BMW grille to ultimately revert to origins once EVs become the norm

BMW’s iconic ‘twin kidney’ grille will change in the future as the brand moves towards electric vehicles.

Likely to follow the 2018 iNext concept - which took its inspiration from the 1936 328 roadster - the corporate grille will reportedly take on a longer and slimmer form as the removal of engines from future BMW products removes the need to have frontal cooling ducts.

The 1936 328's grille will inspire future BMW grille designs.

Speaking at the launch of the brand’s new flagship BMW Sydney showroom, BMW designer Calvin Luk told CarsGuide that the 'double kidney' grille will change in time for fully-electric cars going on sale. 

"What I think we will see in the future is what we have seen on the BMW 100 Years show car where the proportions change and we don’t have such a traditional hood."

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Why introduce such a large grille design to replace the traditionally small BMW double kidney grille? It’s all about status, according to Mr. Luk. 

“What’s behind the grille’s size is to give the car more presence and to also show status in the high-end segment that BMWs compete in.”

The X7 SUV's grille caused controversy for the brand.

While the company is aware of the controversy surround the grille design, it’s definitely here to stay, and will be implemented on future BMW products.

“I think with any sort of new face it takes time to adjust to it, but I think definitely it’s an important thing to show the confidence of the vehicle especially in this high-end segment” said Mr. Luk. 

The newly-facelifted 7 Series had BMW's largest grille yet grafted onto its front end.

The enlarged BMW grille has been slowly spreading through the range, and reached sizing some might consider offensive with the introduction of the X7 SUV and facelifted 7 Series sedan. 

Are you a fan of the new BMW grille design? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.