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BMW at GPEC 2014 – Guarding on Two or Four Wheels

2014 BMW X3 xDrive20d Police Front AngleThe biennial GPEC fair (General Police Equipment Exhibition & Conference) is Europe’s biggest industry-only special trade fair showcasing police equipment and security technology. As an important industry and technology fair, this eighth GPEC event will provide an international communication platform for trade visitors from police and other public safety services. The last event, GPEC 2012, attracted more than 6,500 visitors from 59 countries and almost 500 national and international exhibitors from 29 countries and five continents.

This year, BMW is once again presenting a diverse range of practical and purpose-designed emergency and security vehicles that meet the highest standards not only of performance, functionality and safety but also of efficiency and fuel economy. At GPEC, BMW will be showing seven emergency and security vehicles and motorcycles, including the new BMW X5 Security Plus (VR 6 – BRV 2009), as well as the latest, extensively revised BMW X3 xDrive. A helicopter stretcher in the BMW X5 Security (VR 4 – BRV 2009) will be shown for the first time. This BMW X5 Security model is suitable for a wide range of applications, and provides valuable assistance particularly in incidents where protectees require medical attention. Completing the range of car exhibits is a BMW 530d Sedan in an unmarked video pursuit vehicle version. The public authority versions of the BMW R 1200 RT and BMW F 800 GT motorcycle models will also be on show. The GPEC exhibits further include a range of special-purpose rider accessories and safety equipment.

Purpose-developed products with a long tradition.

As a leading manufacturer of premium cars and motorcycles, BMW can draw on decades of experience in the development and production of special-purpose vehicles. In terms of quality, functional performance and safety, these vehicles in each case meet the same high standards as the base vehicle itself. Amongst other things this means that BMW EfficientDynamics technology and the BMW ConnectedDrive range of integrated driver assistance systems and mobility services are always standard features.

In all cases, the design of the base model includes provision for the installation of special equipment features and for the integration of such features in the volume production process. The BMW engineers work closely with specialist personnel at the client organisations and use state-of-the-art components developed by leading and experienced suppliers. Last but not least, BMW emergency vehicles, including all special equipment, are subjected to strict testing programmes, which often go far beyond the requirements of current test standards. This is the only way to ensure that the customer gets a tailor-made vehicle whose components all work together perfectly and meet the BMW Group’s high standards of functional performance and quality.

BMW X5 Security Plus: VR 6 ballistic protection level and outstanding dynamic qualities and performance.

To provide all-round protection against violent assault, kidnapping and organised crime for prominent public figures, policymakers and risk-exposed private individuals, BMW now offers a third generation of Security vehicles based on the latest-generation BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The BMW X5 Security Plus (VR 6 – BRV 2009) on show in Leipzig has an armoured passenger cell which provides protection for up to four occupants, and can even thwart attack by the world’s most popular firearm, the AK-47. To prevent bullet or fragment penetration it features sealed joints, which provide protection in critical areas such as around doors or where panels adjoin body pillars. The security glass specially developed for VR 6-level protection is also resistant to attack by blunt weapons. The polycarbonate coating protects the interior from flying splinters.

2015 BMW X5 Security Plus Front Angle

The BMW X5 Security Plus combines efficient occupant protection, comfort and spaciousness with the dynamic performance, agility and versatility typical of the BMW X models. As the most spacious BMW emergency vehicle, the BMW X5 not only features plenty of room for passengers, but also provides approximately 640 litres of boot space for stowing special equipment. Its superior driveability is aided by a powerful 330 kW (450 hp) V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which together with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures that the new Security vehicle can always be controlled safely and confidently even in critical situations, both on and off surfaced roads. Needless to say the chassis, electronic management systems and brake system have been optimally adapted to the increased vehicle weight. The performance of the BMW X5 Security Plus is therefore virtually on a par with that of a regular model, ensuring effortless driveability in ordinary, everyday situations as well. In such situations, the security features are so discreetly integrated that this model is virtually indistinguishable from a regular production model, even to an expert eye.

Run-flat tyres ensure the vehicle stays mobile even in the event of full pressure loss – for example if the tyres are shot through or punctured by driving over sharp objects. An intercom system allows vehicle occupants to communicate with persons outside the vehicle even when all windows and doors are closed, while an assault alarm function automatically locks the windows and doors and emits audible and visual alarm signals. The controls for this system are located under a cover on the centre console.

The new BMW X3: multi-talented all-rounder for police work.

