BMW Individual Manufaktur has again shown what is possible when customers go beyond the ordinary. With the BMW XM as a canvas, the brand indicates future skills of its new center for special colors in the Dingolfing plant. While BMW already offers two-colored paint in the 7 series, this latest creation goes one step further: a gradient finish in full length that connects two different colors over the 5.11-meter body of the SUV.
Sapphire Black meets Macadamia Metallic
On the front, the BMW XM begins in sapphire black. When your eyes get backwards, the finish has moved seamlessly into Macadamia Metallic. The effect is not abruptly, but carefully painted by a gradient transfer, which is achieved using a complex coating technology. Nine medium tones were created and used one after the other to ensure that the colors are more harmonious than collected.
The color tones change depending on the perspective and lighting. The XM appears almost completely black from an angle. Brown colors dominate others. Even in motion, the effect plays tricks on the eye: a black SUV approaches in a rear view mirror, but when it overtakes, the sound shifts and reveals its macadamia at the back.
Finish
To emphasize the gradient, BMW added a black coach line under the windows, which was supplemented by XM lettering integrated in the doors. The subtle details contain the transition and make the color shift of intent and noticeable. Inside, the tailor-made treatment continues with BMW-specific manufacture logos, which are embroidered in Macadamia on the back and ground mats and underline the unique nature of the build.
BMW describes the gradient finish as a benchmark for both technical precision and in industrial feasibility. The process is far more complex than the 12,000 € two -color option currently offered in the 7 Series, which simply separates the upper and lower halves of the car with a straight dividing line. In contrast, the finish of the XM required extensive mixing, layers and quality control to achieve a seamless effect on the scale.
How much will it cost?
Whether this gradient technology is displayed by future customer cars depends on the demand. However, one thing is clear: such an exclusivity is not cheap. If two -tone color already wear a five -digit surcharge, a gradient finish would probably cost significantly more. For customers who pursue true individuality, BMW Individual Manufaktur has now shown how far the borders can be pushed forward.
And when the XM is a sign of this, the new setup of the dingolfing is planning for special paintings. [Photos: europedriven Lorenz Aumayr / Fabio Becvar / via BimmerToday]
