design between the lines: the future of BMW design at concours d'elegance 2019

from one-off rarities to high-tech concepts, the 18th golf hole of pebble beach is lush with rich car design every year for the concours d’elegance. the celebration displays much more than just automotive history; it reveals a timeline of heritage, styling and technology. after 103 years, there are not many manufacturers with more tradition than BMW, who, as always, unveiled their latest visions alongside rare motor-memorabilia during the monterey car week 2019. models such as the garmisch not only spoke of their global history but also their international influences, especially that of italian design and coach-building. they highlight BMW’s continued focus on surface treatment and how this is literally shaping their future.

the BMW garmisch on pebble beach concours d’elegance’s concept lawn
all images courtesy of BMW

as its north american debut, the BMW garmisch was on show on the concept lawn at the pebble beach concours d’elegance, revealing the brand’s historic relationship with italian coach-building as well as design. the car is an exact recreation of marcello gandini’s masterpiece for bertone, which was exhibited at the 1970 geneva motor show before mysteriously vanishing afterwards. the garmisch was not only originally crafted as a homage to BMW’s true design language but also with the signature geometric styling of the famed italian designer.

the honeycomb-patterned sun mesh shades the interior

the garmisch is built upon the body of a BMW 2002 model. bathed in a light gold color, the exterior is shaped by smooth, clean surfaces with very minimal yet meaningful lines. its geometric aesthetic is immediately prominent with the reinterpreted kidney grille at the front, which is then flanked by fluted glass-covered headlamps. at the rear, a honeycomb-patterned sun mesh uniquely shades the functional yet elegant interior. the space is crafted emotionally through a delicate mix of colors and materials, as exemplified by the vertical radio and fold-out mirror for the front passenger. the result is a timely tribute to the brand’s connection with italian design and how it continues to influence their current form language.

geometric forms shape the elegant interior

being the brand’s most premium sports model, there are more similarities in the design between the M850i convertible and garmisch than first meets the eye; it is all between the lines. the drop-top pairs dynamic flair with a sense of exclusivity – much like the concept car. similarly, it also displays a distinctive edge of elegance throughout the form yet, alternatively, does so in ultra-sporty proportions. this impression is literally formed by its reduced number of styling lines. between these grooves, smooth and curvaceous surfaces are then sculpted to lend emotion to its aesthetic.

the BMW M850i convertible
image © designboom

this balance of dynamism and elegance is bridged into the interior as the sports car’s shoulderline gently rises up as it surrounds the side windows and deck-like soft-top lid. the space is systematic yet sophisticated, with clean surfaces defining its shape. the dashboard and center console exemplifies this: smooth planes are orientated towards the driver, and the instrument cluster is positioned to ease control. these elements detail the environment’s tailored design further. the choice of contrasting materials evokes a sense of luxury, such as the crystallized glass of the gear shift.

image © designboom

‘we wanted to create a modern mid-sized coupe that was faithful to BMW’s design language, but that was also more dynamic and even a bit provocative,’ explains marcello gandini about the origins of the garmisch. the recreated design highlights BMW’s historic relationship to coach-building but also the influence of italian design in its form language. from across the brand’s portfolio up to the M850i convertible, it is clear these inspirations are still relevant for BMW: how clean but sculpted surface treatment can create dynamic, emotive and surprising designs.

image © designboom

the clean, driver-orientated interior
image © designboom

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the 8 series model on the big sur, california
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