The new COMCAR, the Federal Government’s nationwide chauffeur service for lawmakers, VIPs, and senior public workers, will be the BMW iX electric SUV.
The BMW iX electric SUV will replace 90 BMW 6 Series GT sedans on three-year contracts.
After Holden Caprice manufacture ended, BMW 6 Series GTs replaced them.
BMW removed the 6 Series Gran Turismo from its Australian showroom line-up within weeks of COMCAR’s announcement in May 2020, but fleet purchasers like the Federal Government may still acquire it.
Drive stated that COMCAR initiated a two-year trial of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq in early 2021 to assess the viability of transitioning from petrol and diesel to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The Commonwealth Fleet Vehicle Selection Policy requires all vehicles to be low- or zero-emission, have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, provide ‘value for money’, and meet minimum ‘fit for purpose’ requirements, such as accommodating multiple adult passengers and their luggage.
BMW iX3, Polestar 2, Genesis GV60/GV70, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 were also evaluated.
“COMCAR assessed several factors, including battery consumption, charging capability, vehicle handling, manoeuvrability and performance in a variety of traffic conditions, driver and passenger comfort, ease of access for passengers, luggage space and potential integration with the [organisation’s booking system],” the Department of Finance stated in a written statement.
“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 Prime Minister and Cabinet.”
The “only vehicle that is suitable for all aspects of COMCAR’s operations” is the BMW iX.
The BMW iX xDrive40, recently purchased by the NSW Police Force as a highway patrol car, employs two electric motors to transmit 240kW to all four wheels, driven by a 77kWh battery with a stated range of 420km.
COMCAR will also add a few BMW iX xDrive50 versions, which offer 385kW and 630km of range owing to their 112kWh battery packs.
The new fleet will be implemented in 12 months starting in mid-2023.