2001 BMW X Coupe Concept
By Lorenzo Bianchi December 5, 2001
In a surprise debut at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, BMW unveiled its newest concept vehicle, the BMW X coupe. For anyone still thinking that the automotive world can be divided neatly into familiar categories, it may be time to rethink. This utterly driver-oriented coupe does not merely introduce a totally new design concept, it also embodies a brand new vision. The energy of tension. At the very first glance, this impressive new vehicle with aluminum skin in Highland Silver shows that BMW is opening a new chapter in vehicle design. From a pure styling standpoint, the X coupe is dramatically different from anything BMW has ever created.
A logical next step in the evolution of BMW design. The designers have charged this shape with a high-energy field of tension. Indeed, an element of tension in its products is at the core of what has made BMW so successful, tension between perfection and emotion. This element became a starting point for a new ‘language of forms’ that reflects the high-tech and highly emotional character of this sport coupe. Seen as a foil to the two Z9 concept vehicles, which embody new interpretations for luxury cars, the X coupe points to a new design direction for the segment of sporty, lifestyle-oriented vehicles. The X coupe purposely plays the role of automotive iconoclast. It does not shy away from what might be considered paradoxes or contradictions. A coupe that can go off-road, a sport coupe with diesel engine, asymmetries on its exterior and in its interior. Surfaces that turn in on themselves, or can change their shape. These and other elements do not fit into the usual scheme of things. Thus the X coupe leaves beaten paths of auto design, just as it is also able to leave the beaten paths of auto driving and head confidently off-road. *Please download the press kit for more information on the BMW X coupe.