Official Release: No fewer than six BMW Group models have received the prestigious 2011 GOOD DESIGNTM Award: the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW ActiveE, and the two motorcycle models BMW K 1600 GT/GTL along with the BMW G650 GS. The annual GOOD DESIGNTM Award ranks as the most celebrated international accolade in the field of product design – and this year once again it honours the outstanding quality of BMW Group Design.

The world’s oldest and most esteemed design prize was founded in 1950 in Chicago by the architects Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, and Edgar Kaufmann Jr. is awarded by the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies. For more than 60 years now, this coveted accolade has recognised exceptionally innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that go beyond the regular horizons of everyday product design. The aim of the award, not least of all, is to raise public awareness of contemporary design together with related issues of sustainability.

The prize is awarded based on the criteria of functionality and aesthetics as originally laid down by Saarinen and Eames, and is now complemented by an ecological aspect that stipulates sustainable design in keeping with our times. 2011 saw the independent jury of design experts and architects sifting through a record number of applications from around the world to decide their final selection of more than 500 product designs and graphics from 38 countries that were deemed worthy of the GOOD DESIGN Award.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines a stretched bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline with a classic soft-top roof featuring a distinctive “fin” design. The car’s powerfully contoured surfaces and forward-surging lines are a reflection of its dynamic handling properties.

Aesthetes who delight in luxury and forward-looking technology need look no further than the new BMW 6 Series Coupe, combining as it does dynamic athleticism with exclusive travel comfort. Adaptive LED Headlights represent an innovation in lighting technology and draw on the hallmark round headlight look in a new rendition of BMW’s iconic design cues.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe cuts a compelling figure with its athletic demeanour and M-specific interior design. The optimised track width of the front and rear axles, an expansive front apron and powerfully flared wheel arches lend the BMW 1 Series M Coupe its unmistakable character. The two sets of chrome-plated twin tailpipes, situated at the outer edges of the rear, make for the symmetrical look familiar from M styling.

With the BMW ActiveE, an all-electric-drive BMW 1 Series Coupe, BMW is testing everyday usage of electric vehicles. The insights gleaned from this field test will flow directly into series development of the BMW i3. The intelligent configuration of the drive components and energy storage systems within the vehicle create the ideal prerequisites for customary BMW driving dynamics and extended functionality. This electric car offers four full seats, boot space of around 200 litres, rear-wheel drive and a range of approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) in day-to-day operation.

With its BMW K 1600 GT and BMW K 1600 GTL, BMW Motorrad is tapping into a new dimension of the touring experience. Both these motorcycles present a self-assured, imposing and distinctive appearance, sparking off a hefty dose of wanderlust at first glance.

With its lean and wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorbike evokes an impression of lightness and adventurousness. Its characteristic enduro design and its colour concept are fully in keeping with the BMW GS family style and round off the bike’s overall sporty impression. The quality and specification of this model coupled with its long-distance comfort set it apart from the competitors.

BMW Group Design has already won the coveted design award several times in the past. Last year it was the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the MINI Countryman, the BMW S 1000 RR and the BMW Concept 6 design study that captured the prestigious prize. In 2008 honours went to the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the MINI Cooper S Clubman and four BMW motorcycles. Back in 2007, the jury of the GOOD DESIGN Award paid tribute to the new BMW X5, the BMW 3 Series Coupe, the new MINI and three motorcycle models.

The following is how BMW came to launching three optional design themes, or “worlds” and how they differ from each other. M Sport will launch later in July of 2012, adding a fourth “line”. In person it is easy to see the differences when the cars are side by side. The interiors are where things really become individualized. For example, the Modern Line offers a 3D poplar wood that is sustainably harvested and finished with a textured surface – something that hasn’t been done in a car of this class before.

The lines allow BMW to customize and offer trims that only Individual could have done in the past, purchasing power allows these to be a fraction of the cost Individual would be.

So let’s take a closer look at each line and the ideas behind them.

