Trump’s FBI Director Ditches Chevys For A Fleet Of “Less Conspicuous” BMWs

by Michael Gauthier

• FBI reportedly bought new BMW X5s for Director Kash Patel.
• Patel requested a vehicle “less conspicuous” than a Suburban.
• A spokesperson said the BMWs were cheaper than alternatives.

Do as we say, not as we drive. That might as well be the unofficial slogan of the Trump administration as their America First promises continue to fall flat.

Hot on the heels of reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was buying 20 Canadian armored vehicles, FBI Director Kash Patel has a shiny new luxury vehicle from BMW. In this case, it appears to be a fleet of brand-new X5 Protection SUVs.

A Luxury SUV for Low Profile Missions

According to MS Now, the bureau purchased the vehicle at Patel’s request to be “less conspicuous.” That seems like a bit of a stretch as a BMW certainly stands out more than the typical government Chevrolet Suburban.

The news organization, previously known as MSNBC, spoke with FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson, who confirmed the report and said the bureau purchased multiple X5s for the director’s use. He added the X5 was less expensive than other vehicles that were considered.

“Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions,” said Williamson. “The specific decisions referenced in this article were evaluated partly as a way to save taxpayers millions by picking cheaper selections or making cost structures more efficient.”

The government does seem to have a case as the X5 Protection is an off-the-shelf vehicle. It’s made in Spartanburg, South Carolina and the “protection equipment and other model-specific security features are subsequently integrated by highly skilled experts in a ‘craft manufacturing’ process.”

BMW used to specify these modifications occurred in Toluca, Mexico, but they dropped that mention in the press release for the latest version.

More: BMW’s New X5 Protection VR6 Is A Subtle Yet Effective Armored Beast

Regardless, this off-the-shelf nature means the X5 Protection is relatively affordable for an armored vehicle. An insider who spoke to the publication claimed getting a new armored Suburban for Patel would have cost $480,000, which was more than twice as much as the BMW.

While the optics aren’t good, the X5 Protection VR6 is designed to look virtually identical to the standard model. It features a four-seat interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system.

They’re joined by a four-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, and soft-close doors. Heated Sensafin sport seats are standard, although BMW Individual Merino leather is available as an option as are comfort seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Power is provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine developing 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. It enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

Of course, the real point is the armoring that is designed to protect occupants from pistols and assault rifles such as AK-47s. BMW has previously said the model features high-strength steel, an armored luggage compartment partition, and bullet resistant glass that is 1.2 inches (30 mm) thick. The crossover also has a self-sealing fuel tank as well as an “aluminum splinter guard for the underbody.”

While the base model offers a good deal of protection, customers can order a number of upgrades. This includes additional underbody protection as well as a beefier roof that can help protect against drone attacks.