In the latest design collaboration between BMW Italia and Alcantara, both the exterior and interior surfaces of a one-off BMW XM hybrid vehicle have been completely covered in the luxury alternative to leather.

Unveiled at the House of BMW in Milan on July 10^th and the result of a project called The Sky is the Limit, the use of meticulously conforming matt black Alcantara covering the exterior and contrasting with glossy black inserts enhances the striking geometric shapes of the XM.

In the interior, the cockpit is upholstered in black Alcantara for the seats and left-hand door panel, creating a highly enveloping effect and style details include cross stitching embroidered in the red, blue and light blue colours of the BMW M trim, with the same colours on the steering wheel and gear stick on which the M logo is paperbacked. The use of Alcantara here goes beyond aesthetics to provide both comfort and effective grip in sports driving.

The rear passenger seats are upholstered in ice white Alcantara to create an ambience reminiscent of an elegant lounge. The centre armrest of the rear seats conceals a compartment to hold a bottle and two glasses. Two small extra cushions in ice coloured Alcantara with the same pattern as the doors and headliner have been designed to provide maximum comfort for passengers on the rear seat.

The headliner is also in ice white with a fading digital print creating an asymmetrical, contrasting colour scheme.

The door panels, dashboard, central tunnel, seats and cushions feature a new and exclusive finish with a laser-perforated pattern and blue backing. On the central tunnel, the backing provides an iridescent effect from different shades of blue which contrasts with the black of the trim.

The laser perforation is also highlighted by an accent in the colours of the Italian flag, which is inserted as a continuation of the pattern, emphasising the Made in Italy design.

www.alcantara.com