Sport Line

Mission:

• Increase the sporty and dynamic impression of the 3 Series
• Create the perfect offer for the core clientele with sporty taste and strong need for self expression through dynamics

Design principles:

• Dynamic,contemporary
• Classical spot-associated features

Contents:

• Exclusive interior trims/ red keytrim

• Exclusive 18” wheel design

• B-pillar in high-gloss black

• Exhaust pipe finisher in black chrome

• Sport suspension (-10 mm)

• Black exterior trim finisher (front/rear bumpers)

Luxury Line

Mission:

• Increase the premium and elegant impression of the 3 Series

• Create the perfect offer for customers with a conservative, exclusive, elegant and gentle taste

Design principles:

• Status, presence

• Craftsmanship, elegance

• Clear reference to classic

Contents:

• Exclusive interior trims/ chrome key trim

• Exclusive 18″ wheel design

• Chrome window surround

• Exhaust pipe finisher in chrome

• Chrome exterior trim finisher (front/rear bumpers)

Modern Line

Mission:

• Focus on the lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS),respond to modern-liberal needs

• Create the perfect offer for customers with a balanced and modern taste

Design principles:

• Lightness and a combination of warm and cool surface appearances

• Authentic materials and treatment, no visual contrast

Contents:

• Exclusive interior trims/ tan key (steering wheel will always be tan in color)

• Exclusive 18″ wheel design

• Exhaust pipe finisher in matte silver

• Matte silver exterior trim finisher (front/rear bumpers)

During the launch of the new 3 Series at the BMW Welt in Munich we had a few minutes with BMW’s Chief Designer, Adrian van Hooydonk. During our discussions he was very candid and expressed his feelings on the new car and where it fits in the lineup. He also touched on how the exterior design was influenced by regulations.

As BMW’s chief of design he signed off on the final version of the car but it is the board that must give the final approval. This all new car is viewed internally and by much of the media as an evolutionary change when compared to the exiting E90 platform.

Adrian happily explained the basic idea of the BMW sedan models and how they are all members of the BMW family and are easily recognizable as such. The 3,5, and 7 all feature BMW’s traditional twin kidney grills, the Hoffmeister kink and the creases on the hood that flow off of the Roundel. Each model uses these elements as individuals but all are “unmistakeable as BMW”.

Beginning with the 7, the kidney’s are the highest and largest as are the lines on the hood.The Hoffmeister kink features an “echo” stamped in the sheet metal as a characteristic that is solely used on the 7. The 7 is BMW’s largest offering and the proportions are such.

The 5 Series continues using typical BMW elements but introduces a more low slung “wedge” appearance, to promote increased sportiness. The kidneys become wider and the creases on the hood are more exaggerated. The kink remains traditional. The 5 is the middle of the road sedan in BMW’s lineup and is the most mainstream design wise.

With the new 3er the goal was to create tension, and motion while standing still. The wedge shape was taken even further than the 5 series, the kidney grills were made wider with the hood creases playing less of a prominent role. The front fascia adds new elements- the headlights are squinted to emulate an athlete readying for competition, not to look angry but more focussed. The front kidney grill is more dominant, being three dimensional and more exposed- building on BMW’s original distinguisher and emphasizing the history of the brand. The three series looks fresh, these elements have not been used on a modern BMW and also show it as youthful and more daring.

Rules and regulations around the world greatly influenced the design, crash worthiness, pedestrian safety and increased visibility all impact final design. For the new 3er much of the front was designed in a way to make the drag as low as possible (cod .26) while being tops in safety. The side mirrors now prominently display a thin LED side marker, the placement of this light element was due to regulations but the designers used LEDs and a specific location on the mirror to create an illusion of the mirror being smaller than it really is. It works as we have yet to hear any “Dumbo” ear comments about these mirrors.

The US being a specific market will see some slight exterior changes. First, there will be no line badges on the front fender- it will not say “Sport” or whatever line, it will just be blank. As most BMW fans in the US know, the regulations require a specific amount of orange reflector on the front corners and this has up until recently yielded yellow parts in the lights. When the chief designer says that putting yellow in the lights ruins the modern appearance and makes them look bad you know he means business and that the marker, like the latest cars, will be placed vertical on the front bumper just in front of the wheel well.

