The PM’s new wheels

The capital’s roads will soon see a brand new set of wheels—Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s new BMWs is reportedly being test-driven in secret by the SPG at Safdarjang Airport. The custom-made BMW X series, a 4,799 cc SUV with two engines and eight cylinders costs Rs 78.6 lakh in its most basic form—after customization the price tag goes up to a whopping Rs 15 crore! Highlights include the i-drive computer system that controls audio, climate, communication and navigation systems; secure phone; on-board monitor with TV function; hill-descent control; and rain sensors. Of course, the hatchback is bullet-proof, mine-proof and armour plated. Apparently, the government has ordered 15 of these vehicles. And here we are talking about a recession.