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2026 BMW 8 Series Concept
2026 BMW 8 Series Concept – Before BMW unveiled the second-generation 8 Series in 2018, a collaboration with the renowned Italian design firm Pininfarina yielded a masterpiece of automotive design. The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe was built as a special, one-off concept, a remarkable vehicle that previewed BMW’s vision for its next flagship model. While the Gran Lusso never transitioned into a production vehicle, it shared many aesthetic elements with the 8 Series G81 that appeared five years later.
The Birth of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe
Groundbreaking Collaboration
In 2013, the German automaker BMW teamed up with Pininfarina to create a vehicle that would symbolize the pinnacle of luxury and design. BMW’s design director at the time, Fabio Filippini, stated in 2013 that BMW offered Pininfarina “total freedom” in the design process. According to Filippini, “They really trust our skill and our capacity of interpreting their design identity and the design values.” This confidence allowed Pininfarina to lead the project with minimal intervention, ensuring that the Gran Lusso Coupe maintained the core of BMW’s identity while showcasing Pininfarina’s revered design prowess.
Striking Exterior Design
Signature BMW Design
The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe proudly featured BMW’s iconic kidney grille, finished in a sleek matte-sheen aluminum. The grille’s shark nose slant and design lines extended gracefully from the grille and badge, forming a distinctive and aggressive front face. The front of the vehicle was characterized by its clean, simple lines, with a wide lower grille opening subtly integrating Pininfarina’s branding. Sleek LED headlights added to the vehicle’s sophisticated appearance.
Sophisticated Silhouette
The Gran Lusso’s high beltline coupled with a sleek, rearward-positioned greenhouse was accentuated with a unique Hofmeister kink. Adding to its allure was a bold V-12 badge on the C-pillar, hinting at the powerhouse engine underneath. The car rode on 21-inch wheels with a sophisticated two-tone finish that turned its 15 spokes into an eye-catching five-spoke design. Its rear end, reminiscent of the 8 Series, featured trapezoidal exhaust finishers and distinctive L-shaped LED taillights connected seamlessly across the trunk.
Luxurious Interior Craftsmanship
Driver-Focused Cabin
Pininfarina elevated BMW’s design language by focusing on a driver-centric interior. The controls were angled towards the driver, enhancing the accessibility and ergonomic appeal of the cockpit. The interior also featured an oblong roof opening that allowed more natural light to flood into the cabin, creating an airy and comfortable atmosphere. Despite being a coupe, BMW ensured that the rear seats provided significant legroom, akin to that of a luxury sedan.
Opulent Materials
Luxury was woven into every surface of the Gran Lusso’s interior. Pininfarina opted for high-grade tobacco-brown leather from the renowned Foglizzo leather factory, ensuring a sumptuous feel. The headliner, crafted from virgin wool, added a touch of softness and sophistication. The deep-pile carpet further emphasized the opulence of the cabin.
One of the most extraordinary elements was the use of 48,000-year-old Kauri wood, sourced from New Zealand. This wood, among the rarest in the world, has a striking grain that changes color from gold to red to brown depending on the lighting and viewing angle.
A Nod to BMW’s Heritage
Adrian van Hooydonk, then Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design, believed that the Gran Lusso expressed the “hallmark BMW values.” This included not only the aesthetics but also the engineering excellence and luxury feel that BMW is known for.
Engine and Performance
Powerful V-12 Engine
Although BMW never detailed the specifications of the Gran Lusso Coupe’s engine, it was evident that a powerful twin-turbocharged V-12 powered the concept. The logical assumption is that it shared similarities with the 6.0-liter V-12 from the BMW 760i of the era. This formidable engine could deliver approximately 535 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, funneled exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring an exhilarating drive.
Continuing Legacy in Design
Post-Gran Lusso Concepts
Since the debut of the Gran Lusso, BMW has introduced other impressive concept cars such as the Skytop, the Touring Coupe, and the Vision Neue Klasse. Each of these vehicles carries its own innovative features and design elements. However, the Gran Lusso holds a unique place in BMW’s design history, standing as the last truly minimalist and clean design concept from the brand. It remains a symbol of elegance and restrained luxury, a testament to what happens when two legendary names in automotive design collaborate.
A Timeless Icon
The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe remains a beautiful memory in the automotive world—a blend of German engineering precision and Italian design flair. Although it never went into production, its influence on the subsequent 8 Series is clear, immortalizing its design language and luxurious ethos. This one-off coupe continues to be celebrated as a pure embodiment of BMW’s timeless values and showcases the boundless potential of design when creative freedom is given a leading role.
By reflecting on the Gran Lusso Coupe, automobile aficionados can appreciate its exceptional design, the collaboration that birthed it, and its lasting impact on BMW’s design philosophy. This concept car remains a testament to the innovative spirit and aesthetic excellence that both BMW and Pininfarina represent.