In person the car looks much more athletic, it looks sensational and will sell boatloads. We’ll have more on the interior soon.

We were in attendance during today’s unveiling of the BMWi i3 & i8 Concepts and are digesting all of the information we obtained. While we gain some composure and put pen to paper or more so in our case fingers to keys- enjoy the photos from the Frankfurt. (Full gallery after the break)

Official Release: BMW has scooped up no fewer than three of the coveted awards presented by the German Design Council in the Automotive Brand Contest, the new international brand and design competition launched this year. The winner of the “Architecture & Events” category was the SESTOSENSO light installation created in collaboration with FLOS and light designer Paul Cocksedge, while the BMW 328 Hommage won the “Concept & Study” category. The new BMW 6 Series Coupe also came away with a prize in the “Exterior” category. With these three accolades, the German Design Council pays tribute to the outstanding level of BMW Group design. The presentation ceremony will be held on 13 September 2011 as part of the Automotive Designers’ Night during the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).

The world’s oldest and most distinguished design award was called into being in Chicago in 1950 by the architects Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames and Edgar Kaufmann Jr., and is presented to this day by the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies. For six decades now, this coveted prize is conferred on designers and manufacturers for particularly innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that reach beyond the bounds of ordinary product design. Not the least of its aims is to raise public awareness of contemporary design and related sustainability issues.

The selection of award winners is based on the criteria of function and aesthetic as originally laid down by Saarinen and Eames, and is complemented by an environmental stipulation for sustainable design, in keeping with the times. In 2010, an independent jury of design experts and architects made their selection from a record number of submissions from 37 different nations, and picked out more than 500 product and graphic designs to receive the GOOD DESIGN Award.

The MINI Countryman is the most expansive interpretation of the MINI design language. As the first MINI to feature four doors and measure more than four metres in length, the MINI Countryman’s typical MINI design leaves no doubt as to its kinship with the brand. Within the product family, the newcomer stands out with its striking exterior that features faintly pentagonal headlights, a new-style “helmet” roof and three-dimensional, vertically aligned rear lights. The interior design likewise accentuates the practicality and robust character of the MINI Countryman.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan eloquently translates the vehicle’s attributes into an authentic formal language.

Exuding sheer presence and stylish elegance, the Sedan’s design expresses its premium quality and outstanding ride comfort, while its sporty handling is reflected in the dynamic lines of its body and an overall look suggesting athleticism. The superlative aesthetics of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are further embodied in its perfectly balanced proportions and precisely finished details.

The highly dynamic design of the BMW S 1000 RR displays its racing bike heritage in a frank and authentic manner. Its flat and sportive front-end design features the hallmark asymmetrical BMW headlight arrangement that reiterates the look of the endurance racers (24-hour events).

The BMW Concept 6 design study persuaded the jury with its highly contrasting composition: while the lower half of the motorcycle reveals its mechanical underpinnings, the sensually tactile surfaces invite some close interaction with the driver. The two levels are fused by an organically designed air flow system.

The unique quality of BMW Group Design has been repeatedly recognised in the past by the GOOD DESIGN Award. In 2008, for example, the award went to the BMW 3 Series Convertible, the BMW 1 Series Coupé and the MINI Cooper S Clubman, as well as four BMW motorcycles. 2007 saw the new BMW X5, the BMW 3 Series Coupé, the new MINI and a further three BMW motorcycles win the GOOD DESIGN Award. And it isn’t the first time the BMW 5 Series Sedan has been crowned: its outstanding design won over the jury of the internationally renowned red dot awards in 2010, secured the coveted iF Product Design Award in 2011, and – with the 2011 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany – captured the country’s most prestigious prize for exceptional product design.

Karim Habib will take on the post of Head of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles, replacing Anders Warming. The 40-year-old designer already spent the first 10 years of his career working for the BMW Group, during which time he was responsible for the current BMW 7 Series range and the BMW Concept CS. Habib now returns to the Group following an absence of two years as head of Mercedes advanced design.

