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BMW Thailand has raised the bar of the modern luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) experience with the debut of the first-ever BMW X7, the absolute pinnacle of the X family that comes with a completely new design language, ranging from outstanding dimensions and very precise lines in combination with powerful surfaces to an elegant and luxurious interior. Behind the scenes of the rigorous design process is the powerhouse of over 700 talented designers in 3 regions across the world – Munich, Los Angeles and Shanghai – working together around the clock. Following the series of premieres worldwide, Thailand recently welcomed Mr. Matthias Junghanns for the launch of the BMW X7 and this inspiring designer shared the rich stories and design concept behind this latest DNA in the X family.
The statement of uniqueness and exclusivity of the BMW X7 comes from the perfect fusion of the ultimate luxury of the BMW 7 Series with the everyday practicality of the BMW SAV. After making sense of the ‘package’, consisting of the concept and requirements for this top-secret design project, the designers had to turn their ideas into a functional, sensible and visually fascinating future vehicle that maintained the spirit and character of the BMW brand. The competition began with a handful of BMW’s designers expressing their ideas in countless hand-drawn 2D images. Only the final three proceeded to the next step in the competition.
“For me, this first process is actually the most fun as designers get to express their imagination through hand-drawn sketches without as many limitations as in the following processes. We start by looking at the big picture or the exterior of the car, like the dimensions, proportions and the position of the wheelhouse. We then move on to the smaller picture, such as the angle of each line on the surface or the details of the interior. The top three designs are selected from a pool of sketches that can best answer the requirements of the package,” Mr. Junghanns said.
“For me, this first process is actually the most fun as designers get to express their imagination through hand-drawn sketches without as many limitations as in the following processes. We start by looking at the big picture or the exterior of the car, like the dimensions, proportions and the position of the wheelhouse. We then move on to the smaller picture, such as the angle of each line on the surface or the details of the interior. The top three designs are selected from a pool of sketches that can best answer the requirements of the package,” Mr. Junghanns said.
In the next process, the sketches are brought to life at a 1:1 scale starting with tape drawings on a wall. The designers draw the proportions of the vehicle onto a base plan using a special kind of flexible tape and from this, the first 3D-prototype is shaped using CAS models combined with the use of AR (Augmented Reality) technology, which allows the designers to work with the prototype in real surroundings. This process involves designers and design technicians working together to refine the prototype. The final decision is made by the management board who will select the designs. The chosen designs then move on to the next design loop. Throughout the process, fine-tuning experts including designers, engineers and technicians work in close coordination to make sure that the car matches BMW’s premium standard and unique character. The overall process from the very first sketch to the final concept introduced to the public usually takes approximately 3-4 years.
Mr. Junghanns added, “The design of the BMW X7 redefines BMW’s design philosophy with a new design language. This embraces the contrast between two opposite worlds of the BMW 7 Series and the models of the X-Portfolio, which is juxtaposed with precise and powerful lines on a poetic surface. The most eye-catching elements of the BMW X7 are its large kidney grille and air curtains that are positioned vertically in contrast to the slim horizontal headlights and the character line along the sides from the front to the rear. The BMW X7 is the embodiment of BMW’s new design philosophy that offers a simple yet powerful stance of the vehicle.”
The use of light is also an important design factor in the BMW X7. The feeling of elegance both from the interior and the exterior is generated by the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge that allows natural light to shine through, the ambient light featuring 6 lighting hues, and the CraftedClarity interior elements in glass that reflect the lights from the gear selector, iDrive controller, engine start/stop button and volume control button.
Mr. Junghanns added, “The design of the BMW X7 redefines BMW’s design philosophy with a new design language. This embraces the contrast between two opposite worlds of the BMW 7 Series and the models of the X-Portfolio, which is juxtaposed with precise and powerful lines on a poetic surface. The most eye-catching elements of the BMW X7 are its large kidney grille and air curtains that are positioned vertically in contrast to the slim horizontal headlights and the character line along the sides from the front to the rear. The BMW X7 is the embodiment of BMW’s new design philosophy that offers a simple yet powerful stance of the vehicle.”
The use of light is also an important design factor in the BMW X7. The feeling of elegance both from the interior and the exterior is generated by the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge that allows natural light to shine through, the ambient light featuring 6 lighting hues, and the CraftedClarity interior elements in glass that reflect the lights from the gear selector, iDrive controller, engine start/stop button and volume control button.
“I am very proud to be part of the team that designed the BMW X7 from sketching the very first line up to this moment, when we are about to see the X7 on the road. It is essential for every designer to be able to create an attractive appearance that matches the advanced driving technologies in a design that is able to transcend time while embodying the unique character of BMW. I have no doubt that the X7 is truly a masterpiece for BMW,” concluded Mr. Junghanns
