New BMW CS debuts

This is the German maker's stunning new Concept CS - a luxurious four-door grand tourer aimed squarely at the forthcoming Aston Rapide and Porsche Pan­amera super-saloons.

The design, seen at the Shanghai Motor Show, represents a return to the look of old BMWs, and its aggressive cues showcase the future of the marque's saloon range.

"Yes, the shark has made a comeback," said project design manager Adrian Hooy­donk. He added that, although this was a difficult look to achieve while meeting European crash test regulations, engineers had worked hard to return to some BMW des­ign roots. And despite the futuristic shape and the fact the CS is a show car, don't bet against it reaching production.

"Our last design leap clearly broke us away from our competitors, and now we are starting the next round," explained BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofer. He would not commit his company to producing the handsome new offering, but did acknowledge that the line-up lacks such a model.

So, the CS's grille, slanted headlamps and short overhangs could all feature on the next 7 and 5-Series. Despite its sleek, curving roofline, the show car retains a conventional sal­oon body and keeps the distinctive kink at the rear of the C-pillar. Other neat touches include intricately patterned 21-inch alloys, large bonnet vents and pronounced haunches. The nose even has clever LED headlamps, designed to reduce glare for oncoming drivers.

Despite being longer than the current 7-Series, the low-slung CS has only four individual seats to ensure luxurious accommodation throughout. High-grade trim includes a new ceramic dial for the manufacturer's iDrive on-board control system.

The newcomer is officially billed as a design study. However, a toned-down version would provide the brand with a flagship model to rival the eagerly anticipated Porsche saloon, which is due to hit showrooms in 2009.