On completing his studies in California, Karim Habib held various posts in interior and exterior design before being appointed Team Leader, Advanced Design for the BMW Group. Following two intervening career years, he now returns to head the Exterior Design BMW Automobiles department.

“I’m really delighted about coming back to the BMW brand and being given the opportunity to help shape the future of BMW as part of an outstanding team,” says Habib.

“Karim Habib is an excellent designer who has already made a major contribution to the BMW design with the current BMW 7 Series. I look forward to resuming our collaboration,” comments Adrian van Hooydonk, Director of BMW Group Design.

Take a second to look at the photo above. More specifically look at it from rear to front focusing on the c pillar. Then move to the huge rear flanks. Now have your eyes follow the pronounced belt-line all the way to the purposeful face. What you see above all else is attitude with healthy doses of 2002 Turbo or Alfa GTA thrown in for good measure. It all serves to conjure memories of simpler time. A time when performance cars were measured by fender buldges, number of gears in their manuals and feel was as important as track times.

It’s clear that the designers at BMW M had one overriding goal in mind with the 1M; to create a classic M car with an attitude often lost in the modern automotive world. From the impossibly flared rear fenders to the gills and vents upfront, the 1M exudes the feeling of punk rock. It is unashamed in purpose and attitude. In fact no car since the original M Coupe has had this much vulgarity in the BMW line-up. The rear flanks (viewed from behind) might as well be a couple of giant middle fingers to anyone behind.

We haven’t driven the car yet but from all accounts this attitude is paid off not only in the styling but in the very soul of the 1M. Brakes, suspension and differential from the M3. An N54 massaged by the masters at M. It makes for something compelling even if just on paper.

BMW M Designers have carried this purposeful feel into the cockpit with enough alacantara to raise the eyebrows of a misguided animal rights activist (don’t worry, only synthetic cows were harmed). But it’s all done so smartly. There are no wear concerns since it’s relegated to the instrument housing, dash trim, doors and shift and brake boots. The seats and steering wheel (thankfully for 2nd hand owners) remain 100% leather.

M then turned their attention to the speedometer and rev counter which receive the grey treatment (ala the CSL) and are completed with red pointers and white backlighting.

Finishing off the motorsport inspired look is the orange stitching that will surely become the calling card of the 1M. They know how to push our buttons don’t they?

It’s dark. It’s purposeful. And it comes in any color you want as long as it’s black.

Negatives? Honestly it’s hard to conjure them up without resorting to hitting below the belt. Yes the “sow” line of the 1 Series is still there on the doors. But we couldn’t expect M to replace the doors given the price-point ($45k-ish) that M was aiming for.

But if i’m pressed there is one area that feels like it could have used some attention. The rear decklid on the standard 135i is actually quite aggressive. So you’d expect the 1M to push the envelope a good deal more and perhaps make the carbon fiber spoiler standard. Or better yet a full-on CLS style duck-tail. But unfortunately nothing of the like is present. If you could point to one area of cost cutting this may perhaps be it. Instead 1M owners will have to look to the BMW Performance catalog to quite literally finish things off.

Another area the (slightly) disappointed is the Valencia Orange being metallic. I’ve said it before on MotoringFile and I’ll say it again, Orange needs to be non-metallic. Anything else ends up looking like a dreamsicle or too bronze-like. Either choice can’t quite hold up a candle to the classic Inka Orange from the 2002 days. But of course this can be aleviated by choosing either one of the two other shades: Alpine White or Sapphire Black Metallic.

In our minds the 1M is a homerun. And in a way I’m surprised how much I like it. I’m not one to dislike the current 1 Series Coupe but at the same time I can’t call it much more than “serviceable” in the design department. But the 1M takes on a much more radical feel. The attitude introduced overcomes the donor platform and in turn creates something unique and decidedly more focused. More M-like in fact.

In the end you can’t help but wonder if the car succeeds because the designers and engineers didn’t have enough time to do anything but go with their gut. The result is a car created by people who loved the E30 M3 and for people who want a modern day E30 M3.

