In an industry where standing out is imperative, BMW has found a way to create a one-off M850i xDrive Coupe using a material that’s literally out of this world. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe Night Sky Edition, and it comes with applications made from meteoritic material grace selected controls. The one-off M850i is the creation of BMW’s Individual customization division, and it arrived in time for the first meteor shower of 2019, which took place all over the world on January 3. It’s unclear if the M850i Night Sky Edition is earmarked for a specific person. What’s clear, though, is that BMW Individual is off to a rousing start in 2019. If future projects are as interesting as this, Bimmer’s personalization division could have a huge year in its hands.

What Makes the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe So Special

Asking the question on what makes the BMW M850i Night Sky Edition special seems like an exercise in futility, doesn’t it? I mean, the very fact that this coupe is wearing something that’s literally from space is a good indication that it’s special. “How do you top this?” should be the right to question to ask.

In any case, this is about as unique a one-off creation as you’ll find in the auto industry this year. That’s easy enough to do, but Bimmer’s personalization division went above and beyond that by using a San Marino Blue Metallic paint on the lower section of the coupe, starting at the top of the fenders. This was done intentionally so that the shade doesn’t come into full view until after your gaze drifts to the coupe’s lower sills. What’s the reason for this, you ask? You’ll find out soon enough.

For now, turn your attention towards the mirror caps. It looks like a standard set of mirror caps, sure, but the material BMW Individual used on the component is anything but standard. For those who are unaware of the Widmanstätten pattern, it’s a unique geometric structure made up of random straight lines that only becomes visible when certain types of iron meteorite are polished or brought into contact with acidic compounds. This only happens when metal alloy cools down in an extremely slow process. By slow, I mean millions of years. Such a process can’t be reproduced on Earth for obvious reasons. Not only does it make it unique, but it’s so unique that it can only be found in space. Why is it called the Widmanstätten pattern? It’s named after Austrian scientist and resident count Alois von Beckh Widmanstätten, who was credited for discovering the pattern.

The meteorite material is mostly used in the interior of the M850i, but, in addition to the mirror caps, the pattern was also used on the front splitters for the side air intakes at the front of the car. Likewise, the center mesh plate and the surrounds for the M850i’s Air Breathers on the front side panels also get in on the fun.

Now, let’s move to the interior, which, admittedly, is beyond words. The same inlaid hunks of meteorite can be seen in the center console trim plate. You’d have to be visually challenged to miss it. The engine start-stop button, the iDrive controller, the top strip of the gearshift, and the side sills are also adorned in the extraterrestrial material. The Widmanstätten pattern is also visible in the seats, specifically in the embossed stitching pattern on the backrest of the seats and the headliner above. Slamming home the point of this one-off’s identity is the center armrest, which is dressed in a starry constellation that’s no different from what Rolls-Royce’s Starlight headliner option looks like, right down to the LED units that are used to illuminate the surface of the armrest. And just so its clear, even the coupe’s carpeting gets a touch of special edition goodness with its Midnight Blue finish. I’m surprised, though, that the floor mats couldn’t get any love. Not enough meteorite fragments, I suppose.

The use of meteorite and the Widmanstätten pattern in the exterior and interior of the BMW M850i is special enough in its own right. But BMW Individual threw in another surprise for the one-off coupe: 3D-printed brake calipers. Mind you; these aren’t just 3D-printed; they’re designed to meet the minimum weight required for technical requirements. BMW says that the bone-like calipers are 30 percent lighter than their traditional counterparts but still retain their strength and rigidity. Somehow, it’s hard not to believe what the automaker says if it managed to use materials from a space rock in the coupe.

About the only thing disappointing about the BMW M850i Night Sky Edition is the absence of any engine upgrades. Fortunately, Bimmer’s flagship coupe isn’t lacking in that department anyway. It utilizes a revised version of Bimmer’s trusty 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. All that power goes to all four wheels courtesy of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which, in turn, helps the coupe accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds before it hits a top speed of 155 mph.

BMW didn’t say if the coupe is available, though as a one-off, there’s a good chance that somebody already owns this masterclass in customization. To that person, dear sir, you are lucky beyond words. Just make sure not to mess up your one-off ride because replacing some of its materials would likely require a very expensive trip to a location that, quite frankly, is harder to go to than most.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW 8 Series Convertible.

Read our full review on the original 1998-1999 BMW 8 Series.

Read our full review on the BMW 8 Series Concept Coupe.