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CHARACTERISTICS.
Different characters. One common denominator: the distinctiveness of BMW.
CHARACTERISTICS.Different characters. One common denominator: the distinctiveness of BMW.
FACE
At first glance a BMW.
Thanks to its striking face, a BMW is recognisable at first glance: two kidney-shaped air intakes – the "kidney" grille – with the BMW emblem above and two double-round headlights have been distinguishing every BMW for more than 40 years. Depending on the character of the vehicle, the individual features exhibit degrees of elegance, dynamism or sheer presence. In the exclusive BMW 6 Series Coupé, the headlights sit slightly higher than the kidney grille and are slightly set back. This gives the impression of surging forward and emphasises the sporting character of the BMW 6 Series Coupé.
Charismatic presence.
The BMW 5 Series pioneered the segment of the sporty touring sedan and sets new standards with each generation. Its athletically elegant design makes it the epitome of aesthetics and driving pleasure in the mid-size executive segment. The focused presence of kidney grille and double-round headlights display this as well. Together with the vertically positioned front section and the BMW kidney grille that appears to lean forward, they are responsible for the charismatic facial expression of the BMW 5 Series models.
Always admired, often imitated, never duplicated.
Since its launch, the BMW 3 Series Sedan has been regarded as the quintessential compact sports sedan. It stands for the core values of the BMW brand: sportiness, agility and dynamism. The modern face of the BMW 3 Series Sedan systematically takes the classical BMW design icons of double-round headlights and kidney-shaped radiator grille further and reinterprets them. In homage to the front design of earlier BMW models, headlights and kidney grille form one continuous visual unit.
The thrill of a roadster.
A roadster like the BMW Z4 allows the fascination of automobiles to be experienced with all the senses. It embodies passion, dynamism and sheer driving pleasure. The BMW Z4 is part of a tradition that goes back more than 75 years. BMW Roadsters continue to convey a natural freedom through their proximity to wind, weather and the road. The roadster-specific character of the front is demonstrated by the extremely long and wide bonnet and the low positioning of the kidney grille.
Powerfully distinctive expression.
In 1999, the BMW X5 founded the market segment of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV). This pioneering vehicle combines the dynamic driving properties of a BMW Sedan with superior mobility on unsurfaced terrain. The face of the BMW X5 conveys presence, power and elegance in every detail. The fog lights below the double-round headlights typical of BMW form the distinctive three-eyed face of every BMW X vehicle.
KIDNEY GRILLE.
The direct link to the engine.
The two-part radiator grille, the BMW kidney grille, is the characteristic hallmark of a BMW. It forms the visual centre of the front and symbolises the direct link to the engine – the pulsating heart of every BMW. In the BMW 6 Series, the kidney grille is positioned low, giving the front a sporty presence with its broad form. The kidney grille thus provides a design link to the so-called ‘shark nose’ of earlier BMW models. Now as then, it promises an extra-dynamic driving experience.
Confidently stylish elegance.
At BMW, the kidney grille has always stood for the direct connection to the engine. In the BMW 5 Series it conveys elegance and assertiveness, with its defined form hinting at the tremendous reserves of power.
Tackling the headwind.
The kidney grille at the front of the BMW Z4 has a flat and compact position. Its breadth and size reveals the air demand of the powerful engines behind. It provides the unit with the air it needs to ‘breathe’. The BMW Z4 has an upright kidney grille, which is almost tilted in the direction of travel. In combination with the sloping bonnet and the flat headlights, it creates an expression of a forward thrust for the front. As a special feature, the kidney grille bars refer back to the convex and concave styling of the BMW Z4.
Mounted like a jewel.
In typical BMW manner, two kidney-shaped radiator openings form the optical centre at the front of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. For the first time ever, it is possible to experience the defined kidney grille in its depth as well. With their flat design and solidly finished frames, the openings of the kidney grille underline the sporting character of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Clearly-defined cut-outs free a side view to the prominent frame of the kidney grille, reinforcing the impression that it extends further into the vehicle interior.
Great expectations.
Powerful, widely spaced bars distinguish the large double kidney grille of the BMW X5. With their robust design, they fill the air openings and underline the presence that characterises the BMW X5. Through its sheer size, the kidney grille clearly shows what you can experience with the BMW X5. It supplies the powerful engines with cooling air and promises dynamism typical of BMW, even when off-road.
PROPORTIONS.
Dynamic and elegant.
The proportions of a BMW reveal its dynamic potential: the extended bonnet, the long wheelbase and a set-back passenger compartment promise sheer driving pleasure even when the vehicle is standing still. The BMW 6 Series Coupé interprets typical BMW proportions as an ideal combination of luxury and dynamics. When viewed from the side, the BMW 6 Series Coupé possesses a well-proportioned, athletic elegance, with flowing forms creating an air of sensual sportiness.
In perfect balance.
