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Expectation versus reality. Cool BMW concepts and “boring” production models

At major automobile exhibitions around the world, manufacturers show their latest developments both in terms of design and technical equipment of vehicles. It is assumed that concept cars will be brought to life after one, two or several years. In principle, this is what happens, but heavily recycled cars appear on sale. They are adapted to the current pricing policy and other realities of the modern market for individual vehicles. This is practiced by the vast majority of automakers, but one of the most striking examples is the BMW concern. Serial models of the brand resemble concepts very remotely.

BMW Concept Z4 vs. BMW Z4

Concept:

final model:

Photo Source: AutoWeek

In mid-2017, the BMW Concept Z4 appeared at the Pebble Beach (California, USA) exhibition. The manufacturer’s chief stylist, Adrian van Hooydonk, emphasized that the concept demonstrates the brand’s new style. Moreover, according to the manufacturer, the production model should not be critically different from the show car. A custom version of the BMW Z4 was shown a year later. The production model turned out to be not so futuristic: what is its front bumper of a completely different shape. However, 19-inch wheels, a three-liter straight-six, as well as a sports suspension and, of course, a rag top made the car extremely desirable.

BMW Concept X2 vs. BMW X2

Concept:

Photo Source: Car Magazine

final model:

In 2016, the BMW Concept X2, an ultra-portable cross-coupe concept, was shown in Paris. The show car turned out to be an almost complete copy of the X1 in terms of dimensions and was supposed to receive a common front-wheel drive base with models from the MINI brand, which is also owned by BMW. Hardware features were not disclosed during the presentation, but it was immediately clear that the production model would clearly not be sporty – where would it be with front-wheel drive. The production model turned out to be quite attractive in appearance. It turned out lower, shorter and wider than the X1. In the database, she had 17-inch wheels, and even “rollers” for all 20 could be in the maximum charge. However, even this did not change the purely urban purpose of the vehicle.

BMW Concept 4 vs. BMW 4 Series

Concept:

final model:

Photo Source: AutoWeek

As planned by the designers, it was the fresh “four” that was supposed to become a symbol of the new BMW design code with huge “nostrils” of the radiator grille and other aggressive elements. Of course, not everyone liked this approach, and they are still arguing about it on a wide variety of social platforms of an automotive orientation. The BMW Concept 4, if in general terms, received a profile in the style of the “eight”, as well as huge 21-inch wheels. The production model retained the huge nostrils, but acquired less angular shapes. Head optics with a blue accent deserve special attention, as in older BMW models. Appearance was less aggressive, but, in general, came out quite successful.

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BMW Concept i4 vs BMW i4

Concept:

Photo source: ZerAuto

final model:

In theory, they wanted to show the concept in Geneva in 2020. It’s a pity that the exhibition was canceled due to the pandemic, so the novelty had to be shown online. The huge “nostrils” from the traditional “four” remained in place – however, given the electric power plant, this did not make much sense. Instead of side mirrors, cameras were supposed to be used, which were supposed to reduce air resistance. The soundtrack for the model was created by Hans Zimmer himself. The serial version of the vehicle was shown at the beginning of 2021. Interestingly, it differed from the concept not so globally. By the way, the electric car turned out to be vigorous: 340 horses in the base and 544 in the twin-engine version.

BMW Vision Future Luxury and BMW 7-Series

Concept:

Photo Source: Autofans

final model:

Photo source: AutoVisie

The brand showed the harbinger of the future “seven” in Beijing in 2014. The rear doors of the concept opened against the movement, and the head optics created for him the appearance of a supercar from a science fiction movie. BMW representatives then noted that the show car demonstrates the future of the brand – this was hinted at by the extensive use of carbon fiber in the body and chassis based on carbon and aluminum. The serial version (we are talking about the G11 body) went on sale in 2015. Of course, visually it turned out to be completely different, but it still received chips from the future – advanced laser optics and automatic parking. However, the concept of eight years ago, apparently, will be more like the next “seven”, the release of which is not far off.

BMW X7 iPerformance vs. BMW X7

Concept:

Photo Source: Auto Review

final model:

Photo Source: AutoWeek

The main hero of the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017 was the six-seat monster BMW X7 iPerformance. The concept made it possible to visualize the stretched chassis from the X5, modified engines for 6 and 8 cylinders, as well as hybrid power plants. He also surprised with laser head optics, a panoramic roof and huge 23-inch wheels. The serial SUV practically did not differ from the show car – it stood out against its background, perhaps, only with a heavily modified front bumper. Another interesting nuance of the production model was the air suspension with controlled shock absorbers in the base. With the help of it, the BMW X7 caught up with the usual “seven” in terms of comfort of movement.

BMW iNEXT vs. BMW iX

Concept:

final model:

The iNEXT concept was shown at the end of 2018 – it became a logical continuation of the BMW i Vision Dynamics show car, presented a year earlier. With these models, the brand wanted to show the future direction in its development, both in terms of design and hardware. They received well-recognized “nostrils”, narrow head optics, an interesting line of glazing and a lot of futuristic exterior elements, including blue backlighting, as well as cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. Few expected that a serial copy would be shown at all. But he saw the light along with a recognizable style, retractable door handles, as well as a special coating, on which small scratches “tighten” by themselves.

BMW Concept 8 Series vs. BMW 8 Series

Concept:

final model:

The concept of the new two-door eight was shown at the Villa d’Este exhibition (Italy) in 2017. The prototype received 21-inch wheels, laser head optics and carbon fiber exterior trim. In 2018, as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a production version with a V8 engine and adaptive suspension was introduced to the world. The model turned out to be shorter and wider than the “six”, which had a positive effect on its handling. However, to call it a sports language still does not turn.

BMW M8 Gran Coupe vs. BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe

Concept:

final model:

In 2018, at the Geneva Motor Show, the concept of the four-door G8 was presented. The show car surprised with an interesting color in the style of a chameleon, but the overall style unambiguously hinted at a two-door model. In 2019, they showed a serial version with gasoline units up to 530 horsepower, as well as an economical 320-horsepower diesel engine. And a little later, a charged model with the M index appeared, which became one of the most coveted from the sports “stall” of BMW.

Source: Trash Box

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