BMW Z4 Coupe concept unveiled, looks even better than ours

No one saw it coming. Created off-the-books in secret, after hours, by a group of dedicated BMW engineers.

That's how the 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe came to be. The M3-powered roadster-turned-coupe instantly was launched into cult status thanks to its quirky styling that put driving dynamics ahead of traditional beauty.

At this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, at Lake Como, BMW pays tribute to the beloved 'Clownshoe' with this, the BMW Concept Touring Coupe.

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The radical two-box shooting brake is a one-of-one design study, penned by Australian native, and head of BMW's Shanghai Design Studio, Calvin Luk.

The Concept Touring Coupe looks to be underpinned by a standard Z4, but has received huge amounts of bespoke coachwork. Chiefly, the fixed-head tintop that blends seamlessly with the previously flat-deck to create a muscular, pumped stance.

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BMW's interpretation of the two-door shooting brake (the correct contemporary definition) sees the breadvan's distinctive two-box silhouette distilled with little overhangs at each end, underscored by BMW's hallmark Hofmeister kink, of course.

It's an impressively suave design, and one better than even we could come up with, given we speculatively imagined what a reborn Z4M might look like back in 2021 (pictured below).

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Our very own renders of the Z4 coupe, produced in 2021. (Click to view the rear!)

The one-off design study is finished in Sparkling Lario paintwork, cornered by bespoke 20/21-inch staggered wheels and discreet gold finishing.

Inside, the BMW cabin has been swathed in bespoke materials, featuring a rich, classically-charged two-tone leather motif with braided leather stitching and handmade details.

The upholstery craftmanship extends beyond the Concept Touring Coupe's cabin, with a matching luggage set covered in material sourced from Modena's Schedoni leather workshop.

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Which engine it's running is sadly not confirmed, although BMW says it is one of their "hallmark six-cylinder inline" engines – likely the B58 3.0-litre turbo six already found in the Z4 M40i.

Pictures show the fitment of BMW's ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic.

Sadly, previous comments from BMW suggest there are "no plans" for a series production revival of the cult Z3 M coupe.

Nevertheless, we at Wheels can hold out hope. It would certainly be a unique addition to the current 'Zupra' lineup. Between the existing BMW Z4 convertible, Toyota's Supra sibling, and the Concept Touring Coupe – would you own BMW's modern day breadvan?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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