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Gallery: The evolution of BMW’s ‘kidney’ grille

The reveal of the new 2021 BMW 4 Series Coupe, due to hit local showrooms in 2021, has sparked debate surrounding its large 'kidney' grille.

Rob Margeit

06:0003 June 2020

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Gallery: The evolution of BMW's 'kidney' grille

Over the intervening decades, BMW's signature grille has evolved in design and shape, as well as size.

By the 1970s and 1980s, the 'kidney' grille had shrunken into a tiny representation of the original before beginning a growth spurt through the '90s and into the 21st century to where we are now with the new 4 Series.

Above: The 328 Kamm Coupe (1938)

Above: BMW 502 Saloon (1954)

Above: BMW 507 (1956)

Above: BMW 1500 Neue Klasse (1962)

Above: BMW M1 (1978)

Above: BMW 528i (E12, 1972-81)

Above: BMW 530i (E34, 1988-96)

Above: BMW 750iL (E32, 1986-94)

Above: BMW 3 Series (E90, 2004-13)

Above: BMW 760Li (F01, 2008-15)

Above: 2020 BMW X7 M50i xDrive

Above: 2021BMW 4 Series

Rob Margeit

Features Editor

Rob Margeit is an award-winning Australian motoring journalist and editor who has been writing about cars and motorsport for over 25 years. A former editor of Australian Auto Action, Rob’s work has also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Wheels, Motor Magazine, Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. Rob’s current rides include a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a 2000 Honda HR-V Sport.