King Charles should consider selling his £170,000 BMW i7 M70 xDrive Protection and switching to a British-made armoured vehicle to support the UK car industry, according to car expert Luke Chillingsworth.
King Charles's £170,000 BMW i7: A Closer Look
The King took delivery of the fully electric BMW i7 last summer, and it has become his most-used vehicle, even accompanying him on his State Visit to Washington DC in April. The car is a beast: measuring 5,391 mm in length and 1,544 mm in height, it is the world's first certified fully-armoured electric luxury sedan. It features armoured steel, multi-layer safety glazing, heavy-duty brakes, and an oxygen-supply survival cell system.
Valued at £170,000, the BMW i7 aligns with Charles's eco-credentials as an electric vehicle. However, Chillingsworth argues that the Monarch's choice of car misses an opportunity to promote British businesses.
Why King Charles Should Choose British
Chillingsworth, writing for Express, states: "BMW builds some of the finest cars on the road, but the Monarchy is a massive marketing tool that could be used to promote British businesses at every opportunity." He notes that association with the British throne is among the best forms of advertisement, and with the UK car industry under threat, supporting domestic factories is crucial.
The car expert suggests the King should switch to the armoured Range Rover Sentinel, which is already used by the Prime Minister. This vehicle is built at the Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations Technical Centre in Warwickshire, supporting British jobs and the motoring heritage.
Impact on UK Jobs and Industry
"Supporting British businesses means helping British workers and supporting thousands of British jobs. How amazing a present that would be from the British Monarch," Chillingsworth writes. He emphasises that the UK should be proud of its motoring heritage and promote the interests of workers at every opportunity.
The Range Rover Sentinel has proven safe and secure, making it a suitable choice for the head of state. While the BMW i7 offers top-tier protection, Chillingsworth believes the King's vehicle choice could serve as a powerful tool to boost the domestic car industry.
