Recipe for enjoyment
CHEF JOSH EMETT IS LIVING A LIFE OF LUXURY — FROM OWNING HIGH-END RESTAURANTS TO PARTNERING WITH PRESTIGIOUS BRANDS, PLAYING GOLF AND TRAVELLING
Tell us what you’re driving?
It’s a 2019 BMW X5 x Drive 30d M Sport in Black Sapphire Metallic. It has eight-speed sport automatic transmission, 6-cylinders, 195 kW, 620 Nm.
Does being a family man influence your choice of vehicle?
Definitely. We do a lot of travelling in our BMW. The kids do football training early in the morning and then we’re off on the school run.
And how does your hospitality role influence your choice of cars?
I often work large events and have to transport food and equipment, so having a large boot is essential.
How long have you been an ambassador for BMW and what does it involve?
I have been a BMW ambassador for eight years. It is a relationship that has strengthened with time.
What do you like about BMWs?
I have always been a big fan of BMW and owned a few before taking up my ambassador role.
What one feature/aspect do you like most about this BMW?
The size is right. It’s big car but does not handle like a big car, it drives and corners extremely well.
How does it suit your lifestyle?
My wife Helen, the two boys and I often head away for the weekend and love to do day trips, so we definitely need the extra space.
If you had to describe this car as a famous person?
Hugh Jackman. Plenty of style and class and extremely well-built.
Anything else in your garage?
In Queenstown I drive a BMW X3 M40d, which I also love. It has plenty of power and handles well in all road conditions.
What do you always keep in your car?
Wipes and tissues for the mess that the kids make, sharpie and pens and chewing gum.
How often do you clean the BMW?
I tend to get it valeted at least once a month.
Favourite road trip so far in this car?
We drove to Waipukurau where Helen’s sister lives. That was an amazing drive as it features a bit of everything. The vehicle performance was awesome; it felt great cranking it into sport mode and using the all-wheel drive.
How many cars have you owned?
I’ve had lots of cars over the years. The best is the BMW M3. I love that car. The worst was a Chrysler Voyager when the kids were young, although they loved it.
First car?
A Mazda Familia 323, growing up in Hamilton. I loved it to bits, purchased it off a friend’s dad for $5000, thrashed it for three years then sold it back to him for $2500!
Any cars you have regretted selling?
No but my Mercedes 300ce pillarless coupe was stolen when I lived in London.
Who taught you to drive?
Dad taught me to drive and growing up on a farm you were always around farm machinery so were always driving something from a young age.
How you describe your driving style?
I like to call it assertive, but Helen might say something different.
Dream car?
A BMW 6 series M635CSi or an old school Aston Martin DB6.
And your thoughts on electric and driverless vehicle?
Important and imminent. I would definitely miss the sound and roar of a classic engine, though.
Top three driving songs?
Def Leppard’s Hysteria, ACDC’s Hells Bells, Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode.
It’s a sunny Sunday morning. Where do you head for a drive?
We like to head out towards Clevedon and then on to Kawakawa Bay and stop for icecream, or fish and chips.