Trump's FBI Director Replaces Chevrolets with a Line of "More Subtle" BMWs | Carscoops

      The FBI has discreetly swapped out Kash Patel’s armored Suburbans for BMWs, citing cost savings, even though choosing a German luxury SUV raises some eyebrows.

      Reports indicate that the FBI has acquired new BMW X5s for Director Kash Patel, who requested a vehicle that is “less conspicuous” than a Suburban. According to a spokesperson, the BMWs were less expensive than other options.

      The saying “Do as we say, not as we drive” could serve as the unofficial motto of the Trump administration, as their America First commitments seem to have stumbled.

      Following reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) purchased 20 Canadian armored vehicles, FBI Director Kash Patel has received a brand new luxury vehicle from BMW, reportedly a fleet of X5 Protection SUVs.

      A Luxury SUV for Low-Profile Missions

      As stated by MS Now, the FBI procured this vehicle at Patel’s request to appear “less conspicuous,” although this seems questionable, as a BMW certainly attracts more attention than a standard government Chevrolet Suburban.

      The news outlet, formerly known as MSNBC, spoke with FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson, who confirmed the acquisition and noted that multiple X5s were purchased for the director’s use. He explained that the X5 was more economical than the other vehicles considered.

      “Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely assess, replace, and update their vehicle fleets based on usage, security requirements, or budgetary considerations,” Williamson explained. “The specific decisions highlighted in this article were partly evaluated to save taxpayers millions by opting for cheaper alternatives or improving cost efficiencies.”

      The government appears to have a valid argument, as the X5 Protection is a standard vehicle. It’s manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with “protection equipment and additional model-specific security features subsequently integrated by highly skilled experts in a 'craft manufacturing' process.”

      While BMW previously indicated that these modifications happened in Toluca, Mexico, they omitted this detail from the recent press release.

      Regardless, the standard nature of the vehicle makes the X5 Protection relatively affordable for an armored option. An insider stated that acquiring a new armored Suburban for Patel would have cost $480,000—more than double the cost of the BMW.

      Although the optics are less than ideal, the X5 Protection VR6 is crafted to closely resemble the standard model. It includes a four-seat interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system, alongside a four-zone automatic climate control system, ambient lighting, and soft-close doors. Heated Sensafin sport seats come standard, with the option of BMW Individual Merino leather and comfort seats equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

      The performance is driven by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 523 hp (390 kW / 530 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque, enabling the all-wheel-drive crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, reaching a capped top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).

      Ultimately, the key focus is the armoring designed to shield occupants from pistols and assault rifles, including AK-47s. BMW has previously noted that the model features high-strength steel, an armored luggage compartment partition, and 1.2 inches (30 mm) thick bullet-resistant glass. Additionally, the crossover is equipped with a self-sealing fuel tank and an “aluminum splinter guard for the underbody.”

      While the base model offers a considerable level of protection, customers have the option to request various upgrades, including enhanced underbody protection and a sturdier roof to help defend against drone attacks.