Milestones in BMW lighting design

The BMW lighting design is a defining feature of the unmistakable aesthetics of every BMW, complemented by dynamic proportions, the beading line, the window graphics with Hofmeister kink, and the characteristic radiator grille (➜ Read also: Hallmark: 17 designs of the signature BMW kidney grille). The four-eyed face combined with the BMW kidney grille makes every BMW instantly recognisable – even without the brand emblem.

As early as 1968, BMW presented the 2800 CS with twin round headlamps for separate low and high beam. The characteristic twin headlamps, which are cut into the upper section, established an unmistakable feature of the BMW models with their striking and focussed view of the road: the four-eyed face.

For Paul Bracq, designer of the first BMW concept car, the legendary Turbo, the kidney grille, and twin headlamps are the signature of a BMW.

1962: The BMW 1500 of the Neue Klasse represented a new approach with its single round headlamp design.  The first integration of headlamps and radiator grille with vertical kidney grille was a defining feature for BMW. It was only later that the iconic four-eyed face developed from this – a design tradition that BMW continues to develop to this day with deliberate exceptions.

1972: The folding headlamps of the BMW Turbo combined aerodynamics and aesthetics. Hidden when closed, they revealed two lights on each side when opened – a lighting concept that was later taken up in the design of the BMW M1 and BMW 8 Series.

1975: The first BMW 3 Series was available with two or four round headlamps depending on the engine. While the four-cylinder models were equipped with single round headlamps, the six-cylinder variants featured the distinctive four-eyed face.

1989: The BMW 8 Series combined slim folding headlamps with state-of-the-art projection technology. When open, they ensured precise light distribution – an innovation of the late 1980s.

1989: The BMW Z1 brought transparency to lighting design. Its clear glass covers left the light units visible and emphasised the technical sophistication of this avant-garde roadster.

1990: The third generation of the BMW 3 Series focussed on clear vision – the first BMW in large-scale production with the now iconic four round headlamps behind glass. This allowed the freedom to accommodate different light shapes and technology without having to change the surface design.

1962: The BMW 1500 of the Neue Klasse represented a new approach with its single round headlamp design. The first integration of headlamps and radiator grille with vertical kidney grille was a defining feature for BMW. It was only later that the iconic four-eyed face developed from this – a design tradition that BMW continues to develop to this day with deliberate exceptions.

1968: The BMW 2800 CS made a striking statement with its four round headlamps. Originally because of legal requirements in the US, this design became a defining feature of the brand.

1972: The folding headlamps of the BMW Turbo combined aerodynamics and aesthetics. Hidden when closed, they revealed two lights on each side when opened – a lighting concept that was later taken up in the design of the BMW M1 and BMW 8 Series.

1975: The first BMW 3 Series was available with two or four round headlamps depending on the engine. While the four-cylinder models were equipped with single round headlamps, the six-cylinder variants featured the distinctive four-eyed face.

1989: The BMW 8 Series combined slim folding headlamps with state-of-the-art projection technology. When open, they ensured precise light distribution – an innovation of the late 1980s.

1989: The BMW Z1 brought transparency to lighting design. Its clear glass covers left the light units visible and emphasised the technical sophistication of this avant-garde roadster.

1990: The third generation of the BMW 3 Series focussed on clear vision – the first BMW in large-scale production with the now iconic four round headlamps behind glass. This allowed the freedom to accommodate different light shapes and technology without having to change the surface design.

Lighting design with presence

The L-shaped rear light signature found on many BMW models – often featuring four precise light elements – is as defining as the front lighting design. Introduced in 1986, this design element underscores the width of the vehicle's rear and gives the lights a confident presence – both by day and at night. Introduced in 2001, the daytime running lights of the illuminated corona rings – or “Angel Eyes” – restaged the iconic four-eyed face, making BMW models unmistakable even in daylight. With a particularly uniform LED light, BMW set an impressive symbol of innovation leadership and created an unrivalled recognition value that endures to this day.

1991: The BMW 7 Series was the first production vehicle in the world to bring xenon headlamps to the road. This innovation defined new standards for visibility and safety. The L-shaped rear light signature introduced at the launch of this BMW 7 Series generation in 1986 was created by two separate light elements, the upper edges of which were flush with the edge of the boot lid. This design became the defining feature of many later BMW models.

2000: The BMW Z8 was the first to use dynamic integration of the headlamps into the body. The headlamp housing merged seamlessly with the mudguards. Swivelling projection modules dynamically adapted the light distribution to the direction of travel, thereby improving visibility through bends.

2001: With the corona rings, the BMW 5 Series introduced an unmistakable light signature. Initially generated by halogen light guides, they evolved into characteristic daytime running lights with LED technology – more precise and intense yet still iconic.

2012: The BMW 6 Series introduced adaptive full-LED headlamps, thereby improving light distribution, increasing efficiency, and reinterpreting the BMW light signature.

1991: The BMW 7 Series was the first production vehicle in the world to bring xenon headlamps to the road. This innovation defined new standards for visibility and safety. The L-shaped rear light signature introduced at the launch of this BMW 7 Series generation in 1986 was created by two separate light elements, the upper edges of which were flush with the edge of the boot lid. This design became the defining feature of many later BMW models.

2000: The BMW Z8 was the first to use dynamic integration of the headlamps into the body. The headlamp housing merged seamlessly with the mudguards. Swivelling projection modules dynamically adapted the light distribution to the direction of travel, thereby improving visibility through bends.