The new BMW X3 is a natural choice for the diverse challenges of police work. For more than ten years, this multitalented vehicle has been hailed as the epitome of robust agility, superior dynamics and interior versatility and flexibility. The raised seating position and low windowline also give occupants excellent visibility. For its third-generation models, BMW presented two 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines that combine increased power with reduced fuel consumption. With maximum power of 140 kW (190 hp), average fuel consumption of 5.4-5.0 l/100 km (52.3–56.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 141–131 g/km* in the automatic version being exhibited in Leipzig, the BMW X3 xDrive20d sets the benchmark in its class. The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system varies the power split between the front and rear axles and also between the individual wheels in line with road surface conditions, for maximised traction and directional stability. Innovative special equipment such as the additional energy supply, Police Stop sign and front and rear strobe lights produce a more visible warning effect, which is important not least for the safety of the police crews themselves.

BMW police and public authority motorcycles: successful the world over.

BMW motorcycles enjoy a high reputation across the globe for their mature, robust technology and well thought-out functionality. This is especially true of the special-purpose versions of these products. Since 1970, more than 130,000 police and public authority motorcycles have been supplied to authorities in more than 150 countries around the world. It is nothing unusual for such police motorcycles to be in service for up to 16 years and to cover mileages up to 120,000 kilometres (75,000 miles) – figures which impressively bear out their reliability and versatility. BMW is the only motorcycle manufacturer to offer special-purpose motorcycles as complete one-stop solutions ex-works. All these bikes are developed and produced in-house by BMW. Optional special equipment includes LED strobe lights and telescopic blue, red and yellow rotating LED flashers, electronic sirens, special weather protection, two-tone sirens and paintwork in the standard police colours with blue, green or black decals. Special-purpose rider accessories and safety equipment, again catering to the different national market requirements, complete the line-up.

2014 BMW F 800 GT Police Fornt Angle

Motorcycles make an excellent choice for duty both in and out of town, since they can often get to the scene of an incident more quickly than other types of vehicle. Currently, four different motorcycles are available for police, rescue and escort duty (R 1200 RT, F 700 GS, F 800 GS and F 800 GT). The Leipzig exhibits include the BMW R 1200 RT and BMW F 800 GT.

BMW R 1200 RT.

The public authority version of the BMW R 1200 RT (fuel consumption at constant 90/120 km/h: 4.2/5.8 l/100 km [67.3/48.7 mpg imp]) is the quintessential police motorcycle: it can be customised for special requirements of all kinds and offers excellent handling and performance in all conditions as well as an outstanding range of safety features. The standard “Rain” and “Road” riding modes, and optional “Dynamic” mode, allow the riding characteristics to be matched to road conditions. ABS and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are also standard, while optional features such as Hill Start Control or Gearshift Assistant Pro help to reduce stress when the pressure is on. Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) allows the suspension characteristics to be changed to suit the rider’s requirements at any time, while a restyled instrument cluster with large TFT colour display provides an optimal overview of important information. Riders also benefit from excellent wind and weather protection, optimised ergonomics and further individually configurable options, all of which makes the BMW R 1200 RT an ideal motorcycle for emergency duties. The high-torque, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine develops 92 kW/125 hp and maximum torque of 125 Nm.

BMW F 800 GT. Also on show in Leipzig, the public authority version of the mid-sized F 800 GT model (fuel consumption at constant 90/120 km/h: 3.4/4.3 l/100 km [83.1/65.7 mpg imp]) is a police motorcycle designed for special duties. As on all BMW motorcycles, ABS is standard specification, while optional features include Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Tyre Pressure Control (TPC). The state-of-the-art LED emergency warning system can be conveniently operated using the handlebar controls. A high-torque 66 kW (90 hp) two-in-line engine developing maximum torque of 86 Nm, low-maintenance belt drive and suspension that offers good directional stability, along with high-performance brakes, ensure plenty of power, firm road holding and high standards of safety. Further features such as a high 207 kg payload capability, the practical full fairing and a range of factory-fitted public authority special equipment make the BMW F 800 GT an ideal motorcycle for police, customs, disaster relief, military and escort duty, or for accompanying heavy or hazardous loads.

2014 BMW X3 xDrive20d Police

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2014 BMW X3 xDrive20d Police

2015 BMW X5 Security Plus

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2015 BMW X5 Security Plus

2014 BMW R 1200 RT Police

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2014 BMW R 1200 RT Police

2014 BMW F 800 GT Police

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2014 BMW F 800 GT Police

Source: BMW