The proportions of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are perfectly balanced. An extended bonnet, the long wheelbase, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse create its dynamic silhouette. The harmonious contours created by roof, crease and sill lines embed the elegant motion of the proportions into the exciting design of the surfaces. A hint of wedge shape in the side underlines the sporty character of the sedan as it seems to strive forward.
The quintessential compact sports sedan.
Often imitated, never emulated. The sporty interpretation of typical BMW proportions stand for everything that distinguishes a BMW and accelerates the BMW 3 Series Sedan even while it is standing still. The soft transition from the flowing roof line to the rear section gives the vehicle a coupé-line accent. Within the dynamic silhouette, precise contours move across tight surfaces and underline the athletically dynamic orientation of the BMW 3 Series.
Pure emotion.
The proportions of a BMW have been following the same principle for 75 years. The extremely long bonnet symbolises the power of the straight inline six-cylinder engine. Roadsters like the BMW Z4 have instantly captivating proportions. With a low driving position close to the rear axle, they offer an enticing promise of the passionate driving experience in the BMW Z4. They show what you can experience: enjoying the thrill of an automobile with all the senses.
Power and elegance in harmonious balance.
Typical of a BMW X model, a long wheelbase, a short front overhang and upright positioned A-pillars define the proportions of the BMW X5. Large window surfaces give the greenhouse an impression of lightness. Similarly characteristic of a vehicle in the BMW X series is the short distance between front axle and instrument panel. It moves the vehicle's visual centre of gravity forward and emphasises the stable stance and the permanent four-wheel drive. A shortened aerodynamic roof line lends the exterior a dynamic accent.
HOFMEISTER KINK.
Dynamic counter curve.
Named after Wilhelm Hofmeister, the Hofmeister kink is the name for the distinctive counter curve in the window-outline at the base of the rear roof pillar. First showcased in 1961, it still adorns every BMW today. The Hofmeister kink brings dynamism into the side view. In doing so, it refers to the rear-wheel drive typical of BMW. Its styling ranges from dynamically pointed – as in the BMW 6 Series Coupé – to upright. It thus underlines the vehicle character down to the finest detail.
A distinctive detail.
The Hofmeister kink in the BMW 5 Series Sedan has a particularly tight design, generating a dynamic forward movement around the C-pillar. Extended a long way to the rear, the Hofmeister kink stretches the window surface and gives the roof line an especially fast surround. At the same time, the large window surface and the narrow C-pillar around the Hofmeister kink underline the airy appearance of the greenhouse.
A classical detail.
The new BMW 3 Series Sedan displays the typical BMW Hofmeister kink in a classical interpretation. It reflects the athletically light character of the side. The dynamic downward turn of the Hofmeister kink points to the muscular wheel arch of the BMW 3 Series Sedan thus underlining the rear-wheel drive typical of BMW.
A closing spectacle.
The BMW Z4 is the first BMW roadster with a completely retractable hardtop and hence also the first BMW roadster with a Hofmeister kink. Thanks to the hardtop, the Hofmeister kink has been implemented in the BMW Z4 for the first time. With the roof closed, the hardtop and Hofmeister kink underline the elegant appearance of the roadster. The Hofmeister kink in the Z4 shows just how important this element is for BMW, even in an all-open vehicle.
Upright and yet dynamic.
Like every BMW, the BMW X5 also has a Hofmeister kink. It stands relatively upright and thus indicates the functionality of the BMW X5 and the interior with its versatile uses.
CREASE LINE.
Contours with a strong character.
In the side view, the crease (a firmly sculpted line) divides the vehicle body of every BMW. According to the vehicle character, its shape lends the side more elegance or dynamism.
Stylish and elegant.
The crease line is the most distinctive line on the side of the BMW 5 Series. It extends along the side in one elegant sweep and stretches the BMW 5 Series. The sculpted shadow surface below the crease line is particularly striking in the BMW 5 Series. This tapering reinforces the effect of the wedge shape, acting like a defined muscle and emphasises the sporting character of the BMW 5 Series.
A striking effect of contours.
In the BMW 3 Series models, a double crease made of two opposing character lines shapes the side of this vehicle for the first time. Together the lines sketch a dynamic wedge shape that accelerates the vehicle when stationary. The upper crease line develops with a light sweep from the flat front section above the front wheel. Behind the front wheel and somewhat deeper, the second crease line emerges. It makes a slightly curved upward movement towards the rear and supports the athletically agile perception of the side.
A delectable swing of the hips.
The most striking feature of the side of the BMW Z4 is the unmistakable curve of the shoulder line. Its contours are reminiscent of the distinctive downward curves of the low doors on earlier roadsters. A characteristic feature of the BMW Z4 is the sophisticated treatment of surfaces. It lends the vehicle an exciting elegance from every angle. Black A-pillars emphasise the design of the vehicle's bodywork. The BMW Z4 gives the impression of a vehicle sculpture formed from a single mould.With their flat design and solidly finished frames, the openings of the kidney grille underline the sporting character of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Clearly-defined cut-outs free a side view to the prominent frame of the kidney grille, reinforcing the impression that it extends further into the vehicle interior.
