Choosing the BMW iX1 was a very intentional decision

Rishi Raj More
Managing Director, Nuplast Industries & Sheeven Farms

Rishi Raj More, Nuplast Industries and Sheeven Farms, brings over 14 years of seasoned leadership to Nepal’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors. In this capacity, he has successfully positioned Nuplast as one of the nation’s top five manufacturers of PVC and CPVC pipes while simultaneously spearheading the group’s expansion into the dairy industry with Sheeven Farms.

More’s guiding philosophy centres on the seamless integration of legacy and innovation, where high-performance engineering, global quality standards, and sustainable practices converge to drive industrial growth.

In conversation with Business 360, More speaks about his choice of the BMW iX1.

What initially made you choose the BMW iX1 over other luxury SUVs available in Nepal? 

Choosing the BMW iX1 was a very intentional decision based on three main factors. As someone in my mid-30s, I have spent the last decade driving reliable brands like Toyota and Nissan, but I reached a point where I wanted a vehicle that matched my personality and current aspirations. Many other premium brands felt tailored toward a much older demographic, the 50-plus crowd. I needed something that reflected sportiness and a modern attitude.

At the time, the EV market in Nepal was mushrooming, with nearly 20 different brands appearing almost overnight. However, I did not want an experimental vehicle. I wanted a sensible action. I work closely with Chinese suppliers and know the market well but many of the new EV brands lacked a proven global legacy or a trust factor for me. BMW, on the other hand, is a known brand. When I heard the iX1 was fully electric but still a true BMW, I did not hesitate. I called the showroom, told them I was coming in 30 minutes, took a test drive, and it was a ‘10 out of 10’ match immediately.

You travel extensively for work. How has the iX1 handled the diverse and often difficult road conditions in Nepal? 

Nepal’s roads demand a very specific kind of vehicle, something compact enough for city traffic but with high power and, most importantly, excellent ground clearance to handle the potholes and rough patches. The iX1 has been exceptional in this regard.

For me, a car is like a second home because I spend so much of my life on the road. I need a vehicle that does not bounce uncomfortably when the terrain gets tough. The ground clearance on the iX1 is a standout feature, especially compared to other EVs. While I have other electric vehicles where I am constantly worried about the undercarriage hitting the road, I can take the BMW into the hills with complete confidence. It allows me to climb mountains without the stress of damaging the car.

How do you describe the balance between comfort and performance in your day-to-day use?

In my life, comfort is a daily necessity, while high performance is something I call upon maybe two or three times a week when I need to squeeze through traffic or hit a deadline. The iX1 balances these perfectly. When I leave the office, I want to leave the stress behind. If a car is shaking or loud, it is impossible to focus or even have a productive phone conversation while travelling. The iX1 provides a serene environment. At the same time, it is a car that allows for an easy transition between being chauffeur-driven and driving yourself. I often stop the car midway and tell my driver I want to take over because the sheer driving pleasure of a BMW is something you actually want to experience firsthand.

From a business owner’s perspective, does the vehicle feel more like a practical tool or a lifestyle statement? 

It is undeniably both. As a business owner, I am brand-conscious because my car and my watch are reflections of my professional identity and how I behave in the business world. But it has to be practical. The iX1 is tech-loaded in a way that actually aids my work. My phone and car are seamlessly connected so I do not have to toggle screens while I am on the move. Features like the ‘welcome seat’, where I can toggle my specific ‘Rishi mode’ on the screen and have the seats, mirrors and steering wheel automatically adjust to my preference, make it a highly efficient tool for a busy schedule.

How satisfied are you with the electric engine performance, particularly on hills and steep inclines? 

BMW is known as the ultimate driving machine and that has not changed with the move to electric. The power and pickup are immediate. What impressed me most is how controlled the drive feels. Whether you are accelerating on a highway or braking on a steep downhill incline, the car feels like it is moving with its own intelligence.

The safety tech also plays a huge role here. It has sensors that detect if you are about to hit a pothole or if you are drifting out of your lane, and it gently corrects the vehicle. It even has a night vision camera that detects people I might not see and alerts me immediately. You truly feel like you are in safe hands.

One common concern with EVs is that they are too silent. How did you find the transition from fuel-based cars? 

I actually had that exact concern. I told the sales team, “If I am buying a BMW, I do not want a silent car. I want to hear the engine”. They showed me a feature that blew me away. You can customise the acoustic experience. If I want the car to be as quiet as a Rolls Royce Phantom for a relaxed drive, I can do that. But if I want to feel the power, I can turn the sound up so it feels exactly like a traditional BMW engine.

In terms of value for money, how does the BMW iX1 compare to your previous vehicles?

Compared to the Nissan and Toyota models I have owned, the BMW iX1 definitely stands its ground in terms of value. While it is a premium investment, you are paying for German engineering that is top-notch. The luxury is not just for the driver. It is for the whole family. My daughter loves the gesture-controlled tailgate, and the Harman Kardon speakers and ambient lighting make long family drives much more enjoyable. Even things I did not expect, like the wireless charging and the way the AC and lights turn on automatically as I approach the car, add a level of convenience that makes the price tag feel absolutely worth it. In terms of service, spare parts and performance, BMW has not disappointed me in the slightest.

Would you recommend the BMW iX1 to other business leaders in Nepal? 

I would, 101%. For any business owner who wants a car that fits their aspiration without the risk of an unknown brand, this is the sensible choice. It handles our unique roads, keeps your family safe and most importantly, it still provides the sheer pleasure of driving that you expect from a world-class brand.