Unfortunately, there won’t be an ‘M’ derivative.
Known as the design innovation studio for the BMW Group, Designworks has collaborated on some exciting projects over the last few years that go beyond the realm of the automotive world. Some great examples include a futuristic camper and, more recently, an electrified wingsuit that was as close to human flight as anything else we’ve seen.
Designworks has now joined forces with Sea Ray, a pleasure boat manufacturer, for the launch of a new boat called the Sundancer 370 Outboard. Having just been unveiled, the luxurious boat can now be ordered in North America. Fortunately, BMW’s involvement in the boat’s design seems to not have been influenced by its latest road-going models.
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
We’re referring to unloved products like the 4 Series with its bucktooth grille and the 2 Series Gran Coupe with its disjointed lines. Instead, the pictures here show off a sleek, sophisticated boat for taking in the sunset out in the ocean.
It has a powerful character jawline and “beautiful angles and surfaces.” The seating area and cabin of the boat look like they’ll meet the expectations of any 7 Series owner, with plush materials and modern digital displays. The new 370 is also a representation of Sea Ray’s new design language. But why turn to the likes of BMW for help with the design of a boat in the first place?
“Automotive-inspired design is part of the Sea Ray history, dating back to collaboration with Harley Earl Associates in the early 1960s,” said Charlie Foss, Sea Ray Design Director.
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
“It was important that we partnered with a group that has a comprehensive understanding of future mobility and the ability to develop concepts with a view to future contexts.”
This makes sense considering that automakers like BMW spend much time and resources unveiling concepts that will better meet the needs of changing customer preferences and trends in the future.
For those of us who prefer getting to our destination on land, there’s a lot to look forward to from BMW this year. We can expect new models like the M5 CS entering production, the Alpina B8 based on the 8 Series Gran Coupe, and Competition versions of the M3 and M4. Those last two models may not look as sleek as the Sundancer 370, but their handling capabilities will be anything but boat-like.
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray
Sea Ray