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A BMW SHOULD
ALWAYS RADIATE
DYNAMISM.
Adrian van Hooydonk (
), Head of BMW Group Design,
invited us to join him on an exclusive test drive. An interview
with the expert about the design of the BMW
Series Saloon.
Interview: Brian Finally
Exterior designer Jacek Fröhlich
gets to work on his design model.
Adrian van Hooydonk, what is it that makes the
BMW
Series Saloon so special? This saloon is like a perfectly
tailored suit. It always looks great, be it on a business trip, a holiday,
or in everyday driving.
What does the
Series Saloon represent in the current BMW
portfolio? The BMW Series Saloon is the core product of the
brand. It has the longest history and embodies the ideal blend of
sportiness and elegance. Our new design features a very dynamic
front and rear while the silhouette appears above all elongated and
elegant.
What are the details that set this car apart from its
predecesssor? We have developed a very upright kidney grille for
the BMW Series Saloon. It is even slightly angled towards the front
to emphasise the sportiness of this model. It also establishes a
Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design,
introduces the BMW Series Saloon.
link with our design history. The vehicle has a slightly more crouching
stance than its predecessor, which gives it a more dynamic edge.
Would you agree with our perception that you have really
managed to unite three design ideas in one vehicle – an
extremely distinctive front, an elegant side view and a sporty
rear? The viewer will always perceive a vehicle in its entirety. We started
with the premise that the BMW Series Saloon was to represent the
epitome of a sporty executive saloon. And while it is an unmistakable
member of the top-end range, it must also possess individual design
features. These are apparent in the exterior: the BMW Series
Saloon has a charismatic front that conveys the car's dynamism. The
side view is all about its distinctive and assured stylishness while the
rear shows a natural, authentic sportiness. In the interior, we aimed for
a sophisticated, contemporary look coupled with tailor-made
functionality.
Interior designer Oliver Heilmer checking the lines and
dimensions of the body on the clay model.
You put great emphasis on the dynamism of this model. But
how sporty can a BMW Series Saloon be? A BMW should
always radiate dynamism. The BMW Series Saloon appeals
predominantly to customers who get a lot of joy out of driving –
and that includes the odd long journey – and who therefore
appreciate the trademark BMW dynamism. The proportions of the
BMW Series Saloon have been clearly de ned throughout its
history: a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase, an
occupant cell offset towards the rear of the car and a coupé-like
roo ine. In silhouette, each of our saloons shows these
characteristics. In my opinion, the BMW Series Saloon possesses
very harmonious and well-balanced proportions, combined with the
timeless elegance that has become synonymous with our large
model series.
Let's talk about the lines of the bonnet: what is the function
of these small but signi cant design features? The two
character lines on the bonnet add precision and de nition to the
model's overall looks.
A closer look reveals just how much attention has gone into
designing the details. Even the door handles are exactly
level with the swage line – presumably this has been well
thought out? Features such as the integrated door handles or the
dynamic shape of the indicators testify to the special role BMW has
always attributed to sophisticated details. These beautiful, well-
designed elements round off the overall impression of the vehicle and
Emotional sketch of the exterior
of the BMW Series Saloon.
show our ability to translate our ideas into practice on a technical
level.
The headlights feature an eyebrow-like arch, while the
taillights have a pronounced L-shape. What motivated you
to create such distinctive lights? For us, it is important that
people will recognise this car as a BMW even in the dark. The most
important feature in this respect is the focused "look" oriented towards
the road. This is achieved by the twin headlights and their slightly
arched top edges – the eyebrow you were referring to. The trademark
L-shape of the taillights has been a staple throughout this model's
history. However, illumination is provided by very contemporary LED
elements.
Can you explain why the kidney grille is especially
distinctive and wide? The kidney grille is of course more than a
design element. First and foremost, it serves as an air inlet. But in
the BMW Series Saloon, it also conveys the message that this
saloon has lots of sporting personality.
Thank you very much for this exclusive interview! It was a
pleasure talking to you.
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