Imagine a car that, back in 2013, foreshadowed the future of automotive elegance. This isn’t just a daydream; we’re talking about the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe, a rare gem conceived through a partnership between BMW and Pininfarina. A design so pure and sophisticated that, even a decade later, it still makes us question BMW’s current aesthetic choices. Let’s delve together into the details of this concept that, although never reaching the streets, paved the way for the acclaimed second-generation BMW 8 Series.
BMW and Pininfarina Partnership: A Landmark
When BMW entrusted Pininfarina with the task of creating the Gran Lusso Coupe, the watchword was “freedom.” That’s right, total creative freedom for one of the world’s most renowned Automotive design houses. “They really trust our skill, our ability to interpret their design identity and design values,” said Fabio Filippini, Pininfarina’s Design Director, in 2013. This collaboration allowed Pininfarina to infuse its essence into BMW’s DNA, resulting in a unique concept.
Of course, BMW wasn’t entirely absent, intervening occasionally to ensure the concept maintained the brand’s essence. The result? A luxury coupe that exudes BMW’s identity, but with a touch of Italian mastery. This partnership shows us what happens when two powerhouses unite, mutually respecting their heritages and visions.
Exterior Design: Elegance in Every Line
The Gran Lusso Coupe is an ode to minimalism and elegance. The front of the car boasts BMW’s iconic kidney grille, executed in matte aluminum, flanked by a “shark nose” that gives the vehicle an aggressive yet refined stance. The high waistline and gentle slope of the roof flow harmoniously to the rear, where we find a unique “Hofmeister kink,” a classic BMW signature, but with a special touch on this model.
The 21-inch wheels, with a two-tone finish, transform the 15-spoke design into an optical illusion of five spokes, adding visual dynamism even when the car is stationary. The rear, with its trapezoidal exhaust finishers and L-shaped LED taillights, anticipates elements we would later see in the 8 Series. Every exterior detail of the Gran Lusso Coupe was designed to create a sense of movement and sophistication.
Gran Lusso Interior: An Oasis of Luxury
Entering the Gran Lusso Coupe, we are enveloped by an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. Pininfarina enhanced the interior with angled controls oriented towards the driver, creating a focused and immersive driving experience. The highlight is the roof, which features an oblong opening, allowing additional lighting that accentuates the interior details.
The interior space is generous, especially legroom in the rear seats, comparable to that of a luxury sedan. But what truly elevates the Gran Lusso Coupe’s interior to a higher level are the materials used. Imagine yourself surrounded by tobacco-brown leather from the renowned Foglizzo factory, a virgin wool headliner, and a deep-pile carpet that invites you to take off your shoes and relax.
Kauri Wood: A Touch of Exclusivity
And what if I told you that the Gran Lusso Coupe has a piece of New Zealand’s history? That’s right, 48,000-year-old Kauri wood, one of the rarest in the world, is used in the interior trim. This wood is not just a material; it’s a natural work of art, with color variations that change depending on the viewing angle and light incidence.
The inclusion of Kauri wood in the Gran Lusso Coupe is a perfect metaphor for the car’s philosophy: a combination of tradition, exclusivity, and natural beauty. It’s a detail that not only visually enriches the interior but also tells a story, connecting the car to an ancient heritage. This touch of exclusivity reinforces the Gran Lusso Coupe’s uniqueness, making it a true gem in the automotive world.
V12 Engine: Power Under the Hood
While the specific technical details of the Gran Lusso Coupe’s engine haven’t been released, we know it houses a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine. It’s speculated to be the same 6.0-liter V12, 535-horsepower engine found in the BMW 760i, with rear-wheel drive.
This engine choice reinforces the Gran Lusso Coupe’s proposition as a high-performance vehicle, capable of delivering an exciting and dynamic driving experience. The V12 badge on the C-pillar is a discreet yet powerful reminder of the power residing under the hood. It’s a perfect combination of elegance and power, something BMW has always known how to balance very well.
BMW Gran Lusso and Minimalist Design
Looking at more recent BMW models, it’s inevitable to compare them to the purity of the Gran Lusso Coupe’s lines. This concept is considered by many as the last iteration of clean, minimalist design in the BMW lineup. While current models embrace bolder and sometimes controversial lines, the Gran Lusso Coupe represents an era where simplicity and elegance were the pillars of automotive design.
It’s interesting to note how the Gran Lusso Coupe, while having anticipated elements of the 8 Series, remained a unique example of sophistication. More recent concepts, such as the Skytop and the Vision Neue Klasse, show BMW’s continued pursuit of innovation, but the Gran Lusso Coupe still shines as a landmark in the brand’s design philosophy. It makes us question whether the relentless pursuit of novelty hasn’t distanced us from a purer and more timeless aesthetic.
