What is the thinking behind X5s as traffic cars

[Norfolkandchance]

A number of forces use big 4x4s as traffic cars. Round here it is BMW X5s. Given that a 5 series touring would be cheaper to buy and run and offer a similar amount of space and slightly better performance, model for model, what is the thinking behind the X5s? Is it because they stand out more, they look more intimidating or to do with residuals or what?

Thanks

[Norfolkandchance]

The Surveyor said:

Don't you have fields or agricultural lanes around your area, and do you ever get snow?

Yes we do, though I've never seen a traffic car in the fields, they mostly seem to be on the major roads, where the traffic is. I guess we get an average of 1 day of snow per year, like most areas of UK, though of course some years it is none, others there might be 4 or 5 days. 5 series are available in X drive if traction is the issue and I guess they could get a good price on winter tyres. They do have both Defenders and 4x4 pick-ups (Ford Rangers, I think).

[Norfolkandchance]

ZOLLAR said:

Norfolkandchance said:

A number of forces use big 4x4s as traffic cars. Round here it is BMW X5s. Given that a 5 series touring would be cheaper to buy and run and offer a similar amount of space and slightly better performance, model for model, what is the thinking behind the X5s? Is it because they stand out more, they look more intimidating or to do with residuals or what?

Thanks

Probably comes down to what the manufacturer offers when they tender for the contract?
Yes an X5 may be more expensive in a dealer but on police contracts there may not be much of a difference between the two?

Who knows, doubt we'll get the full answers as there's probably many factors which we won't be privy too.

I highly doubt they buy the X5 just to be flash and waste money, shortage of money in the police is quite serious at the moment so no doubt if they could get a cheaper option that also maintains operational readiness they would.

I didn't think for a second it would be to be flash - I ma well aware that any expensive decision has to be justified. I did read an interview with a police driver who used an Evo. The thinking was that people would see it in the mirror and think there was no point in trying to run. This would be a perfectly acceptable justification - the expensive car means we do fewer high speed chases and therefore put fewer lives at risk. I am sure there was a carefully thought out decision making process behind the X5s, I just wondered what it was. It may well be that, in the long run the X5s are cheaper because we get a better return on them when we sell them or we get a better lease deal on them for similar reasons.

[Norfolkandchance]

ZOLLAR said:

Norfolkandchance said:

I didn't think for a second it would be to be flash - I ma well aware that any expensive decision has to be justified. I did read an interview with a police driver who used an Evo. The thinking was that people would see it in the mirror and think there was no point in trying to run. This would be a perfectly acceptable justification - the expensive car means we do fewer high speed chases and therefore put fewer lives at risk. I am sure there was a carefully thought out decision making process behind the X5s, I just wondered what it was. It may well be that, in the long run the X5s are cheaper because we get a better return on them when we sell them or we get a better lease deal on them for similar reasons.

Sorry, I wasn't implying you were just covering it as no doubt someone on PH thinks they probably do

Thank you

[Norfolkandchance]

richs2891 said:

Just guessing here but cheaper and more reliable than a Range Rover ?

Will hold just as much kit and should the Police every need the extra off road abilities that a Range Rover has over an X5, it will be contracted out to a third party.

I want to know why X5 rather than 5 series. Or why any SUV actually. So why the Range Rovers as motorway patrol cars back in the 80s when a Granada would have been faster and more efficient.

ps they have Defenders for the real off road stuff round here.

[Norfolkandchance]

Thanks all. Now happy.

[Norfolkandchance]

4rephill said:

X5's are big, so stand out on the roads to other motorists, they can easily carry all of the emergency equipment required when dealing with an incident, they can easily tow/drag vehicles out of the way when required, the Police forces get an incredible deal on them from BMW, and they still fetch decent money for the forces when it comes time to sell them on because they tend to be more popular these days than estate cars.

It's hardly rocket science!

Read all the answers from a two page thread, summarise it as if it was something you've known for years, sit around feeling smug as if you have somehow scored some points.

It's hardly rocket science!