See BMW Art Cars with Augmented Reality

MW’s Art Cars are world famous, even for those who aren’t fans of the brand. BMW has collaborated with various artists to create stunning works of art since 1975 including Andy Warhol, Alexander Cabot, and even as recently as Futura 2000. However, they typically only paint one-offs that don’t go on sale, so seeing one in person is next to impossible, until now.

Acute Art collaborates with artists and uses the latest technology to bring to life artists’ visions. Users can access the free Acute Art app, available on Apple and Android to access a variety of BMW Art Cars which can be digitally placed into your surroundings using augmented reality. 

Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales, Pieter Nota stated:

“The BMW Art Cars are an essential part of the DNA of BMW’s 50-year-long cultural engagement. Finally, they are entering the digital realm and can be accessible everywhere and for everyone. I am excited about the collaboration with Acute Art as we both strive for innovation and cutting edge technology. I can‘t wait to place the Art Cars in my living room and get behind the wheel of these exceptional masterpieces!”

Most of the important BMW Art Cars are available to view now with more being added regularly. To date, these are the artists and their Art Cars you can see in augmented reality from the Acute Art app: Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975), Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3, 1989), Ken Done (BMW M3, 1989), Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990), Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991), Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010) and John Baldessari (BMW M6 GTLM, 2016).

Acute Art took each of the Art Cars and scanned them from all angles using a photogrammetry methodology. Then, the cars were digitally assembled, uploaded to the app and can now be seen in AR.

If users wish to see an Art Car in reality, BMW has the Alexander Calder BMW 3.0 CSL on display at the Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland on September 21. There, BMW will also have a special augmented reality area, where guests can use this app to see all the other BMW Art Cars.