The APX 8500: Certified for Chaos. Built for the Fireground.
When faced with a multivehicle crash, a citywide power outage, or a coordinated emergency response, incident commanders and responders need one thing above all – unified communication. The Motorola Solutions APX™ 8500 delivers exactly that. With interoperability across all four major public safety bands and next-generation connectivity features, it’s the most advanced mobile radio for mission-critical operations on the move.
At MCA, we’re proud to support public safety and emergency services with the APX 8500. This rugged, feature-packed radio ensures teams can communicate seamlessly across jurisdictions and frequency bands – without compromise. From its durable construction and intuitive control heads to its high-power variant for extended range, the APX 8500 is the trusted choice for agencies requiring secure, reliable mobile communication at scale.
What Is the APX 8500?
The APX 8500 is Motorola’s flagship all-band mobile radio, designed to combine multi-band interoperability with advanced voice and data integration. Supporting VHF, UHF Range 1 & 2, and 700/800 MHz bands, it allows first responders to communicate with any agency, on any system, using a single unit. Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and SmartConnect ensure seamless voice and data transmission, even when outside of traditional radio coverage.
Available in mid-power (up to 50W) and high-power (up to 100W) configurations, the APX 8500 is built for high-speed, high-reliability communications in mobile command, law enforcement, fire/rescue, and EMS vehicles.
Note: Article Updated: 08/15/2025
Motorola Solutions has just released the newer APX™ 8500 CN model, which takes mission-critical communication to the next level. With the addition of 5 GHz Wi-Fi and broadband filtration to reduce LTE interference in the 700/800 MHz band, it ensures seamless connectivity and reliability in the most demanding environments.
Key Features of the APX 8500
All-Band Interoperability
- Operates on 700/800 MHz, VHF, and UHF R1 and R2 bands
- Supports P25 Phase 1 & 2, analog MDC-1200, SmartNet, SmartZone, and direct/talkaround modes
- Available in mid-power (1–50W) and high-power (1–100W) models
- The NEW APX 8500 CN model is available with enhanced connectivity features, including 5 GHz Wi-Fi and broadband filtration.
Integrated Connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n/ac) for over-the-air software and codeplug updates, now including 5 GHz Wi-Fi for faster and more reliable connections
- Broadband filtration to reduce LTE interference in the 700/800 MHz band, ensuring clearer communication in critical situations (NEW CN Models only)
- SmartConnect for automatic voice and data routing over LTE or satellite broadband when P25 coverage is unavailable
- Bluetooth 4.2 for accessory pairing and wireless data offload
- Supports up to 20 Wi-Fi SSIDs per radio
Command-Ready Control Heads
- O2: Rugged design with oversized controls and a top-mounted speaker
- E5: Bright, anti-reflective display with smart lighting and intuitive button layout
- O7: Multifunction head with DTMF keypad and integrated vehicle control support
- O3: Handheld control head for mobile flexibility
- Compatible with legacy O5 and O9 control heads
Rugged, Road-Tested Durability
- IP56 rated for water resistance
- MIL-STD 810 C–G certified for vibration, shock, dust, and extreme environments
- Impact detection triggers alerts following major vehicle events
Smart Operational Enhancements
- GPS/GLONASS for location tracking and mission-critical geofencing
- Intelligent Lighting and Voice Announcements for clear status updates
- Features such as Instant Recall, Intelligent Priority Scan, and Tactical Inhibit
- 12-character RFID asset tracking for simplified fleet management
Advanced Security Features
- AES-256, DES, ADP, and DVP encryption support
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3 and FIPS 197 certified
- Over-the-Air Rekeying (OTAR) and P25 Authentication
- Two-factor authentication for secure database access
Discontinuation Notice
Important Update: The APX 8500 AN model will be discontinued, with the last day to place orders being September 30, 2025. Customers are encouraged to transition to the new APX 8500 CN model to take advantage of its enhanced features and capabilities.
APX 8500 Accessories
To maximize performance and versatility, the APX 8500 supports a full suite of mission-critical accessories designed to enhance in-vehicle and fixed-installation use. Compatible options include IMPRES™ remote speaker microphones, multi-head control systems, handheld control heads for covert setups, and advanced mounting kits for custom vehicle configurations. For seamless installation, Motorola also offers a range of power cables, remote mount kits, and vehicular antennas engineered specifically for multi-band operations. These accessories ensure reliable communication, even in the most demanding environments.
Who Benefits from the APX 8500?
The APX 8000HXE is designed for:
Incident Command and Command Staff: Ensures cross-band communication with mutual aid and regional partners
Fire, EMS, and Rescue Teams: Enables rapid deployment and wide-area coordination
Law Enforcement Agencies: Leverages LTE backhaul for mobile command posts
Public Works and Utility Departments: Supports joint operations during disaster response
Expand Communication. Extend Command. Empower Response.
With the APX 8500, your vehicle becomes a powerful communication hub. Whether installed in a patrol car, command vehicle, or heavy rescue unit, this radio empowers your team to coordinate, collaborate, and command – across bands, across agencies, and beyond traditional radio system limitations.
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Why Partner with MCA?
At MCA, we act as a direct extension of Motorola Solutions, serving as a trusted manufacturer’s representative and Platinum-level channel partner for public safety radio systems while providing the hands-on expertise our clients rely on. From system design and staging to final installation and support, we work in lockstep with Motorola to ensure every APX 8500 mobile two way radio deployment meets the highest standards of reliability, scalability, and mission-critical performance.
Contact MCA today to connect with the right team and discover how the APX 8500 can power your next mission.
