BMW Concept CS

This is the very latest offering from Munich's design studios - and it points to a bold new design future post-flame surfacing. The landmark Concept CS show car is a luxury four-door GT primed to kickstart a new look for future BMWs.

The unveiling of the Concept CS marks a revolutionary shift for the marque. BMWs of late have had controversial styling, much to the distaste of many. But there's not even a hint of the awkward angles of the current 7-series or the lumpy, Mitsubishi Carisma-like rear of the 3-series here. The CS has a crisp, fresh look.

This four-seater coupe looks attractive, particularly next to the current BMW range. The new form language, smoother surfaces and a dose of elegance work a treat; and the angled, shark-nose grille is striking to our eyes, evoking the first-gen 6-series among others.

• It's a welcome step forward for BMW, then?

That's true. It really is monumentally different. The language of the body and the lines are so much smoother. The classic kidney grille has ballooned to huge proportions; BMW claims this is to ensure of a plentiful supply of cold air to the engine, and is not simply a styling gimmick.
The arches wrap around the deep-dished, 21-inch, multi-spoke alloys. The designers say that future BMs will have much attention paid to integrated arches, rather than the brashly flared items on some rival designs (eg current Fords).

• The CS is a bit out of the blue. Where has it sprung from?

The Concept CS is BMW's contribution to the Shanghai Motor Show, which is currently in full swing in the far east.

Adrian von Hooydonk, head honcho at BMW's design house, told CAR Online at the show that the shark-nose look of the Concept CS is something that customers can relate to from BMWs of old. He hinted that it would spread to future production cars.

• OK, it's definitely something special on the outside, what about the interior?

The cabin will be as sleek and slinky as the exterior of the car. Front passengers will be firmly tucked in to the curvy sports seats and surrounded by a high centre console, while BMW has paid much attention to raising the previously dour ambience of their dark interiors.

Clever surface treatments, different kinds of leather and double-dial pods all add to the fresher, more exciting cabin. BMW is making great play over the joints of the dashboard, hiding air vents and lights in the gaps between panels.

• Sounds plush

That you can be sure of. The Concept CS is without doubt a bit of a showcase for BMW and it's reasonable to assume that the designers will push the boat out with the mod cons and luxuries for the show car.

It's a hefty beast, too. At 5.1 metres long, it's longer even than the 7-series, as well as wider and sporting a longer wheelbase. So there's plenty of space for the four passengers.

• Any hint of what might be lurking beneath the bonnet?

The show car runs a V10 from the M5 and M6, although this car runs on a bespoke platform. But packing this 500bhp crackerjack motor will guarantee the CS goes as fast as it looks.

Production versions could use a variety of six-, eight- and 10-cylinder engines, were such a car to be commissioned. It's still too early to say if BMW will actually build this car, but it is certainly considering a rival to the Porsche Panamera and Aston Rapide.

• Hang on a second, is it a saloon, or a coupe?

Good question. You could be forgiven for thinking that the Concept CS was a coupe by the lack of rear door handles. However, take a closer look and you may discover a distinct lack of front door handles as well. In an attempt to maintain the clean lines of the car BMW, has niftily located the door handles on the sill in between the window and the body of the door.
So yes, it is a four-door saloon. There are only two rear seats but each one is separate, unlike the traditional bench approach, so you can bank on it being just as comfortable for the rear passengers as it is for those in the front.

• So what sort of cars will this rival, then?

Well, it's bigger than the CLS and there's not been any BMW like it before. But you can safely say that the CS is aimed squarely at the new Porsche Panamera and forthcoming Aston Martin Rapide, not to mention the Bentley Flying Spur. Execs in a hurry have never had it so good...

• So what's the next move for BMW?

Take a good look because this is as good a sign as any of what BMW are up to. The Concept CS may not be bound for production - not immediately anyway - but it's certainly the biggest hint that we're likely to get in the way of appearance for future cars.

The future's looking sleeker, sportier and (dare we say it) more beautiful. And it's been a long time since we've been able to say that about a BMW.

Jack Carfrae