BMW i7 Turns into an Art Car by Korean Avant-Garde Artist
When technology meets art, the result is often something unforgettable. BMW has proved this once again by unveiling a striking new Art Car at the Frieze Seoul art fair in South Korea. The star of the show is the fully electric BMW i7, transformed into a mobile piece of contemporary art by renowned Korean avant-garde artist Lee Kun Yong.
This special creation isn’t just a design experiment. It marks two major milestones: 30 years of BMW’s presence in South Korea and the 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Car Collection.
A Vision of Motion on Wheels
BMW describes Lee Kun Yong as one of the most influential avant-garde artists in South Korea. His creative approach often incorporates the human body, exploring the relationship between movement, perception, and expression.
On the i7, the artist’s signature style unfolds across the sleek electric sedan, turning it into what BMW calls a “mobile canvas.” According to the automaker, the artwork represents a dialogue between driver and car—precision, sensitivity, and emotion rendered in painted form.
The result is a dynamic interplay of figurative and monochrome patterns, evoking a sense of both closeness and distance, much like the unique bond between a person and their vehicle.
The BMW Art Car Legacy
The i7 Art Car is part of a long tradition that started back in the mid-1970s. The very first BMW Art Car wasn’t even BMW’s idea. It was commissioned by French racing driver and art lover Hervé Poulain, who asked legendary artist Alexander Calder to paint his BMW 3.0 CSL. The project quickly turned into an icon, merging high performance with artistic expression.
Over the decades, the collection has grown to include 20 unique Art Cars designed by some of the world’s greatest artists. Each creation captures its era while pushing the boundaries of what a car can represent.
The most recent entry before Lee Kun Yong’s i7 was revealed in 2024—a track-ready BMW Le Mans prototype reimagined through abstract art.
Celebrating 50 Years with a World Tour
To mark the 50th anniversary, BMW has launched the Art Car World Tour 2025. Throughout the year, selected cars from the collection will be showcased in major art and cultural events worldwide.
One of the highlights will take place in Goodwood this September, where five iconic BMW Art Cars will be displayed together, bridging motorsport, design, and fine art.
The i7’s debut in Seoul is not just a local celebration but a reminder of how the Art Car tradition continues to evolve, embracing new technologies like electrification while staying true to the spirit of creativity.
Electric Luxury Meets Creative Expression
The choice of the BMW i7 as the base model carries symbolic meaning. As the brand’s flagship electric sedan, the i7 represents innovation, luxury, and sustainability. By turning it into an Art Car, BMW emphasizes that the future of mobility is not just about technology—it’s also about culture, individuality, and inspiration.
And for Lee Kun Yong, the i7 is more than a vehicle. It’s a canvas that moves, a living artwork that interacts with people on the road just as much as it does in an exhibition hall.
Driving Into the Future
BMW’s Art Car program has always blurred the line between automotive engineering and contemporary art. With the new i7 Art Car, the tradition continues into the age of electrification, proving that even the most advanced technologies can serve as tools of human expression.
As the world prepares to see these cars on the Art Car World Tour, one thing is clear: BMW doesn’t just build cars—it creates stories on wheels.
For drivers in the UAE who dream of experiencing BMW luxury first-hand, you don’t need to wait for an art car. You can easily explore the latest BMW models for rent in Dubai and feel the perfect blend of performance and design every day.
