Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Concepts are a dime a dozen, but while many of them focus on more creative designs and may introduce a feature or two, others go above and beyond. Unveiled in 1999, the BMW Z22 was a fully functional concept that put the future of automotive technology on full display. A creation of BMW Technik GmbH, the Z22 was arguably one of the most advanced concepts to ever grace roadways, albeit in a limited capacity.BMW70 innovations and 61 inventionsAt a glance, the 1999 BMW Z22 doesn't look like anything special, but it served as the test mule for no less than 70 technological innovations and 61 inventions. Many of those inventions have since become commonplace in not just BMW, but nearly all modern vehicles. Its advances were apparent in all areas of the car, from its exterior architecture and lightweight materials to advanced safety and infotainment technologies.BMWThe Z22 concept came powered by a 136-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Instead of a traditional gearbox, the tech mule was fitted with a CVT that sent power to the rear wheels. The steering wheel and brake pedal utilized electric impulses, today known as steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire, to transmit driver inputs. Rather than use a traditional key, drivers would start the Z22 via fingerprint. The vehicle came equipped with an electric rotary switch that enabled drivers to select different shift patterns as well.AdvertisementAdvertisementA prototype model at heart, but not in mind, the Z22 featured a head-up display on the windshield that put vital information, like vehicle speed, in the driver's direct line of sight. Adaptive headlights followed the steering angle, effectively serving as the precursor for a similar system found in modern vehicles. Engineers behind the Z22 also did away with the rearview and exterior side mirrors in favor of a camera that displays images in a panoramic view to two screens, one located above the windshield and another in the center of the dashboard.BMWThe dashboard itself was devoid of any buttons, switches, and dials. Instead, the Z22 came fitted with a minimalist design that included a single screen and a multifunction rectangular steering wheel. The central display was operated via a central control unit located on the front armrest. The interior itself ventured into modern crossover territory, as the Z22 featured the wheelbase of the 7 Series of its day while measuring similar in length to the smaller 3 Series. As a result, there was a plethora of interior space, but the Z22 itself weighed significantly less than the 1999 BMW 528i Touring.The BMW Z22's architecture truly pushed the limits as engineers took a completely new approach in designing the concept's body structure. The driver and passenger side are separated horizontally, with the passenger side designed in a similar manner to the monocoque chassis found in a Formula 1 race car. It's made entirely of carbon fiber, a design that manages to dramatically reduce vehicle weight without sacrificing safety or structural rigidity.BMWThinking about selling your car? Get an instant cash offer online now. Click here to get started.BMW Technik GmbHThe minds behind the BMW Z22 and many other concept vehicles that were far ahead of their time were a collective dubbed BMW Technik GmbH. A think tank founded in 1985, it operated separately from other BMW departments. As a result, the designers and engineers were able to develop prototypes of vehicle concepts, designs, and technologies without corporate oversight.The concept vehicles developed by BMW Technik GmbH pushed the limits of automotive engineering, and many have had a massive influence on both BMW vehicles and the industry as a whole. Other than the Z22, the think tank was responsible for the Z1, their first project, E1, which focused on electrification, and Z18, the first off-road roadster.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe experimental subsidiary eventually became BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH. It now operates within the German automaker as an advanced development hub for future vehicle platforms and the next steps in engineering. The department has been involved in several recent innovations, including the Neue Klasse EV platform and the German automaker's autonomous driving system. BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH also aids in the development of alternative powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells.BMWShopping for a new car? Click here to get a great deal on your next vehicle. Powered by Carvana, no haggle pricing, 100% online.Final thoughtsThe 1999 BMW Z22 concept was undoubtedly decades ahead of its time, earning it a spot on the timeline of automotive advancements and innovation. Many of the technologies put on full display in the test mule are now commonplace in the industry. Steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems, while still fairly advanced, are becoming more common, especially as EV adoption grows. Several mainstream brands, like Toyota, now use rearview camera mirrors. Advanced head-up displays are often reserved for technology packages, and a few vehicles, namely those with Genesis badging, even use fingerprint scanners in place of a standard keyfob or push button start.Photo by Sjo on Getty ImagesNotably, some of the tech hasn't seen adoption en masse just yet, but the systems are still present in the industry. BMW utilized the Z22's carbon-fiber chassis in the development of the i3 and i8, a practice that extends to the 7 Series today. BMW Technik GmbH also predicted the minimalist dashboard design that, for better or worse, seems to be growing more popular. Automakers like Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW have implemented clean-cut dashboards embedded with screens rather than physical controls.While the 1999 BMW Z22 has come and gone from the public eye, it effectively served as a fully functional test mule for many of the advanced systems found in modern vehicles. In 2008, the concept car found a new home at the BMW Museum where it remains to this day. Few other concept vehicles, if any, have managed to so accurately predict, or rather influence, the future of the automotive industry as the BMW Z22.BMWDisclaimer: Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.