Believe it or not, the Finnish take driving very seriously.
Finland’s combination of narrow, twisting roads and intense weather means driving isn’t considered an annoyance like it is in here the States. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be many Fins left. That attitude has produced scores of top racing drivers like Mika Hakkinen and Tommi Makinen.
So what kind of police car maintains order in this land of driving excellence? A Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake. Apparently, they take policing just as seriously.
Actually, this CLS Shooting Brake got its badge as the result of a public poll in Finland’s Takniikan Maailma, so it’s not exactly standard-issue.
Not familiar with this CLS variant? It’s a wagon version of the CLS-Class “four-door coupe.” Probably a wise choice considering how much gear cops have to carry, as there’s room in the back for perps but not much though, due to the low, sloping roofline.
It’s that roofline, and other dramatic styling touchess that make the CLS look a lot classier than most four-door Mercedes. Despite its debonaire looks, this model is actually quite utilitarian.
Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, which produces 262 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, which drives all four wheels. If we’re honest, that’s not really enough for a high speed pursuit.
For that, the Finnish Police might want to consider the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline V8 produces 570 hp and 590 lb-ft in top S-Model spec.
Speaking of absurdly expensive all-wheel drive cars with tailgates, why not a Ferrari FF? The Dubai Police have one, along with a stable of other exotic cars.
There’s nothing quite like an exotic police car, as long as you don’t see one in your rearview mirror, that is.
Main photo: Auto Evolution
