The striking BMW Touring Coupé Concept: showstopper on Lake Como

Last weekend, the car industry was surprised by the unexpected arrival of the BMW Touring Coupé Concept. Making its debut at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza 2023, this unique one-off vehicle showcases a breathtaking shooting brake design. Inspired by the legendary BMW Z3 Clown Shoe and other fastbacks and shooting brakes in the brand’s history, the Touring Coupé pays homage in a host of exciting ways.

After several years of keeping the design sketches in their archives, BMW finally decided that November was the perfect time to begin work on their new one-off project. The bodywork for the BMW Touring Coupé Concept was expertly executed by Turin-based Super Steel, using the BMW Z4 platform as the basis.

Adrian Van Hooydonk, BMW’s Head of Design, emphasized that the structural integrity of the Z4 roadster was diligently maintained throughout the transformation process. The integration of the roof not only added aesthetic appeal, but also improved the vehicle’s overall strength and stability.

Why Shooting Brake and not Fastback?

“Of course we could have done a fastback coupé,” says Van Hooydonk. “We thought about that quickly. [But in the end], we opted for the Shooting Brake architecture. We thought that would probably make it a little more iconic. And of course it looks a lot faster than the Z3 Coupé.”

Sparkling Lario could come to other BMWs

In addition to its fascinating design, the BMW Touring Coupé Concept has an exclusive color known as Sparkling Lario. Van Hooydonk says he hopes to offer that color in future BMW models as well. This signature hue features a fusion of gray and brown tones, enhanced by mesmerizing flakes of blue glass and accents of silver-bronze. The grilles, in particular, blend seamlessly with the exterior colour, creating a visually harmonious effect, while the silver-bronze grille finish adds an intriguing touch.

The wheels, with a 20-spoke design reminiscent of ALPINA, have a subtle gold finish that perfectly complements the overall color theme of the exterior. Measuring 21 inches at the rear and 20 inches at the front, the wheels further enhance the striking appearance of the concept car.

Naturally, the one-off Touring Coupé Concept blends seamlessly into the scenic backdrop of Lake Como, allowing us to capture stunning images in a variety of settings. As noted by Van Hooydonk, this is a vehicle that is best enjoyed while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Como, rather than pushing its limits on a racetrack.

Is BMW going to build the Touring Coupé? Van Hooydonk hints at that possibility, but in limited numbers and certainly not cheaper than $250,000.