Jeff Koons and BMW are doing it again!! Together with Oliver Zipse, Chair- man of the Board of Management, BMW AG, announced last saturday that the artist will create a special edition of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe. The luxurious 8 Series Gran Coupe will be for sale in a very limited collector’s edition after its world premi- ere at Frieze Los Angeles in February 2022. In 2010, the American artist already created a unique BMW M3 GT2 Art Car which performed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. That same year, the rock singer Bono from U2 wrote in an editorial for the New York Times that Jeff Koons should have a part in designing the car of the future. BMW and Koons continued the conversation and are now proud to an- nounce their latest collaboration at the invitation of Angelika Nollert, director of Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum, in Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne.
Jeff Koons, Artist: “I am really thrilled and honoured about the opportunity towork with BMW again and to create a special edition car. I was thinking very in- tensely about it: What is the essence of the 8 Series Gran Coupe? What is the es- sence of power? How to create something that exemplifies all the energy of the BMW 8 Series that is also able to touch upon the human element? Again, it’s just a wonderful opportunity to be working as part of the BMW family again.”
“I am very proud to announce a new partnership with Jeff Koons. And let me say: I love what he has come up with! The 8 Series Gran Coupe is very close to our hearts and Jeff’s design of the car is full of joy and passion. Ever since we re- launched our collaboration, Jeff has said that he’s proud to be back with the BMW family. Dozens of engineers and designers have given their all to celebrate our part- nership and make his vision come true. Welcome home, Jeff Koons!” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG.
Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: “In 2021, we celebrate 50 years of cultural engagement worldwide. We just love the arts and the bold voices of our time. Our passion is emotion and to be able to work closely with Jeff Koons again has been an extraordinary source of inspiration. What better artist to collaborate with on the 8 Series Gran Coupe? Car Design takes inspiration from Art and Engineering and turns that into highly emotional experiences. Working with Jeff Koons again to jointly create something truly special is a great pleasure. He is one of the greatest artists of our time and one of the most inspiring and engaging human beings to work with.”
Currently the cars are being produced in secret at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Bavaria. During an exclusive evening event at Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich’s major museum of contemporary art and a few days prior to the opening of the IAA MOBILITY 2021, Jeff Koons and Oliver Zipse revealed first glimpses and close-up details of the artist’s 8 Series Gran Coupe.
