Victoria Police gets 430kW Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe

Victoria Police has unveiled the latest street weapon for keeping Victoria’s roads safe. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, codenamed Guardian, joins the VicPol’s fleet today as both an operational highway patrol car and to promote in-car safety features at exhibits across the state over the next 12 months.

The high performance Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S crossover is powered by a mighty 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 generating 430kW and 760Nm of torque, sending the SUV to 100km/h from rest in just 4.2 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 250km/h.

Looking properly muscular with typical AMG styling traits like the massive air intakes at the front and a broad stance, the AMG GLE 63 S patrol vehicle also sports Victoria Police livery, complete with the force’s emblem and Highway Patrol signage.

At the car’s launch, Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said it was important for people to consider buying the safest car they could afford when the time came to purchase a new vehicle.

“Death and serious injuries on Victorian roads could be reduced by a third overnight if everyone was driving the safest cars they can afford,” he said. “We’re not saying that everyone needs to rush out and buy the latest and greatest but we need people to prioritise safety over leather seats and shiny wheels. Your car should be a guardian for your safety and the safety of your family much like police are a guardian for everyone in the community.”

He said the long term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Victoria’s roads would only be achieved through a combination of safer roads, safer people, safer speeds, and safer vehicles.

“Reducing the number of lives needlessly lost on our roads requires a whole of community effort,” AC Fryer said.

“Police have a responsibility to do more than just catch unsafe drivers and we can do this by promoting safer vehicles and encouraging business to play its part.

“We know about half of all used cars in Victoria are former fleet vehicles so if businesses ensure they’re leasing and purchasing the safest vehicles the benefits will flow on to their fellow Victorians.

“Safety should never be an optional extra and the car industry has a corporate responsibility to make safety technology standard in all new cars.”

Anyone buying a car is encouraged to visit the How Safe Is Your Car and How Safe Is Your First Car websites to check the safety features of any potential purchase.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S highway patrol vehicle will be on display at the Industry and Innovation Precinct during the 2016 Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix.