It’s always refreshing to see independent artists follow a different path from the one upheld by an automaker, regardless of whether your taste buds agree or not.

The BMW XS Concept seen in these renderings is the work of George Manolache, a self-taught 2D/3D artist and graphic designer from Romania.

Manolache’s detailed design study is for a hydrogen-powered, luxury crossover with a bulky front end that looks over to BMW’s past and its 1950s and 1960s creations like the 501 and 502 sedan models for inspiration.

The rest of the vehicle, however, is modern with clean lines and four sliding doors that open up to reveal an equally contemporary interior with a minimalistic design.

You can view all the pictures along with two videos of the BMW XS right after the jump.

Photo Credits: George Manolache via Carbodydesign

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