• There are only 99 of the cars in the world. All photos: BMW
    There are only 99 of the cars in the world. All photos: BMW
  • It was created by US pop artist Jeff Koons.
    It was created by US pop artist Jeff Koons.
  • The artist created them as part of The 8 x Jeff Koons collaboration.
    The artist created them as part of The 8 x Jeff Koons collaboration.
  • Pop art graphics have been used to elevate the vehicle's look.
    Pop art graphics have been used to elevate the vehicle's look.
  • The cabin on the M850i.
    The cabin on the M850i.
  • Inside the M850i.
    Inside the M850i.
  • Koons's signature inside the car.
    Koons's signature inside the car.
  • The M850i on its first outing.
    The M850i on its first outing.
  • The seats have a superhero feel to them.
    The seats have a superhero feel to them.
  • Koons's signature is also above the gear stick.
    Koons's signature is also above the gear stick.

Lifestyle

Motoring

Rare Jeff Koons-designed M850i on display at BMW Abu Dhabi

Only 99 cars for the series were created by the American pop artist — and one is now in the UAE

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

September 15, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

BMW Abu Dhabi has taken delivery of a special M850i xDrive Gran Coupe designed by Jeff Koons.

The car is a suitably flamboyant affair, with a body decked out in 11 colours, with blue, grey and yellow the dominant hues. The eye-catching effect is finished off with a series of dynamic graphics.

American pop artist Koons said the design is geared towards reflecting the “vastness of space”.

The production phase saw more than 200 hours dedicated solely to the exterior paintwork for each specific model.

The range as a whole is known as The 8 x Jeff Koons, and, predictably, you’ll be lucky to get one — the number of units around the world has been limited to 99.

Earlier this year, a version signed by the artist sold for $475,000 at a charity Christie’s auction in New York.

The car is on display at BMW Abu Dhabi Motors’ showroom in Umm Al Nar for a limited time.

BMW X4 M Competition keeps drivers on their toes — in pictures

  • The BMW X4 M Competition falls under the crossover category. All photos: BMW
    The BMW X4 M Competition falls under the crossover category. All photos: BMW
  • The 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are supported by BMW's Adaptive M Suspension.
    The 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres are supported by BMW's Adaptive M Suspension.
  • The cabin has a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on BMW's latest iDrive 7 software.
    The cabin has a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Pro digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on BMW's latest iDrive 7 software.
  • The family-friendly SUV has five doors, plenty of room to load luggage and comfortable rear seats.
    The family-friendly SUV has five doors, plenty of room to load luggage and comfortable rear seats.
  • The X4 M goes from 0 to 160kph in eight seconds.
    The X4 M goes from 0 to 160kph in eight seconds.
  • The stiff suspension means the ride is always firm, even in its softest setting, which can become trying on speed humps.
    The stiff suspension means the ride is always firm, even in its softest setting, which can become trying on speed humps.
Updated: September 15, 2022, 9:48 AM
BMWCarsAbu Dhabi