BMW Concept Touring Coupe Is A Z4 Shooting Brake For Villa d'Este

In fact, speculation is rife that Alpina could fill the gap between BMW's most luxurious vehicles and Rolls-Royce's cheapest. Time will tell if future one-offs do indeed arrive under the Alpina banner, but the luxurious nature of the cabin suggests it would be a good fit.

Here we find a two-tone color scheme for the dash, with the leather outfitted by Italian entity Poltrona Frau. On top, a dark brown is said to aid concentration while driving. The lower half, in a light saddle brown, represents comfort and warmth. The braided leather straps remind us of the baseball mitt interior offered on the 8N Audi TT, but that makes it no less intricate or interesting.

Finally, the trunk houses luggage designed by Modena-based Schedoni, consisting of two large weekender bags, a small one, and a garment bag.

BMW fanatics have longed for the return of the Clownshoe, and we're glad that BMW has answered them. We're also glad that BMW is embracing its upper-class consumer base, which surely includes many who would be willing to spend a pretty penny on a low-volume Bimmer or two. This concept is almost certainly crafted to gauge interest in production-bound special editions with bespoke bodywork, and we would not be surprised if the automaker introduces more such creations in the coming years.

However, we're a little disappointed that the front end is not more distinctive. We also would have liked a little more muscularity in the definition of the front wheelhouses. This also seems like a missed opportunity to create a one-off G-series M Coupe. After all, M3-sourced upgrades are what made the original Clownshoe such a tantalizing proposition, and since the regular G29 will not spawn a full-fat M version, it would still be exclusive.

That said, the Z3 M Coupe was intentionally de-engineered in several key departments and never well marketed so as not to spawn something that would poach M3 sales, and perhaps that's the motivation here once more - this is sure to be lighter than a G82.

Instead, we have "the brand's hallmark six-cylinder engine" in what is likely B58 form. It's a great engine, but it's also pretty common. The S58 from the M4 could have added a little more excitement, and a quad-exit exhaust, functional fender vents, and a wider track would certainly give it more aggression.

However, BMW launched this as a design concept inspired, in part, by the BMW 328 Touring Coupe of 1940 Mille Miglia fame, with subtle influences from the BMW 02 Series Touring models. BMW wanted this car to be classically stylish. BMW wanted to highlight elegance. BMW wanted to imply luxury. Performance is not a chief concern, and if this - or something similar - is ever sold as a road car, the buyer will make the purchase because of how it looks rather than how it drives.

If the reception at Villa d'Este is good enough, perhaps BMW will be motivated to give it another go with an M version later on. Regardless, it's a stunning proposition that shows Munich can still make a pretty car.