The best police cars from around the world

Policing isn’t always glamorous, but PC Petrolhead can be sure of some high-octane chases in a souped-up traffic car, right? Well, in the UK, you’re more likely to see officers plodding about in a mid-range hatchback – or, for high-speed traffic duties, they may be upgraded to a Volvo or a BMW estate. Hardly Magnum P.I. or Starsky & Hutch, is it?

But not every police force has the same limitations. In fact, look at some police officers round the world and you’ll find they’re cruising in some much more exotic metal. Even a few UK coppers get the opportunity to play with something really fun. We’ve rounded up a selection of the coolest, most eye-catching – and often the least practical – police cars from around the world below.

You can’t buy a police car through Carwow, but you can buy a brand new or used car for a great price from our network of trusted dealers. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Italian state police – Lamborghini Urus Performante

Many police forces have pivoted to using SUVs in recent years, as they have plenty of space inside and are capable of a bit of light off-roading, should a fleeing criminal take to the fields in a bid to get away. Well, Italian state police won’t be doing much off-roading in their Lamborghini Urus Performante – but since it’s earmarked for ‘organ transport and special services’ it shouldn’t need to. There wouldn’t be many yobs in stolen Fiat Pandas who could outrun its 3.3-second 0-62mph sprint or 190mph top speed on the autostrada, though…

New South Wales police – Honda Civic Type R

If you can’t beat the louts in the hot hatchbacks… join them. A Civic Type R may be the perfect car to deal with a certain type of crook, and it certainly looked the part with the NEW Police Force livery perfectly matching the Type R’s steroidal body kit and massive spoiler. Shame it was never used in pursuits, though – instead, it was a publicity exercise, intended to raise awareness of the force’s Eyewatch program with a series of appearances at community events.

Humberside police – Lexus IS-F

It’s not just police overseas who get all the fun. Humberside police, the only force ever to use Proton police vehicles, made up for this misstep by adding a slice of Japanese super-saloon supremacy in the form of the 5.0-litre V8-powered Lexus IS F. Intended to replace a handful of Subaru Impreza WRX STIs – already achingly cool police vehicles – the IS F did go into active service with the force, though found itself in the headlines when newly elected prime minister David Cameron held it up as an example of frivolous police spending. It disappeared soon after.

Dubai police – everything

The police in Dubai don’t really go in for diesel hatchbacks. Instead, their fleet comprises a huge and varied array of exotic and luxury vehicles, mainly for use in the Tourism department. Smart move considering how many tourists visit Dubai simply to show off their rented supercars.

The fleet reads more like a millionaire’s playroom than a police garage – the Bentley Continental, Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin Vantage, Mercedes SLS, Ferrari FF, Lotus Emeya S and highly modified Mercedes-AMG G63 ‘Mansory’ are just some of the many vehicles on offer. You’ll even find one of Tesla’s Cybertrucks upholding the law, while more daily tasks can be handled by a fleet of 100 Audi vehicles including the e-tron GT and the R8. So don’t go thinking you can outrun the police in Dubai – the rozzers have a nicer car than you do.

Tochigi Prefectural police – Lexus LC

Don’t go thinking this gorgeous Lexus LC coupe is simply another show car. Donated to the police by a generous company executive, it was immediately assigned to the force’s Mobile Traffic Unit, where it would engage in chases and stops in addition to its usual promotional activities. The LC’s tiny back seats aren’t best suited to transporting criminals back to the station, though, and there’s not much room in the boot for cones.

London Metropolitan police – Rover SD1

The Rover SD1 was one of the coolest cars British Leyland ever made – with its V8 engine, Ferrari Daytona-inspired looks and modern-looking interior. Of course, it had its own problems, but a pair of Met police SD1s did take part in one of the most fantastic police films ever produced – the Liver Run.

On May 8, 1987, a patient at the Cromwell Hospital in London was rejecting her recently replaced liver – and a spare organ could only be found in Hull. After it was transported to Stansted Airport, it was handed to a pair of SD1 police cars – who had just 34 minutes to cover 27 miles across London on a Friday afternoon. Captured on their in-car cameras, it’s a fantastic watch.

Car change? Carwow!

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