Easy, agile, and super luxe, the BMW M550i transported me from urban anxiety to rustic charm in style.

With brighter days in the near&mdash;but not quite so immediate future&mdash;life at home can seem maddening. Especially in the claustrophobic enclaves of New York City, where even all the money in the world only goes so far in terms of square feet. Luckily, I was granted a temporary escape from my work-from-home life in the form of <a href="https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/5-series/sedan/bmw-m.html">BMW's M550i vehicle</a>.

The V-8 powered sedan was perfect for my mission: a not so inaccessible trek but one quite not short enough for the train weekend trip to Amenia, New York. Traveling from the West Village's uneven cobblestone streets through Manhattan's urban grid was a breeze thanks to the M550i's 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine. As we encountered the country roads upstate, the car's responsive and maneuverable torque distribution with smart correction for sharp corners and curves finished the last leg of the drive smoothly. Meanwhile, inside we heavily relied on the M550i's smart interface and high-concept technology, which includes real-time traffic, road services, and navigation to avoid getting lost without cell reception in the woods. The Apple CarPlay kept the energy levels high.&nbsp; At the serene <a href="https://www.troutbeck.com/">Troutbeck</a> in Amenia, the silhouette of the modern M550i was beautifully juxtaposed with 250 acres of nature and the lodge's mid-century modern aesthetic. The woods-y designer hotel is home to an incredible farm to table eatery&mdash;which delights in the spirit of Hudson Valley style and is led by Michelin Star-rated chef Gabe McMackin&mdash;as well as boasts calming activities such as yoga and an incredible spa. It was a picturesque scene to observe fall's last traces flirt with the greening of leaves and the awakening of spring. Troutbeck was the perfect backdrop.&nbsp;

On the way back to Manhattan at the end of the weekend, the nearby Wassaic Project offered an artistic return to city life. The converted mill and milk factory hosts biannual group art shows featuring local and nearby creatives, and just concluded it's Fall/Winter season with "All Out / All In."
Surely, a return for its next show this summer is a must&mdash;and hopefully in a M550i. How could one go upstate otherwise?

Relief from NYC Pandemic Stress is One Quick Trip Away in BMW's M550i

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