Mark and Anastasia Puccioni Choose Elevated Performance
Story by Natalie McGovern // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
For Mark and Anastasia Puccioni, cars that are rated in safety and reliability are top of mind. Although they’ve owned several luxury vehicles over the years, nothing compares to the experience of driving ONYX vehicles like the 2025 Defender and the 2026 BMW X7.
For more than 20 years, Mark—a pediatric neurosurgeon at Boys Town National Research Hospital—has driven BMWs, a loyalty that began during his residency. Anastasia, a busy mom to 2-year-old Leo, had previously driven a Jaguar SUV and even ventured into owning an Audi.
Less than a year later, the decision was made to upgrade to the BMW X7. Having seen the positive luxury experiences Mark had long appreciated, Anastasia decided to take the plunge herself.
“This is my favorite car,” Anastasia said. “I love my car—I haven’t gotten over it. It’s super convenient with the space, especially. It’s super luxurious and feels high-end. It drives really nicely.”
Her child’s car seat fits in the backseat, which offers plenty of room for precious cargo and ample storage space. With generous trunk storage and flexible third-row seating, the full-size luxury SUV delivers high-end performance. Its turbocharged inline-six engine produces 375 horsepower, while premium finishes and Tartufo Merino leather elevate the cabin.
“The third row pulls down so I have a big trunk space, which is super convenient. In the winter with a baby, it has been really nice,” Anastasia noted. “It does amazing in the snow,” Mark agreed.
When it comes to tackling obstacles such as snow, ice, and getting around during a Nebraska winter, owning an SUV that glides effortlessly over rugged terrain is essential. The BMW X7’s all-wheel drive component performs well in the snow. Features such as automatic crash avoidance, lane departure, and 360-degree cameras around the car elevate the vehicle’s security.
“The most important part of either of our cars is the safety,” Mark said. “Both cars are top rated in safety and strong vehicles. I feel comfortable with her driving anybody in that car, especially our son.”
Anastasia balances motherhood while studying for her nurse practitioner license, currently working part-time as an aesthetic injector at Sakoon the Spa. Whether driving to in-person clinicals or taking care of their toddler, the BMW X7 gets her to where she needs to go.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF EITHER OF OUR CARS IS THE SAFETY. BOTH CARS ARE TOP RATED IN SAFETY AND STRONG VEHICLES.” — Mark Puccioni
With his past experience owning ONYX cars, Mark attests that they’re the upper echelon of luxury vehicles. He’s owned a number of Range Rovers, but the 2025 Defender is second to none. Built for strength and adventure, the Defender is undoubtedly in a class of its own, combining rugged off-road capability with innovative technology and safety features.
On call 24/7, it’s necessary for Mark to have a reliable and efficient vehicle at all times. “I like it because I like fast and powerful vehicles,” he said. “I am a pediatric neurosurgeon, so I need reliability, and I need to make sure I can get to where I need to get to no matter what.”
Rain or shine (or even an unpredictable Nebraska blizzard), he doesn’t take a day off, and the Defender has proven to get him to his destination no matter the forecast. “You have to have reliability—there’s no such thing as a snow day,” he added. “If it’s icy out, there’s no reason you’re not expected to go in.”
Road conditions are not an obstacle with his Defender, he said. “If there is a flood, I can drive through it without it stalling. It’s got plenty of room, and I always like the safety features. It will stop the car before it hits something. It tells you if stuff is behind you; if you accidentally veer off, it will push you back into your lane.”
Mark has had his 2025 Defender since January of last year. “It’s my first time with a Defender, but I’m extremely pleased.”
A first-generation Italian American and avid Cowboys fan, Mark proudly showcases an “America’s Team” decal on his vehicle. His 25-year career is marked by a prestigious accolade—he is the only neurosurgeon in Nebraska to be inducted into the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN).
Originally from the Valley, Anastasia made the move to Nebraska more than a decade ago and is happy to call Omaha as home. She’s become a familiar face across the metro, having appeared on a Sakoon the Spa billboard campaign. Since meeting in the operating room in 2019, she and Mark navigate their lifestyles together on and off the road.
In a life that demands precision and dependability, the 2025 Defender and 2026 BMW X7 rise to the occasion, carrying the Puccionis from point A to point B through any mile of their journey.
