The exterior design of the BMW Concept Touring Coupé is defined by the two-box layout, typical of shooting brakes. The profile in particular shows the very wrong proportions of the donor car, due to Toyota’s common platform.

BMW Z4.

Compared to the Z3, the first and second generation Z4, the front overhang is unprecedented. Excessively pronounced retinal graphics below the kidneys and left and right at the corners severely detract from the nose. They visually lengthen the lower bite, which can be reduced by all kinds of interventions. Especially in the three-quarter front view, the Z4, as well as its shooting brake, is a terrible rig. The superimposed itself is fully visible there.

BMW Z4 Coupe (2006).

The Z4 Coupe from 2006 – already with a much smaller overhang anyway – reduces the overhang even further due to the aggressive front bumper. The Z4 has strong inward movement from the grille toward the fender. Very sporty design, from the Chris Bangle period. The shortcomings of the existing proportions are transferred to the surface. Tough – according to BMW: subtle – but above all geometric and unexciting. The previous two Z4 generations did much better. Nothing new under the sun: Sensitivity hasn’t been anywhere in BMW for several years.

The BMW Concept Touring Coupé has been skillfully executed

However, this does not automatically mean that the BMW Concept Touring Coupé has been completely written off. The rear upper body integration—the vehicle’s built-in part of the Z4—was expertly executed. The donor car comes alone, especially from behind, and the statue can be seen again; We missed that at BMW. The manner in which the expressive tailgate spoiler has been integrated is commendable. The split seams of the hood have been moved farther inward, compared to the solution used on the car. These welds run naturally, as if they were originally coordinated, from the bottom of the tail light visually through the tail light upwards.

A heavier diffuser provides better balance. This makes the superstructure visually lighter. The mass-produced unit will be a very light graphic element to provide enough visual counterweight to the long, continuous roofline. As we do with our vehicle-building projects, the Concept Touring Coupé’s split ends have been kept to a minimum. This can be a big problem for mass production, but for one-off models it is a good way to emphasize the skills of the vehicle maker. For example, the seams running from the windshield to the rear of a mass-produced car are often cleverly concealed by a body-colored plastic strip or set of roof racks. So they are not found in such a unique car.

The BMW design team has proven that it can skilfully recreate a sports car laden with impressive proportions. Straight from the back attractive design with a good stance. Due to the wide hips and visual weight reduction in the upper part, due to the aforementioned diffuser that works with the windows. A seemingly college-inspired BMW move was made into the glass. Color and Edge designers were busy with interesting experiments. The soft bronze finish of the kidneys, wheels, daylight opening (DLO) and exhaust ports look in perfect harmony with the brown paint. The tint is present enough, but not too much.

The Concept Touring Coupé’s aesthetics inform the model vehicle’s building characteristics through sculptural control and special detailing. Tasteful, deft, and controlling. Is there a glimmer of hope on the horizon for BMW?