a premium price tag and may require more expensive maintenance and repairs over time.
But BMW is particularly keen on securing contracts from high-profile customers, such as government agencies and police forces, and is often willing to go to great lengths to win these deals. In many cases, BMW offers the lowest bid in competitive procurement processes, sometimes selling its vehicles at a substantial discount—up to half the sticker price. This aggressive pricing strategy is not just about immediate profit; it's about securing the contract itself, which can have numerous long-term benefits for the company. One of the key advantages of selling to police forces is that these deals often involve large fleet orders. Supplying an entire fleet can be financially lucrative for BMW, especially when considering the volume of vehicles sold and the potential for ongoing maintenance and parts contracts.
These sales typically come with long-term agreements, ensuring a steady stream of revenue for BMW over several years. Additionally, the long-term nature of these contracts allows BMW to plan production and inventory management more efficiently, reducing risks associated with market fluctuations. Beyond the immediate financial benefits, these contracts significantly enhance BMW's brand image. Police vehicles are subjected to some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, from high-speed pursuits to long hours of continuous operation. By proving their worth in these high-stress situations, BMW vehicles reinforce the brand’s reputation for excellence under pressure.
This association can have a ripple effect, increasing consumer trust and driving sales across other segments of BMW’s market. In this way, the initial discount offered to win a contract can pay off many times over in terms of brand loyalty and expanded market share.

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