What brand of unmarked cars do British police normally drive? (apartment, insurance)

[kanhawk]

I watch a lot of British police/detective TV shows and notice the police in these shows are driving some pretty nice cars on the job: Audis, BMWs, even Mercedes-Benz. These brands are pretty pricey in the US so I was curious if British police really drive a lot of these around and if they do if these are they mostly asset seizures from criminals or if as is likely the TV shows aren't reflecting reality.

[dunno what to put here]

Audis and BMWs are pretty standard for unmarked police cars. They are pretty normal for marked police cars as well.

"The most common traffic car used by British police RPU's is the BMW 530d while models from Audi, such as the Audi S3 are also becoming popular as unmarked units"

[Jezer]

I think I saw an unmarked Volvo saloon or maybe hatchback that had pulled someone over on the M27 in Hampshire a couple of weeks ago.

There's very few marked cars around on motorways these days.

I used to have a BMW 530d in Touring form. Good car, strong performance and great economy. The 535d is seriously quick.

[canadian citizen]

While watching some of the UK Police TV shows, I have seen some very high priced, and high performing unmarked cars . Having a car that can catch up to a suspected speeder at 140 mph is impressive. What I find even more impressive is the technology that the cars have onboard. Cameras and speedometers that show both the target car's speed, and the Police car's speed, on the video camera, is a great asset when it comes to a court trial.

The number plate cameras are a great way to enforce the law re outstanding warrants, lack of insurance, and "criminal activity " individuals.

They are used here in Toronto, and they catch stolen cars every day of the week. At night, the Police cars equipped with the plate scanning cameras work the outdoor parking lots of apartment buildings, and public streets in residential areas. The scan will reveal if a car is stolen, or wanted for an accident investigation, or if the registered owner is unlicensed, or has warrants out for their arrest. Well worth the cost to install the system in about 10 cars across the city Police service.

Jim B. In Toronto.

[kanhawk]

Originally Posted by dunno what to put here

Audis and BMWs are pretty standard for unmarked police cars. They are pretty normal for marked police cars as well.

"The most common traffic car used by British police RPU's is the BMW 530d while models from Audi, such as the Audi S3 are also becoming popular as unmarked units"

Those are some fine automobiles the British police are driving. In the US The Audi S3 starts at around $40,000 and the BMW 5 series are above $50,000 getting into luxury terrority.
In the US most police departments are going for the Chevy Impala which starts at around $27,000 or the Dodge Challenger which starts at around $26,000.
I'd say the British cops are riding in higher style.

[bigpaul]

cant say I take much notice, I wonder why the OP is so interested..are they thinking of breaking the law? cant see any other reason why.

[UKbookworm]

I understand that a lot of the UK police cars are on trial from the makers and if they like them the force buys at very reduced prices, in our area there are quite a few Skoda Octavia,s (VW Passett).

[Jezer]

I think that Hampshire have had the Skodá Octavia RS.

Back in the 1980s I joined a company and took over someone's Vauxhall Cavalier which was in white.

The number of times I was mistaken for an unmarked police car! Cars coming up behind me at speed would suddenly slow down. I was confused at first as to why, but then it dawned on me.

[bigpaul]

I was under the impression that motorway cops use Subaru's but maybe that's changed?

[Bamford]

There's lots of pics of UK Police Vehicles here - Police (General) | UK Emergency Vehicles