Thoughts from the Boardroom

thoughts from the boardroom Chris Brownridge. CEO BMW (UK) Ltd.

Many aspects of our lives are governed by deadlines, some with more serious consequences than others. Last month publishing deadlines meant that, when it came to my monthly missive, I was unable to write about the season finale in the BTCC or talk about the first press reports on the new BMW i4. Disappointing, but neither with earthshattering consequences.

Before I move on to more important lines in the sand I would just like to congratulate Team BMW on securing the manufacturers’ title in the BTCC for a record sixth consecutive year, a 100 per cent success record for the 330i M Sport. Colin Turkington was runner up in the drivers’ championship and also won the Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Brands Hatch for ending the year as the series’ best qualifier for a second year running. All in all, a superb effort from all involved.

On a more serious note, the deadline for significantly cutting carbon emissions is upon us and I was delighted that the Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, gave the keynote speech at the Sustainable Innovation Forum at the COP 26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow. As one of the most sustainable car companies, BMW is a leading provider of innovative mobility solutions in the fight against climate change with Zipse commenting: “The key to sustainability lies in innovation, in innovative technologies, but also in innovative thinking that accepts no boundaries. Most importantly, together we must choose and follow a binding path with clear goals. Always according to the motto: No more waiting. No more clever tactics. It’s time to act. Now.”

While BMW is looking at every aspect of sustainability, from manufacturing to drive systems and right through the supply chain, it has always been at the vanguard of electromobility. The i3 was the first electric car produced in Germany on a large scale back in 2013, and this year has seen the debut of the iX3, the iX and the i4, with many more new electric models arriving in the coming years. The i4 offers the core BMW attribute of driving pleasure in a sporting style with plenty of space and the practicality of a four-door Gran Coupé and all with zero tailpipe emissions.

While I might be biased, you don’t have to take my word for it as the UK’s motoring press have now sampled the i4 M50, the M Performance model in the range. What Car? commented: “The BMW i4 M50 is very fast, has a beautifully supple ride and the best infotainment system in the class. Factor in impressive practicality and a plush interior and it’s a compelling alternative to a Tesla Model 3 Performance.” While Top Gear said: “More than just an electric 4 Series Gran Coupé, this is a ‘proper’ BMW.”

Autocar was equally effusive in its praise, commenting; “The key attractions to the M50 are its strong performance and engaging dynamic ability. It is an electric car that will appeal to those who delight in driving and seek a sense of sportiness. The real achievement is that it manages this while being highly refined and relaxing when you dial up Comfort and glide along at typical motorway speeds.” It really is an amazing machine and I’m very proud of our talented designers and engineers responsible for the i4.

Of course, it would have been nice to have been able to bring you this news last month, but that’s publishing deadlines for you. And this month I have another quandary: do I wish you all a happy Christmas in this issue, which will hit your doormats at the beginning of December? It seems a bit early. Or do I wait for the next issue when the festive period will be coming to an end? I think we could all do with a bit of Christmas cheer so let’s enjoy what’s left of 2021 and look forward to a happy new year.