UK’s most powerful police cars across the country including super-fast Tesla
A GROUP of car experts have revealed some of the UK’s most powerful police patrol cars that are putting the brakes on crime. Vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing recently sent a Freedom of Informa…
A GROUP of car experts have revealed some of the UK’s most powerful police patrol cars that are putting the brakes on crime.
Vehicle lease firm Select Car Leasing recently sent a Freedom of Information request to all forces across the UK to uncover the most potent vehicles in police fleets.
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Volvo XC90Credit: YouTube
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Tesla Model 3 PerformanceCredit: Select Car Leasing
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BMW 3 Series M340iCredit: X/@ShaunfromDurham
The data generally relates to marked police cars, with the details and power figures of covert or armed response vehicles naturally a closely-guarded secret.
Not all forces were able to respond to the request, but Select Car Leasing can reveal some of the cars being deployed by the boys in blue are pretty formidable - from performance saloons and hot estates to rapid EVs.
One of the most imposing is the Volvo XC90, an all-wheel drive SUV with 380 bhp and a top speed of 140 mph.
According to Select Car Leasing’s figures, it can clock 0-62 mph in roughly 5.4 seconds, and is used by multiple police forces, including Cleveland Police, Dyfed-Powys Police, Essex Police, Merseyside Police, Northumbria Police and West Mercia Police.
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Select Car Leasing said: “The Volvo XC90 is a big, imposing SUV with generous amounts of power.
“Most forces deploy the powerful mild-hybrid ‘B6’ engine, recently withdrawn by Volvo, while others boast the more powerful ‘T8’ plug-in hybrid first registered in 2020.”
From a gas-guzzling giant to an eco-friendly speed demon, South Wales Police have been spotted recently using a Tesla Model 3 Performance.
The high-powered EV, which is priced in the UK from £59,000, produces a frightening 480 bhp and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
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Select Car Leasing added: “It’s good to see some police forces embracing electrification, and the Tesla Model 3 is potent indeed.
“Though not confirmed, we suspect this is a ‘Performance’ model, capable of leaving some supercars in its wake.
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“South Wales Police has a pair of Model 3s on its fleet following a national trial of Tesla Model 3 Performance cars that began in 2022.”
The slightly more conventional BMW 3 Series M340i is certainly no slouch, with 374 bhp and the acceleration of 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
For civilians, the M340i is a brilliant blend of luxury and performance - making it the perfect daily, especially the Touring estate version.
Forces in Wiltshire and the Derbyshire Constabulary utilise the speedy Beemer, while Select Car Leasing said: “The 3 Series M340i sits just one rung down from the fully-fledged BMW M3 Competition, and it’s an impressive bit of kit.
“Most forces have opted for the ‘Touring’ estate model for maximum practicality.”
Considered a more “unusual choice for a police car” is the Cupra Leon Estate, another seriously stylish German-built estate with plenty of oomph under the bonnet.
Boasting 305 bhp of power, it can manage 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds, and is used by West Yorkshire Police - who opt for the all-wheel drive iteration.
It’s noted by Select Car Leasing for its “aggressive exterior styling and road presence”.
While not as fast as the others mentioned above, the BMW X5, used by the likes of the North Yorkshire Police, comes with 295 bhp and can hit 62 mph in 6.1 seconds.
Select says: “While not an outright performance model, the BMW X5 is a familiar sight as a police car on UK roads.
“North Yorkshire Police has two models on its fleet, registered in 2021. They’re no-doubt perfect for coping with the potholed rural roads of the region.”
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, added: “If you’re a criminal looking for a quick getaway, this list is sure to make you think twice.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“South Wales Police’s fleet, for example, features an electric, all-wheel drive 480 bhp Tesla Model 3 Performance, capable of break-neck acceleration.
“Meanwhile several forces can also rely on blisteringly-quick BMWs, including the 374 bhp BMW 3 Series M340i, which can hit 62 mph from a standing start in 4.4 seconds.”
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Cupra Leon EstateCredit: YouTube
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BMW X5Credit: Getty