Above all else it’s a car that allows the M Division to fly the pirate flag once again within BMW and in some ways the automotive world. And it all sort of makes sense considering the code name for the 1M is Pyrat. A name inspired by late nights creating the car followed up by later nights drinking Pyrat Rum.

Marketing. Consumer research. A constant need for market-share. They’ve each worked to watered down what we all love about cars over years. The 1M is a shot across the bow of all of it.

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It’s never surprising to see a successful design professional move on after ten years working with one brand. However it can be a bit of a shock when that person has come to so embody the position and the brand he has lead. Gert Hildebrand has been a friend to this site and in a sense to all of it’s readers (likely more than most realize). He’s lead MINI through a controlled expansion of the brand impeccably well with increased sales and well earned critical acclaim growing year after year. However perhaps as importantly he’s treated MINI’s design traditions with care while dealing with the endless regulations around modern automotive design.

Gert will be stepping down at the end of the year and will be replaced by the exceptionally talented Anders Warming who currently heads BMW exterior design. Mr. Warming comes off recent highs of the new 6 Series, Z4 and 5 Series.

We’ll have more of Gert and his legacy at MINI in the coming weeks. Until then, here’s the official press release.

Official Release: Gert Volker Hildebrand (57) has been responsible for the complete design development of the MINI brand since January 2001 and, with his design team, has shaped the development of the MINI brand portfolio. Over the last 10 years, the head of the MINI Design studio has provided the impetus for countless MINI vehicle concepts and for the entire design development. Alongside the further development of the third generation of the classic MINI, the MINI Cabrio and MINI Clubman were also created under his leadership. This year, Gert Hildebrand and his team added a real 4-door version to the MINI brand: the MINI Countryman, launched in September.

The MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster concepts presented in 2009, which will be appearing on the market in 2011 and 2012, were also created in the MINI Design studio under his guidance. Apart from designing cars, Gert Volker Hildebrand has also devoted himself to encouraging young designers and to talking about design in institutions and to the public.

Anders Warming, head of Exterior Design, BMW Automobiles, started working for DesignworksUSA in California in 1997. Following this, the 38-year-old Dane was employed in various positions as an automobile designer before coming to Munich in 2005 as Team Leader, Advanced Design, BMW Group. In 2007, he took over as head of Exterior Design, BMW Automobiles. Under his leadership, the BMW Z4, BMW 5 Series and the BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé, presented at the Paris Auto Show, were created.

“I would like to wish Gert Hildebrand all the best for the future and thank him for working with us so well and so successfully”, says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Anders Warming has the expertise, the necessary experience and the intuition to take the MINI brand, with the support of the entire MINI Design team, into a ever more successful future.”

This official video provides a look ahead to the design-future of BMW via the 6 Series Gran Coupé concept. Anders Warming, Head of Exterior Design BMW, gives us an overview of the thought behind the exterior design of the new 6 Series Gran Coupé and a look into the future of the 6 Series and of BMW design. Well worth a view.

As has been customary in recent years BMW is debuting a concept car at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. However this year it’s looking to the past with the 328 Kamm Coupé.

Official Release: To mark its victory in the Mille Miglia 70 years ago, the Munich-based brand will bring its BMW 328 Mille Miglia Concept Coupé to Lake Como. But this will not be the only link between these two great automotive events at this year’s Concorso. Indeed, BMW Classic has once again come up with something special, bringing a car back to life which had vanished off the radar nearly 60 years ago: the BMW 328 Kamm Coupé. This racing car represents a seamless blend of function and aesthetic allure and underlines how far the development of aerodynamics and lightweight construction had progressed at BMW by this time. “We are very proud to bring this milestone in motor racing history and vehicle aerodynamics back into the public spotlight,” said Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Classic, ahead of the world premiere of the racing car on Lake Como. “Our tribute to the M1 at the Concorso two years ago showed how much inspiration the past can provide for the future. And the BMW 328 Kamm Coupé is an outstanding example of how far back the future at BMW stretches into the past.”

