Bangle quits BMW

By Jack Rix

03rd February 2009

The most controversial car designer of modern times Chris Bangle, has quit his post as Head of Design for the BMW group today. The 52-year old will be replaced by the experienced Adrian van Hooydonk – currently Head of Design for the BMW brand. Bangle is said to be leaving the car industry altogether – to pursue his own design-related endeavours.

His work at BMW started back in 1999 with the Z9 concept car – marking a significant departure for the firm’s often understated design – and giving a strong nod towards the 6-series that was to come. But he really put the cat among the pigeons with the 2002 7-series, a car that split opinion dramatically and set Bangle up for some serious criticism, despite strong sales.

His lasting legacy however will be ‘flame-surfacing’ – the distinctive combination of creased and sculpted surfaces, which can be traced back to his days at Fiat and the sharp-suited Coupe, a style that's especially noticeable on the 1-series and Z4. During his tenure Bangle oversaw design of the 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7-series, as well as the X5, X6 and X3 SUV’s plus the Z3 and Z4 sports cars. He also showed a significant talent for retro pastiche with the success of the new MINI and resurrection of the Rolls Royce brand.

Whether you like his designs or loathe them, there’s no denying bangle’s had a strong hand in shaping modern car design, and keeping BMW in particular at the cutting edge - Van Hooydonk has some big boots to fill.