Summary of the Article
- The BMW 507 and 02 Series displayed notable differences in the kidney grille, all while preserving a unique BMW character.
- The E36 3 Series introduced a recognizable grille style that shaped BMW design for more than thirty years.
- The Concept 8 Series and Neue Klasse iX3 redefined the kidney grille as an illuminated, technologically advanced design feature.
BMW’s kidney grille remains one of the most analyzed aspects of automotive design, holding nearly a century of importance. Its longevity reflects its progress, featuring numerous versions across different models. Yet, five kidney grilles are particularly noteworthy, not only for their appearance but also for their crucial contributions to BMW's design legacy.
BMW 507
The BMW 507 demonstrates that a kidney grille can be striking without being oversized or traditionally shaped. Its two broad, horizontal openings are placed low at the front, creating a distinctive outline that harmonizes with the car's low hood and rounded fenders. The grille's sophistication matches the roadster's persona, and its design inspired subsequent models, such as the Z8, which mirrored the 507’s dimensions and aesthetic.
BMW 02 Series
The BMW 02 Series enhanced the grille design from previous Neue Klasse sedans into a more compact and athletic form. Its slender vertical kidneys, flanked by straightforward round headlights, create a sense of width without excess. This grille became a key aspect of BMW's sports-sedan identity, influencing models like the E3 sedans and E9 coupes, including the legendary 3.0 CSL, proving that a unified grille design can evolve across different models.
E36 BMW 3 Series
The E36 3 Series finalized the contemporary BMW look, distinctly separating the kidneys from the headlights and surrounding trim. Its modest-sized, slightly rounded grille became a signature element of BMW design for over thirty years. Although the proportions changed, the core design remained recognizable until the advent of the vertical grilles on the modern 4 Series, M3, and M4, underscoring the E36’s enduring importance in shaping BMW's visual identity.
BMW Concept 8 Series
The 2017 BMW Concept 8 Series signifies a notable advancement in grille styling. Its broad, connected kidneys preserved the traditional form while appearing lower and more intricately blended with the bodywork compared to the production version. This concept hinted at the illuminated kidney grille feature that would later debut on the G06 BMW X6, linking the classic design with the technologically driven aesthetics of the Neue Klasse era.
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 presents a new take on the kidney grille, seamlessly integrating it into a nearly continuous horizontal front design. The illuminated elements extend outwards, giving it a unique look without the large vertical openings typically found in recent models. This design is vital as it establishes the aesthetic direction for BMW's Neue Klasse generation, merging familiar shapes with contemporary lighting and digital functionalities. The iX3’s grille, featuring vertical components and horizontal bars, marks a return to form and may indicate a successful progression in BMW's design language.
Summary of the Article
- The BMW 507 and 02 Series displayed notable differences in the kidney grille, all while preserving a unique BMW character.
- The E36 3 Series introduced a recognizable grille style that shaped BMW design for more than thirty years.
- The Concept 8 Series and Neue Klasse iX3 redefined the kidney grille as an illuminated, technologically advanced design feature.
BMW’s kidney grille remains one of the most analyzed aspects of automotive design, holding nearly a century of importance. Its longevity reflects its progress, featuring numerous versions across different models. Yet, five kidney grilles are particularly noteworthy, not only for their appearance but also for their crucial contributions to BMW’s design legacy.
BMW 507
The BMW 507 demonstrates that a kidney grille can be striking without being oversized or traditionally shaped. Its two broad, horizontal openings are placed low at the front, creating a distinctive outline that harmonizes with the car’s low hood and rounded fenders. The grille’s sophistication matches the roadster’s persona, and its design inspired subsequent models, such as the Z8, which mirrored the 507’s dimensions and aesthetic.
BMW 02 Series
The BMW 02 Series enhanced the grille design from previous Neue Klasse sedans into a more compact and athletic form. Its slender vertical kidneys, flanked by straightforward round headlights, create a sense of width without excess. This grille became a key aspect of BMW’s sports-sedan identity, influencing models like the E3 sedans and E9 coupes, including the legendary 3.0 CSL, proving that a unified grille design can evolve across different models.
E36 BMW 3 Series
The E36 3 Series finalized the contemporary BMW look, distinctly separating the kidneys from the headlights and surrounding trim. Its modest-sized, slightly rounded grille became a signature element of BMW design for over thirty years. Although the proportions changed, the core design remained recognizable until the advent of the vertical grilles on the modern 4 Series, M3, and M4, underscoring the E36’s enduring importance in shaping BMW’s visual identity.
BMW Concept 8 Series
The 2017 BMW Concept 8 Series signifies a notable advancement in grille styling. Its broad, connected kidneys preserved the traditional form while appearing lower and more intricately blended with the bodywork compared to the production version. This concept hinted at the illuminated kidney grille feature that would later debut on the G06 BMW X6, linking the classic design with the technologically driven aesthetics of the Neue Klasse era.
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 presents a new take on the kidney grille, seamlessly integrating it into a nearly continuous horizontal front design. The illuminated elements extend outwards, giving it a unique look without the large vertical openings typically found in recent models. This design is vital as it establishes the aesthetic direction for BMW’s Neue Klasse generation, merging familiar shapes with contemporary lighting and digital functionalities. The iX3’s grille, featuring vertical components and horizontal bars, marks a return to form and may indicate a successful progression in BMW’s design language.