BMW was quick to appreciate the unique status of its Mille Miglia cars following the victory in 1940, and they were soon spirited out of Munich into the countryside to prevent them from being destroyed in the war. The evacuation was successful, with all five cars surviving the wartime years virtually unscathed. However, in the turmoil of the immediate post-war period, the collection of silver racers were split up and went their separate ways around the world. Only the Kamm Coupé remained in Germany, former BMW Director of Racing Ernst Loof having acquired the car for his personal use. By this time he had become a carmaker in his own right, supplying hot-heeled Veritas racing sports cars to customers in the emergent Germany of the post-war era. However, financial difficulties were never far away and a few years later he was forced to let the Kamm Coupé go. Sadly, this automotive gem was not destined to enjoy a long life under new ownership, and it was consigned to the scrapheap after an accident in the early 1950s.

Efforts to rebuild the car have been ongoing since the mid-1990s. Documents from the Group archive and private collectors, computer calculations carried out in the BMW development department, and the skilled hands of body experts and engine specialists have all been employed to prepare the 328 Kamm Coupé for its public unveiling at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. For Karl Baumer this has been an incredible project: “We’ve come up against some major technical challenges, had many discussions and racked up countless hours of research, but when you see the car for the first time you can sense the passion and professionalism invested by all those involved – both all those years ago and today.”

As well as unveiling the 328 Kamm Coupé at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW will also present a special exhibition of the brand’s cars preparing to line up for the Mille Miglia ten days later.

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BMW has once again garnered multiple Red Dot design awards for outstanding design in the automotive sector. The new Rolls Royce Ghost won the “Best of the Best” award for exceptional design while the new 5 Series, 5 Series GT and X1 all won outstanding design awards. Also winning were two of BMW Motorrad’s finest, the 1000 RR and the F 800 R.

Official Release: The presentation of the red dot award 2010 once again provides impressive confirmation of the outstanding quality of BMW Group design. Six current models of the BMW Group will receive the internationally renowned award this year, with the new Rolls-Royce Ghost winning the special “red dot: best of the best” award for the very highest level of design quality in the category Automobiles, Transport and Caravans. Other BMW Group models to be awarded the red dot as a mark of outstanding design are the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW X1 and the motorcycle model BMW F 800 R. There were also honourable mentions from the international jury of experts for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the motorcycle model BMW S 1000 RR. The awards will be presented at the gala held at the Aalto Theatre in Essen on July 5th 2010.

The red dot award is one of the most important awards in the world for product design. It was first awarded in 1955 and recognises outstanding design work in a wide range of categories including not only automobiles, architecture, household and home electronics but also fashion, life science and medicine. This year the jury, made up of international design experts, rated 4252 products from 57 nations. Their assessment is based on 17 criteria ranging from degree of innovation to functionality and ecological compatibility. In the category automobile, transport and caravan the jury issued 24 red dot awards this year – three of the award winners received the special “best of the best” rating.

This highest red dot seal of quality is given for recognition of unusually high-quality and groundbreaking design. The award-winning Rolls-Royce Ghost is an automobile whose unique character is expressed by an exclusive, unmistakable appearance. It is a symbol of clarity whose design reinterprets the classic values of the brand in a modern style for the 21st century. Its flowing lines reflect the dynamic performance of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. Large spaces which cover the entire body and are structured by horizontal lines and highlight the solid, luxurious and supreme character of the vehicle.

An authentic visualisation of the vehicle’s properties is also provided by the design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. Charismatic presence and stylish elegance in its shaping reflect the sedan’s uncompromising premium quality and its high level of driving comfort. The car’s sporty properties are reflected in dynamic lines and an athletic overall impression. What is more the high-quality aesthetic appeal of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, now also a 2010 red dot award winner, shows perfectly balanced proportions and precisely finished details. The BMW X1 is distinct and yet characteristic of the brand. This applies both to its driving properties and its visual appearance, which has likewise been awarded a red dot award in 2010. The BMW X1 combines thrilling agility, versatile sporty flair and modern functionality: for the first time it is possible to savour the unique driving pleasure of a BMW X model in a vehicle of the premium compact segment. The BMW X1′s highly distinct appearance is based on its elongated lines, giving it a look which conveys self-assured elegance. The characteristic design features of the BMW X1 include a powerfully shaped, long engine compartment lid, a striking upright BMW kidney grille, broadly flared wheel arches, short overhangs, a long wheelbase, an elaborately modulated rear and the flat standing rear window. The front, side and rear sections are seamlessly joined, with striking lines creating flowing connections between the body elements. Striking design.

