BMW Z18, BMW’s first SUV roadster
The 1995 BMW Z18 concept car was a milestone as the first off-road roadster developed by BMW. This revolutionary creation merged two traditional automotive categories, combining the excitement of a convertible with the ruggedness and versatility of an off-road vehicle.
Concept BMW Z18
The BMW Z18 was equipped with an eight-cylinder engine that generated an impressive 355 hp, giving drivers the ability to enjoy a sporty roadster with all-wheel drive. This vehicle was designed to tackle terrain inaccessible to most conventional vehicles.
Its structure consisted of a plastic body mounted on a steel frame, giving it an appearance reminiscent of an amphibious vehicle, which theoretically allowed it to traverse flat expanses of water without difficulty.
In terms of its exterior design, the BMW Z18 followed the general guidelines of the brand at the time. It is therefore not surprising that its design is reminiscent of one of the roadsters BMW was producing at the time, the elegant Z3. In this case, however, it had a look that was more suited to off-road driving.
Inside the BMW Z18, a versatile configuration was offered that could vary between two-seater, four-seater and even a pick-up mode. This versatility made this unique vehicle, which combined the essence of a roadster with the functionality of an SUV, a true multi-tasker.
The incorporation of the letter “Z” in the designation of the BMW Z1 has its roots in the German word “Zukunft,” meaning “future”. This choice reflects BMW’s vision of driving innovation and looking to the future. Interestingly, this “Z” designation has become a distinguishing feature of several of the brand’s models, such as the Z3, Z4 and Z8, all of which share the same essence of being two-door convertibles, with the exception of some specific models, such as the M coupes in the Z3 and Z4 variants. This “Z” nomenclature has come to represent the perfect combination of sporty and exciting styling with BMW’s characteristic elegance and performance.
