TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The National Highway Police Bureau on Wednesday (Sept. 18) revealed nearly three dozen “red zebra” patrol cars.
The National Highway Police Bureau spent NT$68 million (US$2.12 million) to purchase 34 BMW police patrol cars, per UDN. The vehicle handover took place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the bureau's headquarters, with Officer Weng Yi-ting (翁宜婷) from the bureau's internal affairs office overseeing the inspection.
The bureau said the vehicles are intended to maintain traffic safety on highways, and enforce traffic management regulations.

The bureau said the key features of the new vehicles are the same high-performance standards as the commercial version. There is a reinforced body structure built to European police car specifications and advanced hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption, plus improved handling and steering.
The bureau said these enhancements meet operational needs and efficiency requirements and significantly improve safety while on duty.
The bureau said the model purchased is the BMW 520i, each costing NT$2 million. The vehicles were allocated to the bureau's nine brigades.

Bureau Director Liao Mei-ling (廖美鈴) said officers are encouraged to adopt the mindset of "maintenance over repairs, and repairs over replacement." This will help extend the lifespan of police equipment, ensuring it remains in optimal condition.
In terms of the powertrain, the 520i is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 192 hp and a peak torque of 31.6 kg-m, per TVBS. Its 48V mild hybrid system provides an additional 11 hp for enhanced acceleration.
Paired with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the vehicle can achieve 0 to 100 kph acceleration in 8.1 seconds.