When it was launched back in 2001, the BMW Z3 M Coupe was a bit of an ugly duckling. But like other BMW designs of the 2000s, time has been kind to its appearance, and the story behind that passion project has made the “clown shoe” a bonafide modern classic. But perhaps those at BMW aren’t quite ready to forget the rocky reception that the Z3 “bread van” received – because not once is it referenced as an inspiration for this, the BMW Concept Touring Coupe.
That seems odd because as soon as you clap your eyes on this three-door shooting brake, you’re instantly reminded of the Z3 M Coupe. But instead, BMW says the shape has been inspired by the 328 Touring Coupe that won the Mille Miglia endurance race in 1940. Okay then…
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The Concept Touring Coupe that BMW says was built as a “one-off production” model takes the long snout of a Z4 and mates it to some fresh metal work at the rear, with multiple contours and an overall cleanly executed roofline that matches the rest of the aesthetic. The rear haunches are suitably muscular, and atop them sits the traditional and aggressively dialled-in Hoffmeister kink.
The Concept Touring Coupe is finished in a unique “Sparkling Lario” color, which features flakes of blue glass embedded into the brown paintwork. Silver-bronze accents and a new grille with vertical bars complement the color scheme, while the 20-spoke alloy wheels are staggered, measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches in the rear.
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It’s not just the exterior that has received the bespoke treatment, with the cabin getting a very Italian touch to it. Leather workshop Poltrona Frau has crafted an exclusive bi-color option that divides the interior horizontally into two distinct color segments. The top segment features darker tones, while the bottom has a light saddle brown. There’s even a custom-made interior-matching luggage set that may just step on the toes of Ferrari. Made in Modena, the luggage is crafted by Schedoni, a name that is more commonly associated with fitted luggage for Italian supercars.
BMW was light on the specifics of what features underhood but did mention that the concept is powered by a six-cylinder engine – presumably the same 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 that’s found in multiple applications.
The BMW Concept Touring Coupe will make its world debut at the opening of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023 held on the scenic shores of Lake Como in Cernobbio, Italy, from May 19-21.
