'From Remote Districts to Electric Luxury: Dr Deepak Sigdel’s BMW iX3 Story'

Dr Deepak Sigdel

Chief Consultant Physician, Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar

The silence struck me first. There was no engine noise, no vibration, just calm. For someone used to the growl of petrol and diesel engines, that quiet confidence feels almost meditative. Driving the BMW iX3 felt like stepping into a new era. It was not just another car purchase. It was a milestone that symbolised how far I have come, from a young doctor in remote districts to someone who could reward himself with something meaningful

For most people, a car is simply a mode of transportation; for Dr Deepak Sigdel, Chief Consultant Physician at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar, it represents a quiet reflection of one’s life journey, discipline and dreams.

Dr Sigdel’s story begins far from luxury showrooms and high-end vehicles. After completing his BSc from Amrit Science College, he pursued his MBBS in Bangladesh through a competitive examination. He began his medical career in the early 1990s, serving in remote districts like Jumla, Bhojpur and Dhankuta, places that tested both skill and resilience. His dedication and consistency earned him government and WHO scholarships to pursue his MD in Internal Medicine where he ranked first among his peers.

Today, with nearly three decades of government service behind him, Dr Sigdel leads a large department of specialised doctors and continues to mentor young physicians. Yet, beyond the hospital corridors, he has nurtured another lifelong fascination, a love for cars and driving. What began with an old motorcycle passed down by his father has grown into a personal collection of experiences, culminating in his latest pride and joy, the BMW iX3, an all-electric SUV that perfectly blends luxury, technology and environmental consciousness.
In conversation with Business 360, Dr Sigdel speaks about his choice of the BMW iX3.

What inspired you to consider a BMW and eventually the iX3?

It goes back to my childhood. My father worked in government service and we did not come from a wealthy family. He used to commute on a motorcycle and I still remember the pride I felt sitting behind him as a child. That simple joy stayed with me. Later, when he gave me his old motorcycle, it felt like inheriting a piece of that pride.

As my career progressed, I bought my first car, a small hatchback, with a loan and some help from friends. It was a big deal at the time. Slowly, I began to see cars not just as machines but as companions that mirror your progress in life. Over the years, I upgraded, from Suzuki to Toyota and other models.

The turning point came in 2011, when I was in Munich for a medical conference. I visited the BMW showroom there. I still remember standing outside just staring at the cars. I could not even sit inside one back then. But I promised myself that one day, I would own a BMW. When electric vehicles started gaining ground, I began looking at options seriously. The iX3 appealed to me because it represents the future - clean, elegant and efficient. It is the perfect mix of performance and purpose.

What was the feeling when you got behind the wheel of the iX3?

It was an emotional moment, honestly. I have driven many cars but this was different. I had been waiting years for it and when I finally sat behind the wheel, I felt a sense of accomplishment, not of material success but of fulfillment.

The first few minutes were both exciting and intimidating. There is a certain gravity to BMW, you know you are driving something that has been engineered with precision and passion. The silence struck me first. There was no engine noise, no vibration, just calm. For someone used to the growl of petrol and diesel engines, that quiet confidence feels almost meditative.
Driving it felt like stepping into a new era. It was not just another car purchase. It was a milestone that symbolised how far I have come, from a young doctor in remote districts to someone who could reward himself with something meaningful.

How does the iX3 compare to traditional fuel-powered SUVs?

The difference is remarkable. If I compare diesel and petrol cars, you can immediately feel how heavy and noisy they are. The iX3 feels effortless. It is smooth, almost gliding and responds instantly when you accelerate. The balance between power and silence is what makes it so special.

You realise that comfort in an EV is not just about speed, it is about ease. The iX3 has features like auto-hold that make driving in city traffic completely stress-free. No need to press the brake constantly in jams, it holds automatically. The transition between acceleration and braking is seamless. And because there is no gear shifting, your focus stays on the road.
On highways, it is powerful and stable. You barely notice the car picking up speed because it is so quiet. It is the kind of car that makes you want to drive just for the experience, not the destination.

What features stand out for you?

I am quite fascinated by the technology inside the iX3. BMW has a way of integrating features that feel intelligent rather than complicated. The infotainment system took me a few days to get used to but once I understood it, it became second nature. The voice command system is smooth and the display gives you everything - range, performance data, navigation - in a clean, easy-to-read format.

The interior comfort is exceptional. The seats are supportive with precise electronic adjustments that make a long drive feel effortless. The cabin space is generous and the finishing is luxurious without being flashy. Even as a passenger, it feels relaxing, though my wife enjoys that seat more than I do. The climate control is efficient and the sound system is pure pleasure for anyone who loves music, like me.It is clear that BMW has thought through the driver’s experience from every angle, comfort, control and emotion.

How has the iX3 performed on Nepali roads?

I was a little skeptical at first. Nepali roads are not exactly known for being friendly to luxury cars. But the iX3 surprised me. The suspension is firm but adaptive which means it handles bumps and uneven surfaces quite well. I have driven it to Kathmandu a couple of times and the experience has been smooth throughout.
It feels stable at high speeds and confident in corners. The regenerative braking also helps a lot; it slows down naturally and recharges the battery in the process. For me, it is more than capable of handling both city and highway conditions. It is not an off-roader, of course, but for everyday drives and long trips, it is perfect.

Have you ever experienced range anxiety while driving it?

In the very beginning, yes. It is natural, especially when you are new to EVs. On my first long trip to Kathmandu, I kept checking the range every few minutes. But once you understand the car and how efficiently it manages energy, that anxiety disappears. The car teaches you to plan better, when to charge, how to drive efficiently. Over time, you stop worrying. The iX3 gives a very accurate estimate of how much distance you can cover and the charging process is simple and reliable.

How convenient is charging?

Very convenient. I charge it at home using an 8kW charger that delivers up to 32 amps. It is easy to plug in at night and have a full battery by morning. It is far more convenient than people think. And the cost of charging is minimal compared to fuel expenses. As charging infrastructure grows, this will only get better. Right now, it is perfect for someone like me who drives within the city and occasionally takes longer trips.

The iX3 is known for its elegant design. How does it fits your lifestyle and personality?

I have always seen myself as a simple man with simple tastes. I never bought this car to show status. For me, it represents balance, sophistication with restraint, power with responsibility. I did not buy it by selling land or borrowing excessively. I bought it with what I earned through years of honest work.

So, when I drive the iX3, it is not about luxury. It is about a quiet sense of satisfaction. It reflects who I am, grounded but not afraid to dream. And in many ways, it is a reminder that passion does not have to fade with age or profession. Whether you are a doctor, teacher or entrepreneur, you can allow yourself to enjoy the things you love, responsibly.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first premium EV, like the BMW iX3?

I often tell people this, ‘buying a car like the iX3 is like marrying someone beautiful, you have to maintain the relationship’. It is not just about the purchase; it is about care and consistency. You need to understand the car, respect it and use it the right way.

If you are someone who values engineering, performance and sustainability, the iX3 will make you happy. It is not a car for showing off. It is a car for those who appreciate quality and quiet strength. And once you experience driving electric, it is hard to go back. To anyone on the fence about EVs, I would say that the future is already here. The iX3 is not just an electric vehicle, it is a statement about how we can move forward, responsibly and beautifully.