Ford has just revealed the 2020 Explorer at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show and now it is the turn of the Police Interceptor Utility to make its noisy entrance. Unless of course you turn off the siren and opt for the new hybrid powertrain that's on offer, then the crims won't hear you sneak up on them until it's too late.

Even if they try to run, the 3.3-liter hybrid is said to offer class-leading performance and there is still a traditional 3.3-liter V6 and turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 available too. All models come fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive allowing for off-road pursuits.

The focus at the launch is on the hybrid model though, Ford estimates that up to $193 million could have been saved by police departments across the US in 2017 if this more efficient powertrain had been employed.

Looks wise, the front has a lot in common with the updated Edge crossover while the rest of the car closely resembles the latest Explorer. So visually it is not a big departure from the current Interceptor, but it is still as imposing as ever.

There are some notable police-specific features such as a perimeter alert system that uses the vehicle's parking sensors to alert the occupants of any activity around the vehicle. The Police Interceptor also gets standard LED headlights, an uprated cooling system, more powerful brakes, hard-wearing vinyl rear seats and an anti-stab plate behind the front seats.

Up front, the cops get cloth-covered seats with reduced bolsters to allow for quicker access and a two-year telematics service is included in the package which tracks vehicle location and usage.

These detail changes amount to a well-rounded offeringthat not only provides more performance than before but also better fuel economy too. A win-win scenario then unless, of course, you're one of the bad guys.

Photos by Samuel Weber