Oh dear. BMW have produced some interesting, even good looking concept cars in their time, but if this is a hint of what's to come from the German manufacturer then we should urge BMW to get some new designers in quickly.

Apparently BMW have "deliberately questioned existing preconceptions" and produced a vehicle that they perceive as a cross between a sporty coupe and an off roader. In fact what they've produced is a badly proportioned cross between a Ford Cougar and a Hyundai Coupe.

Based on X5

It's based on the chassis of the X5 off-roader, with an aluminium body and stands 58.3 inches high, (which is slightly taller than the 3 Series Coupé at 53.9 inches).

Like the BMW Z9 concept, this car is fitted with a diesel engine (are BMW trying to tell us something?). A 3 litre unit is used as fitted to the 530d which is good for 184bhp. Impressively though, BMW have squeezed a tree-stump pulling 332 lb-ft of torque out of it. Top speed is anticipated to be around 125mph.

With the coupe sitting high, the need for downforce has been addressed by a spoiler that reveals itself at speed. Unlike conventional systems, this spoiler lowers itself from the rear bumper at 68mph.

With its chassis from the X5, the Coupe inherits the four wheel drive system which BMW call All Season Traction (AST). Other on-board-acronyms include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

Bendy Headlamps

BMW have taken a bold step with the lighting system on the X Coupe concept. The headlamps move with the front wheels (much like on old Citroens) illuminating bends in the road. However in a scary 21st Century development, the headlamps will also take a feed from the GPS system and move in accordance with the map of the area you're in. Let's hope you have an up-to-date map installed.

Another unique idea on this car is that it is skewed to one side - sorry it's an 'asymmetrical design'. Although not immediately obvious, a closer examination reveals that the two tail light units are not symmetrical. Their inboard edges are parallel both pointing downward to the right. The rear tailgate is asymmetrical too, and almost the entire rear section opens by tilting rearward, revealing the cargo space and rear seats.

Flame Surfacing

Not content with creating body panels that look like contorted baked bean cans, BMW designers have invented a new terminology to describe the distinctive body contours – 'Flame Surfacing'. Flame Surfacing gives body surfaces the freedom to turn in on themselves and create a series of concave and convex design lines. These can be seen on the doors, the dash and on the top of the front wings where the bodywork has an unusual concave shape.

It's an interesting display by BMW and does at least explore some new ideas in packaging and styling, but we certainly hope the ugly duckling turns into a swan before BMW ever consider productionising it.