From Concept to Cult Classic: Story of BMW’s Columbus Minivan

Luxury minivans are on the rise these days
BMW also made it
Columbus concept car

The perception of minivans, often seen as family-oriented or mundane, has recently undergone a significant shift. This change is mainly due to the era of electrification, which has made it easier for minivans, traditionally focused on maximizing space, to upgrade to higher performance and luxury features.

The Toyota Alphard and the Lexus LM exemplify the growing demand for luxury minivans. This raises an interesting question: What if BMW, a brand known primarily for driving pleasure, were to design a minivan? This isn’t about the smaller MPV, such as an active tourer. Instead, it focuses on a concept minivan that BMW has had a hand in developing, which is now gaining renewed attention.

A Joint Venture with Italdesign
Adopting a Unique Two-Story Structure

In 1992, BMW unveiled the minivan concept car Columbus and Italian Carrozzeria (Car designer) Italdesign Giugiaro. The vehicle commemorated the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of the New World and aimed to be a luxury minivan optimized for America’s vast road environment.

In terms of appearance, the passenger and driver seats are separated into a two-story structure, boasting a uniqueness that can only be seen on a luxury yacht. The layout, which has never been applied to general mass-produced vehicles, reflects the concept of a sailboat on land and is not simply an element of style. Contrary to its appearance, which seems to move leisurely despite its huge size, it is equipped with an unthinkable powertrain in today’s era.

Equipped with a 5.0L V12 Engine
Even Equipped with Four-Wheel Steering

Columbus is equipped with a 5.0L V12 naturally aspirated engine in a midship horizontal arrangement under the driver’s seat, that is, between the front and rear wheels. The engine supplied by BMW is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and transmits power, reaching a maximum output of 300 horsepower and a maximum torque of 45.9 kgf.m to four wheels. The maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) emphasizes that the specifications are sufficient to move a vehicle with a length of 19.7 feet (5,994 mm), a width, and a height of approximately 7 feet (2,133 mm).

The wheelbase reached 12.5 feet (3,820 mm), but the turning radius was slightly reduced by being equipped with a four-wheel steering system that can turn the rear wheels up to 15 degrees when driving at low speeds. As it has a body that can be called a yacht on wheels, the spacious and luxurious interior also catches the eye. The driver’s seat in the center has a swivel function to enhance the convenience of getting in and out of the vehicle. Two passenger seats were placed on either side of the driver’s seat.

Ahead of Its Time in Luxury
Sadly, It Remained a Concept

The rear seat is equipped with four independent seats, and all seats except the driver’s seat are provided with an entertainment system, including a TV and VHS system. At the top of the first and second rows, a huge sunroof maximizes the feeling of openness, and the rear door is a hybrid gullwing type, improving the convenience of getting in and out. The tailgate is a clamshell type applied to the current X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Range Rove to be used as a bench during outdoor activities.

Although the BMW Columbus was not made as a mass-produced car, it is significant because it demonstrated luxury ahead of its time. On the other hand, these days, it is full of romance, such as large-displacement naturally aspirated V12 engines, which have become difficult to use due to strict environmental regulations and changes in public opinion due to the climate crisis. It may be difficult for a minivan like Columbus to be released, but it stimulates the imagination of what it would be like if BMW launched a minivan.