The BMW M Driving Experience starts the year 2025 with new Experiences and a new look and feel. This becomes especially evident in the BMW M Driving Experience Signature Series, where creativity and unique designs meet the adrenaline-fuelled driving fun and the ultimate dynamics of BMW M. Neon colours and graphics covering everything from the front bumper to the rear spoiler are not usually what you would expect from the BMW M Driving Experience and stand out from the rest of the fleet.
The new BMW M Signature Series wants to use innovative designs on select cars to build on the emotional level of Experiences such as the Snow & Ice Experience. Drifting across a glacier behind the wheel of an M model is already intense – with the BMW M Signature Series, it is unforgettable. The design pieces of the BMW M Signature Series do not disappear into a temperature-controlled garage. Instead, they are brought to their limits by experienced instructors and the participants of the BMW M Driving Experience! For the first edition, the Italian artist Davide Virdis had the opportunity to put his creative visions into action.
BMW M5 Sedan by Davide Virdis.
The BMW M5 Sedan by Davide Virdis is the first car of the BMW M Driving Experience Signature Series. With the Italian designer’s livery, the high performance model is a real eye-catcher – whether on the street or while drifting in an alpine skiing area. It is worthwhile to take a look at the details of the expressive design, so we met with Davide Virdis for an interview.
Davide, with ‘M SNOW25’, you created the first design for the Signature Series of the BMW M Driving Experience. What was the basic idea or inspiration behind this livery?
The basic idea behind it is impetuous self expression. When I designed the livery for the Signature Series of the BMW M Driving Experience, I wanted it to reflect something that goes beyond just aesthetics. Graffiti, as an art form, has this raw, rebellious energy – it's all about claiming space, making a statement, and doing so without compromise. I wanted the design to carry that sense of impetuous self-expression. Graffiti, with its sharp angles, vibrant colors, and chaotic forms, have a sense of freedom to it, challenges traditional forms, and expresses identity in a public and unapologetic way. The color palette, for example, was meant to evoke energy and power, like you’d see on a street corner or an underground carriage.
What do you think is the appeal of such expressive designs?
Sense of belonging. Graffiti is a democratic invitation to express your opinion or lack there of. Anybody can do it.
As a non-expert, how do I imagine the process from start to finishing the livery and putting it on to the car?
It all began in a very traditional way – pen and paper. I started by sketching out the individual elements: words, phrases, and graphics. I the case of graffiti, I feel that maintaining the connection with pen and paper is crucial. Once I had the core sketches, I transferred everything to Illustrator to refine the shapes, align the elements, and create the digital version of the design. From there, I moved to a 3D software, Blender, where I worked with a highly detailed 3D model of the BMW M5. This was crucial to ensure the design integrated seamlessly with the car’s contours, making sure everything flowed perfectly on the surface.
Details of the Livery.
To what degree did the M5’s design complement your idea?
In this case, not at all. My goal with this livery was to fully own the space provided by the M5, using it as a canvas for self-expression. The fact that it’s an M5 underneath is more of an honor than something to latch onto. As if it was randomly picked by a graffiti artist on the street.
Did you have certain emotional responses in mind that the paintwork should trigger in the viewer? If yes, which ones?
Don’t be afraid to show the inside of your brain!
If you had to describe the new BMW M5 in one sentence, what would it be?
Like all past M5 generations, I love that you can get something suitable for a family and something that can move planets in the same package.
Thank you very much for the interview Davide!
