German automaker BMW will soon offer its iX electric SUV as the new COMCAR, the Australian government’s official chauffeur service for parliamentarians, senior public servants, and VIPs, Drive reports.
Background
With the deployment of the new BMW iX, approximately 90 BMW 6 Series GT sedans on three-year leases will be replaced, the report stated.
Before that, it is worth noting that the BMW 6 Series GT succeeded the Holden Caprice sedan following the automaker’s move to discontinue its local production.
Just weeks after COMCAR’s announcement in May 2020, the German automaker declared plans to eliminate the Australian showroom’s 6 Series Gran Turismo portfolio. However, its availability continued to fleet buyers, such as the Federal Government.
The report also indicates that COMCAR started a two-year trial of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq in early 2021 to test the viability of converting from gasoline- and diesel-powered cars to electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
Policy requirement
According to the Commonwealth Fleet Vehicle Selection Policy, each vehicle must be low- or zero-emission, have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, be “value for money,” and meet the minimum “fit for purpose” standards, such as being able to carry several adult passengers as well as their luggage.
Apparently, COMCAR also evaluated the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX3, Polestar 2, Genesis GV60, and GV70.
“COMCAR assessed several factors, including battery consumption, charging capability, vehicle handling, maneuverability and performance in a variety of traffic conditions, driver and passenger comfort, ease of access for passengers, luggage space and potential integration with the [organization’s booking system].
The practical assessments provided COMCAR with a good cross-section of feedback from technical tests, driver feedback, ‘real life’ use, as well as input from the Australian Federal Police and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.”
Department of Finance
Remarkably, the BMW iX was recognized as the sole vehicle “suitable for all aspects of COMCAR’s operations.”
Vehicle mix
According to the report, the BMW iX xDrive40 will make up the majority of the new fleet’s cars. It is a similar model that the NSW Police Force just purchased as a highway patrol vehicle. It is equipped with a 77kWh battery with a stated range of up to 420km, powering dual electric motors that deliver a combined 240kW to all four wheels.
Some BMW iX xDrive50 models will also be included in the mix, COMCAR said. It is equipped with a 385kW motor and a 112kWh battery pack, offering a stated driving range of 630km.
See Also:
- 2023 BMW iX xDrive50 and M60 with 300-Mile EPA Range
- BMW iX1 production starts in Regensburg, Germany
- BMW plans to release six Neue Klasse electric vehicles by 2028
- BMW begins iX1 production in Germany
- BMW reports more than 100% EV sales growth in Q1 2023
Initial deliveries are anticipated to start in the middle of 2023, with the new fleet’s implementation taking about a year.
