i8 Coupe

Make
BMW
Segment
Coupe

With the recent debut of the new BMW 4 Series, M3, and M4, BMW's new design direction incorporating gigantic kidney grilles has been widely criticized. We all breathed a sigh of relief when the BMW M5 CS debuted last week with a more familiar looking front end. These polarizing designs have inspired render artists to redesigned the 4 Series and fix the ungainly grille.

Then there are other artists who have created their own fantasy BMW models from scratch such as this: the BMW Connected Dynamics. This futuristic-looking hypercar is the work of Lukas Haag, who currently works as an Exterior Designer for Mercedes-Benz and helped pen the design for the Mercedes Vision EQS.

Dubbed the Connected Dynamics, his latest design is an evolution of a previous BMW concept design from 2014. With its ultra-thin LED headlights and taillights, sculpted body, prominent shark fin, and sharp lines, the Connected Dynamics looks unlike any other car in BMW's current lineup. Despite this, some of BMW's design cues like the kidney grilles have been reimagined with a new simplified design that looks very sleek. A wide stance, flowing shape, triangular-shaped vents, and large intakes hint at the car's aerodynamic efficiency.

Talking about the original BMW Connected Dynamics he designed for his degree, Haag designed the concept as a way of showing how "technology for autonomous cars would not automatically mean a loss in 'sheer driving pleasure', but, on the contrary, could even enhance it."

While the designer has envisioned the car with autonomous technology, he hasn't detailed any potential powertrains. Judging by the car's short hood and extended rear, we imagine the Connected Dynamics would pack a fully electric powertrain. If BMW ever builds an electric hypercar, we won't complain if it looks like this.

In reality, however, BMW still hasn't built a proper supercar since the M1. The Bavarian automaker was planning to build a production version of the Vision M Next, but these plans have reportedly been scrapped after the i8 failed to meet sales expectations.