Powerful aesthetics created by surfaces and lines.
The distinctive crease of the BMW X5 embraces almost the entire vehicle. Emerging from behind the front wheel, it rises slightly and joins the side with the rear where the two crease lines unite. Together with the sill line, it forms a gentle wedge shape, adding a dynamic touch to the side. The square nature of the wheel housings and the discrete, black cladding as protection during journeys away from surfaced roads are further typical features of the BMW X models.Through its sheer size, the kidney grille clearly shows what you can experience with the BMW X5. It supplies the powerful engines with cooling air and promises dynamism typical of BMW, even when off-road.
REAR .
Athletically broad and muscular.
Horizontal lines at the rear emphasise the width in a sporting way and create a low optical centre of gravity. The muscular wheel arches appear prominently and underline the dynamic character of the vehicle. Also characteristic of a BMW rear are the L-shaped rear lights. Their geometry and position underline the width and the stable stance. Emphasis of the width at the tail continues in the night design through horizontal LED light bars in the rear lights.
Natural sportiness.
In the rear view of the BMW 5 Series, horizontal lines accentuate the rear and emphasise the broad stance on the road. At the same time, the rear has a flatter, sportier appearance. The boldly sculpted crease line on the BMW 5 Series has a tapering effect, emphasising the pronounced wheel housings and the width of the vehicle. The BMW typical L-shaped rear light has a dynamic styling.
The sporty finish.
Prominently horizontal contours and the widely-separated rear lights make the rear section of the BMW 3 Series Sedan flat and sporty. The BMW typical L-shaped rear lights also emphasise the broad track. The horizontal contours of the rear are deliberately interrupted, making the rear lively and exciting. Between the lines, a strong three-dimensional character prevails: large shadow surfaces show the firmly styled, concave recess of the rear section, which makes the BMW 3 Series appear more compact.
Flowing lines.
The lines and surfaces from the front and side of the BMW Z4 flow together at the rear, giving the roadster a sporty width. The lines and surfaces of the rear guide the onlookers' gaze to shaped wheel arches and the broad stance.With their flat design and solidly finished frames, the openings of the kidney grille underline the sporting character of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Clearly-defined cut-outs free a side view to the prominent frame of the kidney grille, reinforcing the impression that it extends further into the vehicle interior.
Elegant functionality.
The rear section of the BMW X5 combines elegance and functionality and displays the versatile qualities of the vehicle at first glance. High-positioned, horizontal lines emphasis the width and the stable stance of the BMW X5 on the road. The large L-shaped rear lights typical of BMW are crafted with fine detail and set a high-quality accent. A two-part tailgate divided horizontally in the generously proportioned rear opening ensures optimum loading comfort.
INTERIOR .
Assertive modernity.
The interior of the BMW 5 Series displays modern functionality in a high-quality ambience. Horizontal surfaces typifying the instrument panel of a BMW Sedan create a generous sensation of space. The interior of the BMW 5 Series indicates a harmonious balance of functionality, elegance, comfort and sportiness. BMW typical driver orientation with its clear, ergonomically designed arrangement of the controls guarantees a unique experience of driving and travelling.
Perfect fit.
The interior of the new BMW 3 Series is typical of a BMW Sedan. Horizontal elements and flowing shapes create a pleasant sensation of space and allow optimum access to all the important functions. The pleasant division of space is achieved by an effect known as layering the lines and surfaces. Several surfaces open up towards the driver providing access to the different functional areas. They twist, flow into one another and thus give the interior tension, lightness and dynamism.
Typically roadster.
Both outside and inside, the BMW Z4 demonstrates its character as a genuine roadster with sophisticated aesthetics. Exterior and interior blend harmoniously, making stylistic reference to each other. The interior of the BMW Z4 is clearly structured allowing the cockpit to embrace the driver with an invitation to actively take control. Following the roadster tradition, the tubes of the circular instruments and the round controls on the generously proportioned accent surfaces have been designed exclusively for the BMW Z4.
Exclusive ambience.
The interior of the BMW X5 is where the elegance of a BMW Sedan meets the distinctive character of a BMW X vehicle. Its effect is clearly structured, generously proportioned and sturdy. With its generous amount of space, high level of comfort and luxurious details, the BMW X5 creates a special atmosphere on the interior. At the same time, the elevated seating position typical of BMW X vehicles ensures an optimum view of the instruments and traffic events, conveying a feeling of control and authority.
The driving experience venue.
The principle known as driver orientation is essential for the interior design of every BMW. All the controls and surfaces are directed towards the driver, allowing an optimum in overview and ease of operation for an unrivalled driving experience. The exclusive interior of the BMW 6 Series was designed with the cockpit of a motor boat in mind. It encloses the driver and conveys the sporting character of the coupé at first glance. The instrument panel tilted towards the driver and the leather stitching following the geometry underscore the distinctive driver orientation.