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BMW is undergoing significant transformations in its design department. Depending on individual perspectives regarding the brand’s recent aesthetic decisions, these changes could be quite favorable—especially as they’ve enlisted talented support from other automakers. However, the most notable shift occurs at the leadership level. Adrian van Hooydonk will continue to oversee design for the entire BMW Group, which encompasses BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Mini, while Domagoj Dukec, who previously headed BMW’s design, is transitioning to Rolls-Royce.
Dukec’s former duties will now be split between two individuals: Maximilian Missoni and Oliver Heilmer. Missoni joins from Polestar, where he led design for the past six years. Prior to that, he worked for nearly nine years at Volvo, directing the exterior design. He will now oversee BMW’s mid-class and luxury vehicles, including Alpina models, effectively covering everything from the 5 Series onward. Given Volvo’s reputation for producing stylish vehicles in recent years, this news is likely encouraging for BMW enthusiasts.
Heilmer, who has been Mini’s design chief since 2017, will now oversee BMW’s entry-level models, including the 2 Series, 3 Series, X1, and X2.
Claudia Braun will be responsible for most of BMW’s upcoming interior designs. She previously served as the head of color and material design at Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes.
Another noteworthy return is Anders Warming, who steps down as Rolls-Royce’s design director. Warming was once a part of BMW’s design team under Chris Bangle, known for creating the E85-generation Z4, one of the most admired modern BMW designs. After time spent running his own firm, he joined Rolls-Royce. Now, he will lead BMW’s Advanced Design and Designworks teams, which focus on concept vehicles and design technologies.
To summarize, these changes may signify a shift away from the oversized kidney grilles that have characterized recent BMW models. Many of the polarizing design elements seen on cars like the BMW X7, M3, 7 Series, and XM were under Dukec’s direction. With promising designs on the horizon in BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse lineup, the brand now boasts a strong team with a successful track record of creating visually appealing vehicles.
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