BMW Inspired by Singer Khalid for Electric Coachella Cars

As official partner for Coachella, BMW designed special editions of its i8 models to hit the road and turn it up at the music festival. 

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival kicks off this weekend, running from April 12 to April 21. BMW i is once again one of the official partners of the ultimate hot in the desert event. Building up to the festival, BMW has been hyping up crowds with their #roadtocoachella on social media. They are also showcasing a unique Coachella design for its BMW i models. The striking look featuring flames and the image of a wolf is inspired by the current album cover of global superstar Khalid.

Khalid will be one of the headline acts at the. He inspired the festival fleet of vehicles for BMW i based on the cover of his new album “Free Spirit.” The Road to Coachella embodies the Free Spirit mentality of a fun road trip with friends to one of the greatest music festivals.

“The variety of live concerts at Coachella Festival is a great playground for creativity,” says Stefan Ponikva, Head of BMW Brand Experience Shows & Events. “At Coachella, the internationally most famous stars of the industry meet the most enthusiastic audience. Innovation and inspiration are the values that BMW i shares with the iconic festival, making it an ideal partner. We look forward to working with the festival and Khalid, one of the most exciting artists of contemporary soul music and a passionate BMW driver.”

The creative design interpretation of BMW i electric vehicles reflects the special, diverse spirit of the festival. The “Free Spirit” inspiration comes from Khalid. While the musician is riding high with multiple Grammy nominations and chart topping success, he still appreciates the journey as well as the destination.

“I love road-tripping, hopping in my car and driving back home to El Paso is 12 hours each way from LA,” said the singer. “To me, BMW, especially BMW i8, is the embodiment of freedom on the road. I really feel like a free spirit when I’m driving and listening to music. I love making music that you can crank up and drive to with the windows down.”

In addition to the actual festival program, there is also something special in store for fans of Khalid. Together with BMW i, the singer will open a “Pit Stop,” where exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase. BMW of Palm Springs will be transformed into a must-see fan experience away from the festival site with music, a food truck, and other fun lifestyle initiatives.

To see more of the i8 roadster, give BMW a follow on Instagram.

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.