Lost Luxury of BMW’s Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe: A Concept That Deserved to Be Made

BMW has long been known for showcasing innovative concept cars, and one model that has recently garnered renewed attention is the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe. Unveiled in 2018, just before the launch of the second-generation 8 Series, this concept was a collaboration between BMW and the famed Italian design house Pininfarina. The Gran Lusso Coupe is often viewed as a preview of the future direction of BMW’s flagship models, sharing many design elements with the 8 Series.

Combining BMW’s brand identity and Pininfarina’s originality

The reason the Gran Lusso Coupe is receiving renewed interest is simple: its design. Compared to more recent BMW models, the Gran Lusso Coupe’s design exudes a level of sophistication that has captured the attention of global consumers, many of whom wish the model had made it to production. The freedom BMW gave Pininfarina during the design process made the concept car stand out. BMW allowed minimal involvement in maintaining the brand’s identity, giving Pininfarina the liberty to shape the design according to its own philosophy. This resulted in a stunning combination of BMW’s iconic design cues with Pininfarina’s elegant touch.

Pininfarina’s design philosophy and design are completed with the highest quality materials

The Gran Lusso Coupe, born in this way, showcased an exterior composed of BMW’s iconic kidney grille, shark nose, clean lines, and sophisticated LED headlights. The 21-inch wheels, 5-spoke design, and L-shaped LED taillights further enhanced the vehicle’s presence. For the interior, BMW’s design language was reinterpreted with Pininfarina’s luxurious sensibility. It offers ample legroom comparable to large luxury sedans, providing passengers with the utmost comfort.

The luxurious tobacco-brown leather and the 48,000-year-old kauri tree (New Zealand Native Plant), considered one of the rarest woods in the world, further emphasize the model’s luxury. These meticulous details have become a representative example of the success of the modern collaboration between BMW and Pininfarina.

Powering the concept is a V12 engine, though exact specifications were never revealed. The engine is believed to be based on the 6.0-liter V12 from the BMW 760i model of the same period, though performance details remain speculative. Despite the impressive design and engineering, the Gran Lusso Coupe never made it to mass production, leaving automotive enthusiasts to wonder what might have been. As one of BMW’s many unfinished projects, the Gran Lusso Coupe stands as a symbol of missed opportunity, and many continue to wonder what impact it could have had if it had reached the production line.

The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe remains a striking example of modern luxury and minimalist design. If BMW revisited this concept today, it could offer a fresh and exciting addition to its lineup, blending innovation with timeless elegance. This raises a thought-provoking question for automotive enthusiasts: What if this beautiful concept were brought to life again?