Following in the footsteps of Mercedes that dressed up the SLS AMG as an emergency medical vehicle, BMW unveiled its very own proposals at the RETTmobil, the leading European trade for emergency services and mobility, held in Fulda, Germany (May 11-13).

BMW has a more down-to-earth approach to the show as its emergency models are based on mainstream vehicles that are more suitable for this line of work than the fast, but unpractical, SLS AMG. We're talking about the BMW 3-Series/5-Series Touring models and the X3/X6 SUVs, although the latter is not new, having premiered at the same show in 2008.

Aimed at emergency service providers, such as fire brigades, ambulance departments and security services, the BMW special vehicles are available with special, purpose-built options integrated in the vehicle right from the development stage.

Production of these models takes place in parallel with regular models, with BMW saying this ensures “the highest standards of quality and functionality.” As an example, the Bavarian points at the special signal system that is integrated into the iDrive. This means the warning system can be operated through the iDrive knob, just like the navigation system or other comfort functions.

There are also specially configured direct selection buttons on the center console for those who aren't that good at navigating through the iDrive interface. This new feature will be displayed at the RETTmobil in the new BMW 5 Series Touring.