It has been over half a decade since the BMW 4er debuted with its striking new grille. I love it or hate it, it brought the brand into a new era – and probably a completely new population group. Listen to the wrong people and you will insist that the move for the brand for certain markets was of essential importance. But as it turned out, the move to Big Grilles was completely independent of the niche, the market taste. In fact, everything started with the most beautiful concept car to get from Bavaria from stable. The 3.0 -csl homage.
It all started in 2014, when the brand set up, ironed and developed the 3.0 -CSL homage. The car made his debut and left a serious impression on many people to be built largely in the footsteps of the M1 homage – even in the same studio. Like the M1 homage before, the 3.0 -csl homage would also see production at some point. But even before the limited 3.0 CSL was the reality, the homage made the brand indelible. Although the homage r (a canceled version of the original 3.0-CSL homage) received great praise, it never fully made it into production. Ian Robertson, then member of the board for sales and marketing, began the grills of the car, which had left a noticeable impression on passers -by to get to a production car.
We had almost a large grille 8 series
While Robertson was too late for the outgoing BMW 6 series too late -and again there was no production for a real 3.0 -CSL debut -the debut of the 8s soon took place. “The grilles were greater in every vehicle at that time,” said Robertson. “I suggested that larger grilles were not a race that we had to win. Instead, I had the feeling that we needed something like that of the 3.0 csl homage. When he recognized that he was late for the 8 series, he recognized an opportunity for the 4.
“It not only makes sense for the M4 buyer,” says Robertson, “who, let’s be honest, are not a shrinking violet, but in the entire 4 -way area.” He has a point. Coupes have always been “I” cars – something like a statement piece, whether the driver is aware of it or not. In the end, the 4s have proven to be great success. Although it is uncertain how much of this work the unique front -end design has done. Hold; Nowadays there are very, very few competitors for the 4 Series. And very few that drive so nicely.
Regardless of this, Robertson defends the grilles. “If you look at the strong sales of the M4 and 4 series series, I would say that it is the right one.” I would not agree and instead claim that the M4 and BMW 4 series can be successful because it can best drive in this segment. But no matter: if you hate the big grill, you can accuse the homage of 3.0 CSL. Quotes and some information for this story came from Steve Saxty’s excellent book. BMW from design. We strongly recommend ordering it or checking your other BMW books. They are full of unique photographs, stories and more that we cannot think here. Look at them!