With the red dot award 2010 for the BMW F 800 R, BMW Motorrad likewise continues its successful series of entries in renowned design competitions. The medium-category naked bike launched in the spring of 2009 brings the design concept of the large 4-cylinder roadsters (K 1300 R) to a new segment. A sporty touch and high-quality details determine the character of this model. The outstanding quality of the design also extends to the optionally available accessory components such as a windshield, a pillion passenger seat cover, radiator trim panels and an engine spoiler.

The motorcycle model BMW S 1000 RR is characterised by impressive riding qualities and a striking design. The innovative supersports bike, which received an honourable mention at the red dot awards 2010, has a design which is typified by a short, low front section and a high, compact rear and which conveys a striking visual lightness. The asymmetrical headlamps and side trim elements as well as the visually separated front section – the so-called “split face” – are characteristic BMW Motorrad design elements which are reinterpreted here. The fact that the seating position is focused towards the front wheel indicates that the BMW S 1000 RR is entirely geared towards the rider and towards sporty use.

The second honourable mention at the 2010 red dot awards goes to the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. This completely new vehicle concept combines essential features of a prestigious sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo, impressively implemented by means of innovative design solutions. The diverse qualities of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo in the areas of dynamic performance, space comfort and versatility are reflected in the characteristic BMW proportions, the four doors with frameless windows, a coupé-like flowing roof line and the dual-section rear opening.

Unique visual appearance.

The unique quality of BMW Group design is based on a design philosophy which runs across all brands, enabling the character of each brand and each model to be accurately gauged so that the individual qualities of each vehicle are precisely reflected in its design. In this way, vehicles are created which individually interpret characteristic brand design features and effectively express their model-specific qualities through their visual appearance. The resulting design quality gives rise to unique, unmistakable and fascinating products across all vehicle segments. It is for this reason that a remarkably high number of new products of the BMW Group brands have been listed as red dot award winners for many years now. Last year they included the new BMW 7 Series, the new BMW Z4 and the motorcycle models BMW K 1300 S and BMW K 1300 R, while in the previous year the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 450 X won the special award “red dot: best of the best”. In addition, the BMW X5, the BMW 1 Series Coupé, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé and the BMW HP2 Sport won the red dot award for outstanding design quality in 2008.

BMW’s Vision concept car continues to rack-up the accolades. The Louis Vuitton Classic Awards jury has given the car its namesake award for 2010. It’s a highly regarded honor and an important one considering the design language seen in the concept will inform BMWs for years to come.

Official Release: The concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics – star of the international automobile show IAA in Frankfurt 2009 – has won the Louis Vuitton Classic Award. At an evening gala in BMW Welt the chairman of the Louis Vuitton Classic Awards jury, Christian Philippsen, presented the award to Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. The prize for the best classic automobile restored true to the original went to Jon Shirley for his Alfa Romeo C2900 B Touring Berlinetta of 1938, which last year won the Trofeo BMW Group at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este by Lake Como.

The chairman of the jury said that the BMW concept car showed what sustainability mobility could look like: “A breath-taking concept featuring avantgarde technology and a remarkable interior.”

In his speech on the evening of the award ceremony, Philippsen described the Vision EfficientDynamics as “the modern version of the Alfa Romeo Berlinetta”. He said it looked “dynamic and inviting” and was still a “typical BMW” in spite of its extravagant design”.

