Next-Gen BMW Models to Get Differentiated Styling

BMW AG plans to offer greater styling variation within its vehicle lineup as it introduces new models.

The carmaker is launching six model groups in the next year, all of which will have a “stronger character” and unique identity, design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, tells the Australian website GoAuto. The introductions include the 1, 3 and 4 Series small cars, Z4 sports car, and X5 and X7 SUV/crossovers.

The trend starts with the all-new 3 Series sedan (pictured), which was unveiled at the Paris auto show in October. Due next spring, the 2019 model features a more aggressive appearance—with a revised front-end, more body contours, improved aerodynamics and new lighting designs—than the current 3 Series.

Van Hooydonk says the challenge is to maintain a family resemblance among models without applying nearly identical styling to vehicles of varying sizes. He dismisses the latter approach as a “Russian doll” trap that hinders design freedom and improvements.

BMW is expected to take the wraps off the next-generation 4 Series and 4 Series Gran coupe at the Geneva auto show in March. Describing them as even more elegant and sportier than the current models, Hooydonk promises they won’t be merely two-door and fastback variants of the 3 Series.