Split headlights, currently offered on some of BMW’s most exclusive models like the 7 Series and X7, are nothing short of polarizing. Some people love them, some people hate them. Regardless of what you think of it, the design is clearly having a moment. The Genesis G80, several Audi models, and even smaller brands like Hyundai have adopted the “big grille, small lights” look. One might think that BMW would never be the first automaker to develop this design. Finally, split headlights can at least be traced back to the Pontiac Aztek, a vehicle notorious for this and much more. But the recent sketches that have emerged from BMW’s Designworks studio even predate this car. As it turns out, BMW thought about split headlights a long, long time ago: before the design of the BMW 3 Series E46 was even finalized.
This is what a split headlight E46 BMW 3 Series looks like
Thanks to sketches courtesy of Designworks, we no longer have to rely on our imaginations when it comes to what a split-headlight version of the BMW 3 Series E46 would look like. The sketches – apparently from 1992 – show a shorter, sportier and… er, split-tier E46. Aside from the oversized, clearly pure concept wheels, the first sketches show a sleek profile that’s almost more like a sports car than a real sedan. Maybe the Gran Coupe also had its early beginnings here? Regardless, the car’s distinctly split headlights appear to resemble almost exactly what eventually found its way onto the front end of the contemporary BMW 7 Series. One set of bars at the top, one at the bottom. However, there is a much more modest radiator grille in the middle. Visually, it’s incredible what a difference a smaller grille makes – the look of the split headlights looks quite reserved and almost classic.
Anyway, sketches evolve like any other design, and we can see here in this second sketch that the split headlight look is toned down a bit. While it’s possible there are lights hidden in this second concept, it looks like the lower lights have been replaced with grilles or vents. Finally, judging by the addition of a side mirror and optimized wheels, this represents at least some sort of progress or change from the first sketch.
Could split headlights have worked 25 years ago?
While we’re very grateful that the BMW 3 Series E46 ended up looking exactly the way it does, we have to ask ourselves: Would BMW have pulled this off? We think so. Finally, the look of the split headlights is still an improvement over the strange E46 3 Series Compact. Keep in mind that split headlight design (at least in the modern sense) didn’t begin until the turn of the century. However, cars that featured such styling – memorably the Pontiac Aztek and later the Nissan Juke – were not necessarily viewed positively. And the E46 in its current condition is not aging badly. While the E46 BMW 3 Series could have started BMW’s love affair with split headlights, we’re honestly glad it didn’t.
[Sketches provided courtesy of Designworks]
