BMW unveil Gran Lusso coupe concept

Strictly a one-off, BMW says the Gran Lusso represents "the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupé as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina."

The BMW Design team took up exclusive design aspects, such as luxury and elegance, and fed them into a creative exchange with Pininfarina, with the two companies essentially "joining forces" to create the concept, rather than the more traditional route of the carmaker commissioning the carozzeria to design and build a concept.

Externally, the Gran Lusso Coupe has proportions reminiscent of the BMW 8 Series coupes, and there's more than a hint of Aston Martin in the design, too, particularly when viewed in profile. The lack of unrealistic detailing and impossible-to-produce touches suggest the Gran Lusso is closer to a production model than BMW are letting on.

No engine details have been revealed beyond that the fact that a V12 engine is used, which suggests the twin-turbo 6-litre V12 that has been used in the 7-Series. What is apparent is the rolling stock. 21-inch wheels are finished in matt aluminium, black and black chrome to pick out different elements of the multi-spoke design.

At the front, the BMW kidney grille is given a new treatment with prominent bars, but one that remains identifiable as BMW. Below that, a full-width lower grille is split by a slim chrome bar that also contains DRLs in the outer edges. Heavily-browed quad headlights are reminiscent of the Italdesign Parcour concept that was released at March's Geneva Motor Show. At the rear, prominent dual exhausts dominate the lower valance, while the tail lights consist of a thin full-width blade that opens into more fluid elements that wrap around the rear corners.

The interior is finished in fine leather and wood. High-grade Foglizzo leather used throughout the seats, doors and console is finished in a light shade of Tobacco Brown, with some of the wheels' black chrome elements carried through to the interior as well, while the plush carpeting is finished in dark grey. The rooflining is Italian wool, in a "Principe di Galles" grey plaid pattern, with built-in LEDs.

While it's unashamedly European, there is a little bit of the Antipodes in the Gran Lusso - New Zealand to be precise, as the interior trim also features Kauri wood. This unique timber is native to New Zealand's North Island, and comes from fallen trees that have been preserved in swampland for tens of thousands of years. As such, it's extremely rare, but its unusual grain and colour helps to ensure the Gran Lusso Coupe stands out from the concept car pack.

"The appeal of this collaboration with Pininfarina is that you get another, very different and special angle on facets like luxury and exclusivity," notes Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design.

"The Italian company, after all, has always been a byword for these criteria in particular, demonstrating time and again its keen sensitivity and exceptional finesse in these areas. In Pininfarina we have found the ideal partner to lend shape to this vehicle concept."

"The result of this co-operative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts," says Fabio Filippini, Head of Design at Pininfarina.

"When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company."

Images: BMW/Pininfarina