This is the very latest offering from Munich's design studios - and it points to a bold new design
The landmark Concept CS show car is a luxury four-door GT primed to kickstart a new look for future BMWs.
BMWs of late have had controversial styling, much to the distaste of many. But there's not even a hint of the awkward angles of the current 7-series' ass or the lumpy, Mitsubishi Carisma-like rear of the 3-series here. The CS has a crisp, fresh look.
This four-seater coupe looks attractive, particularly next to the current BMW range. The angled, shark-nose grille is striking That's true. But I think the lights kinda looks like that "dodgy " Charger
It really is monumentally different. The language of the body and the lines are so much smoother. The classic kidney grille has ballooned to huge proportions; BMW claims this is to ensure of a plentiful supply of cold air to the engine, and is not simply a styling gimmick.
The arches wrap around the 21-inch, multi-spoke alloys. The designers say that future Biemers will have much attention paid to integrated arches, rather than the brashly flared items on some rival designs (e.g. current Fords).
The Concept CS is BMW's contribution to the Shanghai Motor Show, which is currently in full swing in the far east. This is in line with most Manufacturers recent focus on the Chinese Car market
Adrian von Hooydonk, the mdosi of BMW's design house, told CAR Online at the show that the shark-nose look of the Concept CS is something that customers can relate to from BMWs of old. He hinted that it would spread to future production cars.
The interior will be as sleek and slinky as the exterior of the car. Front passengers will be firmly tucked in to the curvy sports seats and surrounded by a high centre console, while BMW has paid much attention to raising the previously dour ambience of their dark interiors.
Clever surface treatments, different kinds of leather and double-dial pods all add to the fresher, more exciting cabin. BMW is making great play over the joints of the dashboard, hiding air vents and lights in the gaps between panels.
It's a hefty beast, too. At 5.1 metres long, it's longer even than the 7-series, as well as wider and sporting a longer wheelbase. So there's plenty of space for the four passengers.
The show car runs a V10 from the M5 and M6, although this car runs on a bespoke platform. Packing 500BHP will guarantee the CS goes as fast as it looks.
Production versions could use a variety of six-, eight- and 10-cylinder engines, were such a car to be commissioned. It's still too early to say if BMW will actually build this car ,there's not been any BMW like it before, but it is certainly considering a rival to the Porsche Panamera which I've mentioned in an earlier post ,the CLS ,the Bentley Flying Spur and the Aston Rapide which was given a greenlight for production by Astons new owners.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the Concept CS was a coupe by the lack of rear door handles. However, take a closer look and you may discover a distinct lack of front door handles as well. In an attempt to maintain the clean lines of the car BMW, has located the door handles on the sill in between the window and the body of the door.
So like the rivals I mentioned, it is a four-door saloon. There are only two rear seats but each one is separate, unlike the traditional bench approach, so you can bank on it being just as comfortable for the rear passengers as it is for those in the front.
Adapted from an article done for CAR Magazine by Jack Carfrae.
All images are from CAROnline All rights reserved
All images are from CAROnline All rights reserved