2001: With the corona rings, the BMW 5 Series introduced an unmistakable light signature. Initially generated by halogen light guides, they evolved into characteristic daytime running lights with LED technology – more precise and intense yet still iconic.

2012: The BMW 6 Series introduced adaptive full-LED headlamps, thereby improving light distribution, increasing efficiency, and reinterpreting the BMW light signature.

New lighting technology, new scope for design

Space-saving LED and high-performance laser technology open up new possibilities for design and functionality. Precise 3D light tubes and 3D light glass emphasise the exclusive character of a BMW – particularly impressive in the headlamp design of the limited-edition BMW Skytop (➜ Read also: BMW Skytop: the magic of exclusive moments).

The LED units for the BMW Skytop are mounted on milled aluminium carriers and use the flattest technology available for automotive headlamps. Equally impressive are the intricate rear lights with precise mechanics, the technological sophistication of which is reminiscent of the complexity of a clockwork mechanism.

2014: The BMW i8 revolutionised long-range vision with laser light. As the world’s first production vehicle with this technology, it set new standards with a range of up to 800 m.

2016: The BMW M4 GTS brought a new dimension to lighting design with OLED rear lights. The ultra-flat, organic light-emitting diodes ensured razor-sharp contours and emphasised the dynamic lines of the coupé.

2019: With Iconic Glow, the BMW X6 has been given an illuminated BMW kidney grille. The discreet lighting accentuated the striking presence of the Sports Activity Coupé - even when the vehicle is at rest.

2022: The BMW 7 Series was the first to combine Swarovski crystals with innovative lighting technology. The crystal headlamps created a captivating light signature complemented by an elegantly illuminated kidney grille.

2023: The second generation of the BMW 2 Series made a clear statement with its striking single headlamp design. While the classic four-eyed face has characterised the BMW design language for decades, the BMW 2 Series Coupé and the BMW M2 are taking a new, independent design path with the reintroduction of the two-eyed face.

2024: The BMW Skytop interprets lighting design in its most elegant form. With the flattest headlamps in the world, the exclusive roadster combines technological innovation with pure aesthetics.

2024: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X defines the future of lighting design. The iconic illuminated kidney grille and precisely designed headlamps are striking accents. This interplay of light, form, and function gives the visionary SAV a unique radiance.

2014: The BMW i8 revolutionised long-range vision with laser light. As the world’s first production vehicle with this technology, it set new standards with a range of up to 800 m.

2016: The BMW M4 GTS brought a new dimension to lighting design with OLED rear lights. The ultra-flat, organic light-emitting diodes ensured razor-sharp contours and emphasised the dynamic lines of the coupé.

2019: With Iconic Glow, the BMW X6 has been given an illuminated BMW kidney grille. The discreet lighting accentuated the striking presence of the Sports Activity Coupé - even when the vehicle is at rest.

2022: The BMW 7 Series was the first to combine Swarovski crystals with innovative lighting technology. The crystal headlamps created a captivating light signature complemented by an elegantly illuminated kidney grille.

2023: The second generation of the BMW 2 Series made a clear statement with its striking single headlamp design. While the classic four-eyed face has characterised the BMW design language for decades, the BMW 2 Series Coupé and the BMW M2 are taking a new, independent design path with the reintroduction of the two-eyed face.

2024: The BMW Skytop interprets lighting design in its most elegant form. With the flattest headlamps in the world, the exclusive roadster combines technological innovation with pure aesthetics.

2024: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X defines the future of lighting design. The iconic illuminated kidney grille and precisely designed headlamps are striking accents. This interplay of light, form, and function gives the visionary SAV a unique radiance.

BMW Light Channel Next

BMW impressively emphasises the central importance of light – in terms of both function and design – with the commissioning of a light channel adapted to the new requirements introduced in 2023: the Light Channel Next. This state-of-the-art development facility is used to test and optimise headlamps and exterior lighting for future models. Computer-aided simulations form a solid basis for developing new lighting systems. Nevertheless, direct evaluation on the real vehicle remains indispensable for BMW Group engineers and designers – despite impressive advances in virtual and mixed reality.

BMW i7 M70 xDrive:

Electricity consumption combined 23.7–20.8 kWh/100 km (WLTP)

CO₂ emissions combined 0 g/km

Electric range 488–560 km (WLTP)

CO₂ efficiency class A

In Light Channel Next, all lighting components can be analysed and refined by simulating a wide range of scenarios on real vehicles. In addition to varying surface types, the ambient lighting is also realistically simulated for every time of day and night. With a length of 132 m and a width of around 22 m, Light Channel Next is the largest of its kind at BMW and offers a total area of almost 3,000 m².

The developers are focussing in particular on integrating highly adaptive headlamps, which guarantee optimum illumination of the road and surroundings and thus ensure greater safety and comfort when driving at night.

BMW shines ahead

Whether xenon, laser, or LED – with pioneering lighting technology and emotional design, BMW has developed vehicle lighting far beyond its pure function. It emphasises the character of the vehicle and becomes an independent design element. Light also creates a unique atmosphere in and around the car – as a design element and unmistakable trademark.

Author: Markus Löblein, Tassilo Hager; Art: Verena Aichinger, Lucas Lemuth, Madita O’Sullivan; Photos: BMW; Video: BMW