Don’t call it a ‘Bread Van.’
BMW has revived one of its most controversial creations, revealing the striking Concept Touring Coupe at the 2023 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. There’s an obvious connection between this new Z4-based Shooting Brake and the Z3 M Coupe from the late-1990s, which earned the nickname ‘Bread Van’ due to its unusual shape.
GALLERY: Check out all angles of the BMW Concept Touring Coupe
Officially, though, BMW says this hand-crafted, one-of-aking concept was inspired by the 328 Touring Coupe that won the 1940 Mille Miglia – even if most people will compare it to the Z3. In fairness to BMW, this new take on the Shooting Brake looks sleeker and much-less-van-like than the Z3 M Coupe.
Domagoj Dukec, head of BMW Design, said the Concept Touring Coupe was created to highlight the brand’s idea of making driver focused cars.
“The BMW Concept Touring Coupé celebrates the original Sheer Driving Pleasure,” Dukec said. “A highly emotional vehicle like this shows that the passion for everything that goes into driving pleasure has been essential through the ages and will be for the future.”
The concept uses the front end of the Z4 and pairs it with a custom rear body, with power from the Z4’s inline six-cylinder engine and staggered 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels. The custom-made interior features two-tone leather and even tailor-made Schedoni leather luggage.
There’s no official word if BMW will push this into production, so for now it’s just a concept designed to remind people of BMW’s past – either the Z3 M Coupe or 328 Touring Coupe.
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