People think hybrid vehicles are only about saving fuel but the X5 still feels very sporty and powerful.

Jeevan Bahadur Singh
Managing Director/Entrepreneur, Diamond Palace Lords Plaza Hotel, Nepalgunj
Board Member, Milkyway Share Broker Company

Jeevan Bahadur Singh is a prominent entrepreneur and hotelier deeply involved in both the hospitality and financial sectors of Nepal, serving as the Managing Director of the Diamond Palace Lords Plaza Hotel in Nepalgunj and as a Board Member at Milkyway Share Broker Company. Balancing a demanding professional routine that requires frequent travel between Nepalgunj and Kathmandu, Singh is driven by a lifelong passion for automobiles, placing a high value on premium experiences, performance and attention to detail. 

Based on his ownership experience, he views modern premium mobility through the lens of luxury with purpose, seamlessly blending performance with smart, sustainable technology. In conversation with Business 360, Singh speaks about his choice of the BMW X5.

As a hotelier, you are constantly balancing comfort, efficiency and guest experience. How does the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid reflect the same values in your personal lifestyle?

I think it reflects my lifestyle quite well actually. In hospitality, we always focus on comfort, smooth experience and attention to detail, and I feel the BMW X5 offers the same. It is luxurious and comfortable but at the same time very practical and efficient. It gives that premium experience every single day.

What first attracted you to the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid over a conventional luxury SUV?

What attracted me was honestly the combination of performance and technology. Usually, people think hybrid vehicles are only about saving fuel but the X5 still feels very sporty and powerful. It did not feel like I was compromising anything by choosing a hybrid.

The X5 combines performance with sustainability. How important was that balance when making your decision?

That balance was very important to me. I love performance cars but at the same time I als appreciate smarter and more sustainable technology. The X5 gives both together strong performance with better efficiency which made it stand out for me.

Hospitality is all about creating memorable experiences. Does driving the BMW X5 give you a similar sense of experience and refinement?

Definitely. Every time I drive it, it feels special. The comfort, the quietness, the interior quality and even the way it drives all feel very refined. It is one of those cars that makes even normal drives enjoyable.

Has the BMW X5 changed your perception of what a hybrid can offer?

Before this, even I used to think hybrids were mostly focused on efficiency and not really exciting to drive. But the X5 completely changed that perception for me. It still has the power, luxury and drive you expect from a BMW.

How does the X5 perform on Nepali roads in terms of comfort, handling and practicality?

Honestly, it has handled the roads really well. The comfort level is excellent, especially during long drives or traffic. The suspension feels smooth and despite being a large SUV, it is surprisingly easy to handle in daily driving.

Is plug-in hybrid technology convenient for your day-to-day routine?

Yes, very convenient. My schedule is usually busy and involves a lot of travelling between meetings and work, so having a car that is both comfortable and efficient really helps. The technology feels modern but also very practical for everyday use.

BMW is known for delivering a driver-focused experience. What stands out most to you every time you get behind the wheel of the X5?

For me, it is the driving feel and confidence the car gives. The steering, acceleration and overall control feel very connected. BMW has a unique driving character and the X5 still gives that feeling even as a plug-in hybrid.

Luxury today is increasingly linked with responsibility and sustainability. Do you think vehicles like the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid represent the future of premium mobility in Nepal?

Yes, I do. I think people now want luxury with purpose. Cars like the X5 show that you can still enjoy performance and comfort while moving towards more sustainable technology. I believe this is definitely the future, even in Nepal.

If you had to describe the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid in three words based on your ownership experience, what would they be and why?

I would say: Powerful, Refined and Smart.Powerful because it still has the performance you expect from BMW. Refined because everything about the car feels premium and comfortable. And smart because it combines luxury with modern hybrid technology in a very practical way.

And yes, everyone around me knows how much I love my car. Sometimes my wife jokes that I take more care of the BMW than her. But honestly, I have always been passionate about cars, so owning and driving the X5 has been a great experience for me.