BMW‘s latest styling direction has stirred quite the kerfuffle, prompting independent designers to roll up their sleeves and get creative. Among them is Lukas Wenzhöfer, a professional automotive designer working as an Alias 3D modeler for Porsche.
In between his Porsche projects, Wenzhöfer conjured up the gorgeous BMW 03 Coupe you see in the illustrations here. The two-door concept is a digital-only affair that puts the M2 and M4 to shame with its sexy curves.
According to Lukas, his goal with the BMW 03 Coupe was to explore an alternative design direction for the brand, creating something “different and pure”. Striving to ensure his design bore the unmistakable BMW stamp, he drew inspiration from the iconic shapes of both classic and contemporary models from the Bavarian automaker. The BMW 03 Coupe stands out for its low-slung silhouette and chunky fenders. Its ultra-slim LED taillights, connected by a stylish strip, remain concealed when not in operation.
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Illustrations Lukas Wenzhöfer
Classic BMW features are evident in the traditional greenhouse, complete with the iconic Hoffmeister kink, and the retro-sized kidney grille. Meanwhile, the alloy wheels and flush door handles evoke a sense of familiarity with existing BMW offerings. Adding to the appeal is the integrated spoiler at the rear, accentuating the three-box proportions of the design.
In terms of footprint, the dimensions of the BMW 03 Coupe are comparable to the previous-generation M2 (F87), which measures 4,468 mm (175.9 inches) long. The digital model was envisioned with a fully electric powertrain and a traditional rear wheel drive layout, something that sounds compatible with the BMW Neue Klasse architecture.
The zero-emission nature of the coupe is evident from the smaller-than-usual intakes and the absence of tailpipes at the back. According to the designer, such a vehicle could coexist with BMW’s current ICE-powered lineup, adding a little variety into the mix.
Lukas Wenzhöfer gained recognition for winning a global Stellantis contest with his wild Opel Rocks e-Xtreme concept. This electric vehicle transitioned from the digital realm to the real world as a factory-backed one-off, showcasing the potential of creative design. We hope seeing more of his passion projects come to life in the future, including this BMW coupe. In the meantime, explore the photorealistic renderings in the gallery below.
Note: This story includes renderings of a fictional model that are not official or endorsed by BMW.