BMW designer Chris Bangle has denied that the new 5-Series was toned down because of harsh criticism of the 7-Series. He also hinted at the styling of the future 6-Series.
BMW designer Chris Bangle has denied that the new 5-Series was toned down because of harsh criticism of the 7-Series. He also hinted at the styling of the future 6-Series.
BMW showed the first official pictures of the 5-Series this month – clearly showing it is not a 7-Series clone. The 5-Series has a muscular front end and features dramatic curved headlights that wrap around the bonnet. It also has a very coupé-like profile.
“The 5 is not a small 7,” Bangle told . “That was clear from the beginning on. The development of the new 5-Series had already been in full swing before the 7-Series was launched on the market.”
Bangle then said that the 6-Series would actually be close in looks to the 7-Series. “This model has grown from the 7-Series,” he said.
Bangle said the models all had to have a unique look. “We needed a scheme that would put everything into a logical matrix,” he said. “The plan was not ‘everything is like the other one.’ Neither was it ‘everything has to be different to the other one.’ We developed a spectrum, which leads into two different directions. At the one end of the spectrum stands the 7-Series with a sculptural, present shape. At the other end stands the BMW Z4.”
Bangle is not perturbed by the criticism of the 7-Series. “When there are controversial discussions about our products, that shows that our cars have personality,” he said.
However, reported recently that BMW was redesigning the 7-Series due to all the criticism. The magazine said likely changes are an all-new tail and nose and an improved boot-lid line.
