From Aspen to Los Angeles in a BMW X5 4.8i
And I found one. I manage a little startup called Roundabout Signs LLC. We import authentic road signs from Germany, such as “Autobahn” and even “Tank Crossing.” People buy these signs to hang in their garages and offices. Our most popular is the “No Speed Limit” sign – one of the most welcome signs for a driving enthusiast.
Earlier in the year, we decided to create a limited-edition “No Speed Limit” sign autographed by actor Patrick Dempsey, a friend of mine. Not only a star of Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick is also a car guy who races in the Grand-Am Rolex Series; he even drove the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.
Patrick was willing to sign some of these German signs for us, so I needed to get 200 of them from Colorado to L.A. – fast. The X5 was the logical choice. What’s more, the scenery between Colorado and California is some of the most beautiful in the world.
Using nothing more than the X5’s Navigation system and satellite radio, I map out a three-day trip from Colorado to Beverly Hills, via the Lizard Head Pass, Sedona, Grand Canyon Park, Las Vegas and Mojave Desert. The trip starts at the Sky Hotel in Aspen. After loading more than 800 pounds of aluminum signs and other gear in the back of the X5, we have a nice breakfast at the famed Little Nell restaurant.
Although most people associate Aspen with skiing in the winter, it is also captivating in the summer. While much of the nation sweats with temperatures in the 90s and 100s, Aspen tops out at 80 degrees on most days. In fact, the morning air is so crisp and fresh, many skiers now spend their summers in Aspen, too.
We head southwest. Within a few hours, the mountainous landscape changes to extensive agricultural fields. However, the tall mountains remain in the distance. If you turn down the X5’s great sound system, you can almost hear them calling you.
The two-lane roads start to twist and get interesting as we approach the town of Ouray, nicknamed “the Switzerland of America.” A former gold-mining town, its population of around 800 swells considerably during the summer when travelers visit this beautiful valley. We continue our trip and admire the mountains near Telluride. The rocks are sharp-edged; the treeless tops reveal the colors of various minerals.
From Aspen, we cross at least three high mountain passes, which is pure joy in the BMW X5. Its power and handling excel in this environment. The V-8 engine pulls with authority, even at a height of 12,000 feet. The 6-speed transmission manages to keep the power in the sweet zone, helping us climb and descend comfortably.
The mountain roads level off again as we approach the Four Corners. This is the only spot in the United States where four states meet: Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. The terrain shifts again with red rocks and high desert mesas. The ancient ruins of Mesa Verde provide an education on how people survived long before cars.
Entering Arizona, the skies are painted, as in the songs. The Native American lands are dotted with awesome rock outcroppings. Long valleys give the X5 the chance to stretch its Autobahn-inspired legs, with 350 horses prancing much like the wild horses that live here. Around Flagstaff and Sedona, the high desert and mountains meet again.
Although Phoenix is only two hours away, the temperature in Flagstaff can be 40 degrees cooler in the summer. The Grand Canyon is also close: RVs and travel trailers fill some of the roads and campgrounds. The power of the X5 makes passing them almost too easy. The drive from Sedona to Las Vegas is captivating, with the pine trees giving way to juniper bushes and sagebrush.
The Hoover Dam makes a perfect stop along the journey. The BMW seems right at home in the company of this other engineering marvel. The palm trees, golf courses, casinos and neon lights of the Las Vegas strip welcome us. Our X5, with its shiny 19-inch wheels and black shadowline trim, fits right in. The Four Seasons Hotel provides a nice parking space for the BMW, while we cool off in the pool after our long drive. Like a watering hole, it is a place to relax and socialize.
The next morning we leave Las Vegas early. The drive between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is much traveled. Is it because these two cities share a love for parties and automobiles? The interstate cuts through the desert and along the famous Death Valley. Even with a heavy load, high speeds, and the air conditioning working at full blast, the X5 doesn’t miss a beat. Driving into the L.A. area is an experience; even 90 miles outside the city, you can be caught in rush-hour traffic.
The X5’s Navigation system is the star of the day in this sprawling city. Its Real Time Traffic Information system brings us through a maze of interstates, avoiding the clogged roads that surround the city. By late morning, we arrive safely at the beautiful Casa del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica.
Our BMW could not travel any farther west without getting wet. After some wonderful sushi and great conversation, Patrick Dempsey autographs all 200 signs in record time. In the course of three days, we drove over 1,000 miles.
From Aspen to Beverly Hills and everywhere in between, the new BMW X5 gave its own outstanding performance. Like the Western landscape, it is beautiful and intriguing – the perfect vehicle for people and cargo, not at all bothered by inclement weather or the twisting Rocky Mountain roads. And it is fast and sporty enough to turn heads, even in the City of Angels. I wonder: when will I find another excuse for an extended weekend trip?
Source: BMW Magazine