Adrian van Hooydonk said he was honoured to receive this “prestigious design award” for the concept car Vision EfficientDynamics. He specifically emphasised that the award recognised the work of his entire team, without whom the Vision EfficientDynamics would never have been given its “striking appearance”. Van Hooydonk went on to say that “design always looks far ahead and tries to anticipate developments of the future” and that this was something which had been achieved in an exemplary manner with the award-winning concept car.

The jury characterised the rare Alfa Romeo Berlinetta as a “masterpiece of timeless beauty”.

In his speech, the chairman of the jury described the classic car as “wonderful, sensual, of remarkable proportions and with an engine whose sound was pure music”. He also said that this was hardly surprising since this Alfa Romeo was “conceived of and built by two geniuses”.

Since 2005 Louis Vuitton has presented two awards every year. The Concept Car Award goes to the concept which the jury believe has the greatest potential to win a concours d’élegance in 40 years’ time. The jury chaired by Christian Philippsen brings together influential design personalities: Anne Asensio (Dassault Systèmes), Serge Bellu (writer and journalist), Jack Croul (winner of the 2008 Louis Vuitton Concours Award with a Ferrari), Xavier Dixsaut (Louis Vuitton), Harm Lagaaij (Head Designer of Porsche until 1994), Gordon Murray (Gordon Murray Design), Stewart Reed (Art Center College of Design, Pasadena) and Pascal Boulanger (automobile journalist, TF1, France).

The Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award is presented to a classic vehicle which has previously won a concours d’élegance. The vehicle may only be restored using original parts – a stringent requirement to be able to win a concours. In addition to chairman Christian Philippsen, the jury consists of the following: Roberto Piatti (Torino Design), Matteo Fiorvanti (Fiorvanti), Luc Dockerwolke (Seat Design), Patrick Le Quément (Renault Industrial Design), Lowie Vermeersch (Pininfarina), Wahei Hirai (Toyota Group Design), Fabrizio Giugiaro (ItalDesign), Lorenzo Ramaciotti (Fiat Group Design), Frank Stephenson (McLaren Automotive Design), Ian Cameron (Rolls-Royce Design), Freeman Thomas (Ford Advanced Design), Gorden Wagener (Mercedes Benz Design), Jean-Pierre Plouè (PSA Group Design), Chris Bangle (Chris Bangle Associates) and Anthony Lo (General Motors Europe Advanced Design).

The so-called Double Cone of BMW Welt in Munich provided a fitting backdrop for the automobile design event. Head of Louis Vuitton Germany Tom Meggle welcomed the 150 guests surrounded by award-winning vehicles. He said he was very glad to “celebrate the Munich premiere of the Louis Vuitton Classic Awards in the Double Cone of BMW Welt since this venue combined the tradition and creativity of BMW – both things which Louis Vuitton stands for”. The Louis Vuitton Award was developed by the luxury goods company’s innovation department, which also undertakes projects with major automobile manufacturers. BMW collaborated with Louis Vuitton on the BMW C1 scooter, for example. In 2009 a Louis Vuitton Special Award went to the BMW concept car GINA which channelled visionary power into providing bold and thought-provoking impulses for future mobility.

Louis Vuitton has stood for the art of stylish travel since 1854. Since 1987 the company has been part of the LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy.Louis Vuitton), which has become one of the most prestigious makers of luxury goods in the world under the leadership of Bernard Arnault. Under Design Director Marc Jacobs, who has given Louis Vuitton its shape and colour since 1997, the portfolio was extended to include men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, watches, jewellery and sunglasses. Here, traditional craftsmanship has been combined with flair and innovation to create the perfect lifestyle experience. Louise Vuitton currently has a worldwide network of stores.

Berlin fashion designer Michael Michalsky also added his name to the guest list. He designed the hostess outfit for the world premiere of the concept car BMW Vision EfficientDynamics at the IAA in Frankfurt, with the car’s design style, silhouette and materials providing his source of inspiration. Echoing the interior of the vehicle, the designer created a two-piece outfit consisting of tight-fitting leather leggings and a mini-dress made of white nappa leather. The exterior is reflected in the blue lines on the side, emphasising the delicate but sporty silhouette.