Why BMW’s Garmisch Concept Car is the Ultimate Blend of German Precision and Italian Design

BMW’s Ill-Fated Concept Car Garmisch
A German Car Capturing Italian Sensibilities
Let’s Explore Its Background and Features

A concept car represents a brand’s vision for the future, showcasing potential technologies and design directions before they reach mass production. These vehicles are designed to highlight innovative ideas and concepts. In the 1970s, BMW collaborated with a renowned Italian designer to create a groundbreaking concept car.

Although most of the details about this car were lost to history, it reemerged in 2018. Introducing the BMW Garmisch—a concept car blends German engineering with Italian design flair. This ill-fated vehicle captures the ambitious spirit of its era, illustrating a unique fusion of technological and aesthetic innovation.

Originally Unveiled in 1970, a Mid-Size Car Based on the 2002 Model

The BMW Garmisch concept car is based on the iconic BMW 2002, a model that played a pivotal role for BMW in the 1970s. This classic car was equipped with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system, delivering 130 horsepower and a top speed of around 190 km/h (118 mph)—impressive even by today’s standards.

Named after the Italian alpine region of Garmisch, known for its skiing, the concept car uniquely bridges Italian and German influences. It’s rare for Italian place names to be used for German vehicles. Marcello Gandini, the renowned Italian designer, contributed to the project by relying on his memories and expertise. The concept car’s exterior and interior were meticulously restored using advanced 3D modeling and printing technologies, achieving a near-perfect representation of Gandini’s original design.

Futuristic Design Sets It Apart from Traditional BMWs

The BMW Garmisch’s design is as striking as its performance and name. The most eye-catching feature is its distinctive front kidney grille. Unlike traditional BMW designs, this concept car sports a hexagonal grille that stands out prominently in the center. The horizontal headlamps extend along the sides, further distinguishing it from BMW’s typical design language.

The Garmisch, a mid-size coupe, features a dynamic design with a Louvre on the C-pillar and a honeycomb-structured grille on the rear glass. The exterior is finished in a champagne metal color, a nod to the 1970s, but still looks timeless and fresh even after several decades.

Elegant Interior Features and Design
Successfully Revived After Decades

The interior of the BMW Garmisch emphasizes both functionality and passenger comfort. It features innovative mirrors and drawers designed to enhance convenience. The vertical center fascia is particularly striking, deviating from BMW’s traditional brand-centered interior layout. Its minimalist design and forward-looking features create a sophisticated yet simple structure.

Initially introduced in the 1970s, the Garmisch concept car faded into obscurity but resurfaced in 2018. Today, it stands out among BMW’s new and concept vehicles, showcasing a unique blend of German engineering and Italian flair.