You're organizing a heist; which getaway car would be the best choice? | Carscoops

      Speed is not the sole factor to consider when selecting a vehicle to help you and your loot escape from danger.

      April 20, 2025, at 18:35

      by Chris Chilton

      Recently, law enforcement sought a man who allegedly utilized a Rolls-Royce Cullinan during bank robberies.

      The individual rented this luxurious SUV for $1,750 per day to execute the crimes.

      A getaway vehicle should possess speed, torque, and stealth, but the Rolls is certainly not subtle.

      In Michigan, police gained attention for pursuing a man who rented a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and reportedly used it to carry out a series of bank robberies earlier this year. While the idea of renting a getaway car is absurd, the choice of vehicle was particularly astonishing.

      Related: Thief Rents Rolls-Royce Cullinan for $1,750 a Day to Commit Bank Heists

      It's hard to say what’s more surprising: the fact that someone rented a vehicle for their escape (which makes it pretty easy for law enforcement to track you), or the specific car they chose. While some criminals may have treated themselves to a Rolls after a successful job, this is the first instance we've encountered of someone using one to drive to a heist.

      The Perfect Getaway Car

      This leads us to contemplate what the ideal escape vehicle would be, pondering what you might select if planning your own operation. Is a supercar the obvious option?

      While speed is certainly an important factor, you'd likely want a car with strong acceleration, ideally achieving 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in under 5 seconds, and a top speed of at least 170 mph (274 km/h) if you need to outpace pursuers. Ample torque would likely be more crucial than outright top speed, and the car’s performance should be manageable. A vehicle with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission would be advantageous.

      On the flip side, you might prefer to sacrifice some performance for stealth, since avoiding detection by police could be more effective than trying to outrun their vehicles and helicopters. This might lead you to opt for something less conspicuous, such as an older model.

      Tesla's Model S Plaid is fast, spacious, and extremely quiet.

      In the future, criminals might leverage the shape-shifting and color-changing technology showcased by BMW in its concept cars, which could significantly throw law enforcement off track. When discussing discretion, considering an electric vehicle is at least worth mentioning.

      Depending on your crew size and the amount of goods you’re transporting, a swift sedan, wagon, or SUV might be a better fit than a sports car like a Porsche 911 Turbo. British robbers in the 1990s favored the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, and nowadays, they seem to prefer its modern counterpart, the Audi RS6. The appeal is clear: with up to 621 hp (630 PS), exceptional stability from its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and enough space for four larger individuals and their loot, it checks many boxes.

      The Conclusion: What Would You Drive?

      Interestingly, the twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce Cullinan fits that description as well. However, we're still not convinced that a large white SUV with an orange interior and a grille reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial would be our top choice over something smaller, more agile, and less noticeable like a VW Golf R. What would your selection be for a heist, and why?