'BMW iX3 delivers luxury without compromising sustainability'

Rahul Shakya

Managing Director, Ace Hotels

Rahul Shakya, Managing Director of Ace Hotels, a portfolio that encompasses Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu and the scenic Club Himalaya in Nagarkot, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to the hospitality sector. In this capacity, he diligently oversees the daily operations of both properties while also spearheading the architectural and interior design initiatives that define their unique character. 

Shakya’s guiding philosophy centres on the meticulous creation of guest-focused environments, where comfort, style, and sustainability seamlessly converge to offer an exceptional experience. 

In conversation with Business 360, Shakya speaks about his choice of the BMW iX3.

As a hotelier and entrepreneur, your lifestyle must demand efficiency, sophistication and reliability. How does the BMW iX3 support these demands in your daily routine?

As a hotelier and entrepreneur, my days are dynamic and often packed with meetings, site visits and operational decisions that require me to move quickly and efficiently without compromising on comfort or style; the BMW iX3 supports this lifestyle perfectly. It delivers the quiet sophistication and smooth performance I need when transitioning between professional and personal responsibilities. Its all-electric efficiency aligns with my commitment to sustainability, especially as someone in the hospitality industry where environmental responsibility matters more than ever. The iX3’s smart tech features, spacious interior, and reliable range give me peace of mind and let me focus on what really matters – growing the business and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What role does design and aesthetic play in your choices – both in hospitality and in automobiles – and how does the iX3 reflect your personal taste?

Design and aesthetic are at the heart of everything I do whether it is creating memorable guest experiences in hospitality or choosing the car I drive. In both cases, I look for clean lines, thoughtful details and a sense of understated elegance. The BMW iX3 reflects my personal taste with its refined yet modern design. It is not flashy, but it speaks of confidence and intention just like the spaces I curate for my guests. It is a perfect blend of form and function, which is exactly how I define good design.

Hotel Ambassador is known for blending comfort with class. Would you say the BMW iX3 reflects a similar philosophy in your personal life?

Absolutely. Hotel Ambassador is all about offering refined comfort with a touch of elegance, and the BMW iX3 mirrors that philosophy in my personal life. It combines everyday practicality with premium features and a smooth, quiet ride that feels both modern and luxurious. Just like the experience we aim to provide at the hotel, the iX3 makes every journey feel effortless and refined.

How does owning an electric vehicle like the iX3 complement your values or outlook on modern luxury and responsible living?

Owning an electric vehicle like the BMW iX3 perfectly complements my belief that modern luxury should be both refined and responsible. As someone in the hospitality industry, I understand the importance of sustainability not just as a trend but as a core value. The iX3 aligns with that vision by offering a premium driving experience without compromising on environmental responsibility. It is a statement that luxury today is not just about comfort and style, it is also about making smarter, more conscious choices.

The BMW iX3 represents a bold shift toward sustainable luxury. How important was sustainability in your decision to go electric?

Sustainability was a major factor in my decision to go electric with the BMW iX3. In both my personal life and professional work in hospitality, I believe in leading by example when it comes to environmental responsibility. Choosing the iX3 was not just about driving a beautifully designed, high-performance vehicle, it was about aligning my lifestyle with my values. It represents a shift toward a more thoughtful kind of luxury – one that respects the planet while still delivering on comfort, innovation, and style.

Nepal is slowly embracing EVs. Do you see yourself as an early adopter helping to set a new trend in premium, sustainable transportation?

I do not see myself as an early adopter, however as Nepal gradually embraces electric vehicles, I believe it is important for industry leaders to lead by example. Choosing the BMW iX3 reflects my commitment to sustainable progress and my belief that premium experiences can – and should – be environmentally responsible. If my decision inspires others to consider EVs as a viable, forward-thinking option, then I am proud to be part of that movement.

Has owning an EV changed your perception of what performance means in a luxury vehicle?

Yes, owning an EV like the BMW iX3 has definitely changed how I define performance in a luxury vehicle. It is no longer just about horsepower or engine noise – it is about instant torque, seamless acceleration, and the quiet confidence of electric power. The iX3 delivers a smooth, responsive drive that feels effortless and refined. It has made me realise that true performance today is as much about efficiency and innovation as it is about speed and handling.

What surprised you most about driving an electric BMW compared to a traditional combustion engine vehicle?

What surprised me most about driving an electric BMW like the iX3 was how smooth and effortless the experience feels. The instant torque and silent acceleration completely change your expectations of what a luxury drive should be. There is no engine noise, no gear shifts, just seamless power and control. I was also impressed by how intuitive the technology is; everything feels designed to simplify your drive, not complicate it. It is a different kind of driving experience – quieter, cleaner, and surprisingly addictive.

How does the quiet, smooth drive of the iX3 add value to your travel whether it is a daily commute or a scenic getaway across Nepal?

The quiet, smooth drive of the iX3 adds a whole new level of comfort and clarity to my travel. Whether I am navigating the city for meetings or heading out on a scenic getaway through Nepal’s hills, the calm cabin environment helps me stay relaxed and focused. It is not just about the absence of noise, it is about the overall driving experience feeling more refined and connected to the journey. Especially in a country like Nepal, where the landscape itself is so inspiring, the iX3 lets me enjoy the ride without distraction.

Do you find that the advanced tech features of the iX3 like the regenerative braking or connected infotainment enhance your overall driving experience?

Yes, absolutely. The advanced tech features of the iX3 have made a noticeable difference in my driving experience. Regenerative braking, for example, feels intuitive and efficient, it not only extends range but also makes city driving smoother and more controlled. The connected infotainment system keeps me seamlessly linked to my schedule, music, and navigation, which is especially helpful when I am balancing work and travel. Overall, these features do not just add convenience, they enhance how I interact with the car and make every drive feel smarter and more enjoyable.

Would you say owning the iX3 is not just a statement of luxury, but also of forward-thinking values?

Yes, I would. Owning the BMW iX3 is definitely a statement of luxury, but more importantly, it reflects forward-thinking values. It shows that you can enjoy premium comfort and performance while making a responsible choice for the environment. For me, it is about aligning my lifestyle with the kind of future I want to support – one that values innovation, sustainability, and conscious living. The iX3 represents that balance perfectly.

If you were to recommend the BMW iX3 to a fellow hotelier or entrepreneur, what would you say makes it more than just a car?

If I were to recommend the BMW iX3 to a fellow hotelier or entrepreneur, I would say it is more than just a car, it is a reflection of how you do business and live your life. It combines sustainability, smart technology, and premium comfort in a way that aligns with the values we uphold in hospitality: efficiency, attention to detail, and creating exceptional experiences. The iX3 is not just about getting from one place to another, it is about doing so with purpose, style and responsibility.