In a triumphant return to the oceanic shores of Florida, BMW has once-again partnered with Art Basel Miami Beach as an official sponsor of its 2021 edition. To kick things off the German automaker unveiled the BMW Concept XM, a high-powered, hybrid electric concept vehicle at Herzog & de Meuron’s storied 1111 Lincoln Road parking deck located in Miami Beach. Featuring a bold exterior, as well as powerful and heavily contoured proportions, this cutting-edge offering is the first electrified production vehicle from BMW M. Designed with electrification and sustainability in mind, the BMW Concept XM is an exciting preview of upcoming luxury-class models for 2022.

To complement the bold visuals of the Concept XM, BMW commissioned an original sculpture by Brooklyn-based artist Kennedy Yanko, while also tapping NAS for an exclusive live performance. Yanko created Intrinsic Sage after engaging in dialogue with the Illmatic rapper, encapsulating the power that comes from following one’s artistic impulses towards innovation.

At the showcase, NAS performed various hits including “If I Ruled the World”, “Got Ur Self A…”, and a choice selection of tracks from his latest LP King’s Disease II, enrapturing the audience with his riveting showmanship. The confluence of musical and visual artistic expression speaks to BMW’s consistent support of cultural production in various forms. “This moment of co-creation between Kennedy Yanko and NAS brings together two cultural fields that have inspired each other for many decades and are two main areas of BMW brand cooperation,” reveals Stefan Ponikva, head of BMW brand communication and experience. “Art Basel is one of the most renowned art fairs with plenty of creative and expressive minds across the disciplines, offering us the perfect platform to present our latest cultural engagement.”

Scroll through the gallery below for more scenes from the unveiling.

S/ Was There: BMW Concept XM Grand Global Debut at Art Basel Miami Beach

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