BMW’s new design philosophy embraces simplicity and boldness, combining minimalist surfaces with placing proportions that distinguish it from conventional automotive styling. This so-called “monolithic” strategy represents a pivotal shift for the model. It alerts a future-focused imaginative and prescient that challenges conventions and redefines BMW’s identification. However what does this imply inside the BMW universe, and the way did this daring imaginative and prescient take form?
The Symbolism of the Monolith
A monolith, by definition, refers to a single massive block or piece of stone positioned deliberately by people. The time period could evoke Stanley Kubrick’s iconic opening scene in 2001: A Area Odyssey, the place the black monolith sparks the evolution of apes into clever beings able to house exploration. Stepping out of the sci-fi realm, BMW makes use of this symbolism to recommend that its designs stand other than rivals nonetheless evolving. Does the trendy BMW function a monolith, contrasting sharply with its rivals? Let’s discover the designers’ reasoning.
The iX: The place It All Started
4 years in the past, BMW unveiled certainly one of its most polarizing fashions in historical past: the iX. Serving because the flagship of the BMW i sub-brand, this electrical SUV (i20) broke away from acquainted X mannequin designs. Its revolutionary silhouette departed from the everyday proportions of the X3 and X5. BMW eradicated natural creases, complicated traces, and protruding door handles on the facet profile, leaving polished and clean surfaces that conflict with squared wheel arches. Designers reinterpreted the Hofmeister kink with a blacked-out D-pillar, whereas retaining iconic design components. On the rear, slim L-shaped taillights evoke designs from BMW sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
The iX’s entrance design, primarily based instantly on the 2018 Imaginative and prescient iNext idea, options slim, upright headlights with minimal arrow-shaped LED daytime operating lights. This marked a real departure from the angel eyes that followers historically related to BMW. Connecting seamlessly into the kidney grille, the headlights resemble the 2015 (F25) X3 design. Designers gave this electrical mannequin the largest-ever “self-repairing” kidney grille, with hood creases sculpted to emphasise the imposing entrance fascia.
BMW’s advertising marketing campaign for the iX included a YouTube sequence titled ReThinking Design, the place designers defined the monolithic strategy. Within the first episode, Kai Langer, Head of BMW i Design, described the iX as “a pinnacle, a technical lighthouse.” Dirk Müller-Stolz, Head of BMW i Exterior Design, highlighted the monolithic exterior as one the place “each element blends into the sculpture.”
By combining minimalist surfaces with imposing proportions, BMW aimed to create a design that stood other than its earlier fashions. Müller-Stolz emphasised that the iX represented a “brave strategy to propel BMW Group into the longer term.” Designers understood the dangers of such a leap however remained dedicated to a imaginative and prescient that will form future fashions.
The Monolithic Design Household
After the iX’s launch, BMW revealed the i Imaginative and prescient Round idea in 2021. This idea previewed future compact fashions and integrated design components seen in fashions launched via 2024. These components included twin vertical LED headlights, illuminated kidneys, hood indents separating the kidneys, Hoffmeister kink graphics, and interactive mild bars. The flagship 7 Sequence and i7 later adopted many of those design cues.
When BMW launched the (G70) 7 Sequence and its electrical variant, the i7, press supplies described their exteriors as that includes “monolithic floor design and a brand new entrance finish developed for luxurious fashions.” The sleek door surfaces, flush handles, and tall character line epitomize this monolithic strategy. Designers additionally launched break up headlights as a defining characteristic for luxurious BMW fashions just like the 7 Sequence and X7.
Figuring out Monolithic Design Fashions
The precise catalog of BMW fashions consists of designs from completely different eras, which is why many followers have criticized the shortage of consistency throughout the lineup just lately. Take as an illustration the design of the latest X5 (G05) and the brand new X2 (U10). Each got here out in 2023 however the important thing distinction is that one’s design is monolithic and the opposite isn’t. Are you able to guess which?
In the event you considered the X5, we don’t blame you as it might probably get reasonably complicated with so many new fashions and facelifts today. Regardless of being launched in 2023, the X5 is a Life-Cycle-Impulse —facelift in BMW jargon— which remains to be composed of a design language that got here out in 2018. It might have acquired a recent pair of headlights and taillights to remain up to date with the remainder of the lineup however nonetheless, the automotive belongs to a earlier period of design at Bavaria.
Properly, not precisely. Similar as with the case of the X5, the 2025 2 sequence GC (F74) is a closely facelifted model of its predecessor. And, regardless of having a redesigned entrance and rear finish, the facet view of the automotive stays virtually untouched. It’s the facet view the place monolithic design fashions distinction greatest with the remainder of the lineup. After all, there are some inconsistencies with this method of figuring out them, such because the 4 sequence Gran Coupe (G26) additionally that includes the flush door handles, or the new X1 (U11) not having the long-lasting glow kidneys. Nonetheless, at the very least now we are able to have a tough thought once we see a model new BMW rolling within the streets.
Right here’s a listing of confirmed monolithic fashions:
- 2021 iX (i20)
- 2023 X1/iX1 (U11)
- 2023 X2/iX2 (U10)
- 2025 X3 (G45)
- 2024 5/i5 (G60/61)
- 2025 M5 (G90/91)
- 2022 7/i7 (G70)
What’s Subsequent for BMW Design?
BMW’s subsequent chapter begins with the Neue Klasse platform, which can debut with the all-new iX3 in 2025. Designers will refine the monolithic philosophy with minimalist surfaces and introduce a “phygital” entrance design. This distinctive fascia will characteristic a horizontal glass panel housing headlights with a 3D depth impact. In contrast to earlier designs, the kidneys will seem considerably smaller, aligning with the mannequin’s minimalist aesthetic.
Sedans will take a unique strategy by bisecting the horizontal glass panel with out small kidneys. With plans to increase the Neue Klasse design language to future ICE fashions, BMW will possible remodel its complete lineup over the approaching years. Regardless of how controversial these designs grow to be, BMW constantly surprises its viewers.
