The Addison (Texas) Police Department is considering replacing its fleet of 14 patrol cars with luxury vehicles. In a Feb. 23 work session, council members reviewed a patrol vehicle lifecycle analysis for replacement vehicles that included the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, and Audi Q7 in addition to the Ford Police Interceptor Utility and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The Council asked for the analysis to see what the cost difference would be and “if that cost difference could be justified to further enhance the brand of the town,” according to the work session agenda.

Mayor Todd Meier said he got the idea to explore other options because in the 1980s, the town was known for its distinctive fleet of Volvos, Fox4 news reported. He also said that although the luxury cars are not pursuit rated, he wasn’t worried since BMW vehicles are used as squad cars in Europe.

The analysis showed that the most cost effective option would be the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, followed by the Chevrolet Tahoe, Volvo, BMW, and Audi. The analysis also compared the cost to lease a vehicle rather than purchasing and found that purchasing would be most cost effective.

Town staff recommended purchasing 14 Ford PI Utility vehicles for $483,000, which would leave more than $62,000 remaining in the budget to go to a new design scheme or to be returned to the fund. Purchase of other vehicles would cost more than the allotted budget. In fact, purchasing the most expensive vehicle, the Audi Q7, is estimated to cost $967,400, or more than twice as much the Ford vehicles.  

The patrol fleet consists of 15 vehicles; the town recently purchased a K-9 Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicles being replaced are Tahoe PPVs. 

The council did not make a decision during its work session but will do so when the item comes up during a regular meeting in the next few weeks.

This article was updated 2/24/16 at 2:55pm to state that the town is considering the Ford utility vehicle.