Could BMW increase the size of its grille?

The German brand could be developing a new feature for its already distinctive, large-format grilles. According to specialist sources, the headlights and the grille could be combined into a single panel capable of emitting light.

In addition, this panel would allow different elements to be hidden or shown. BMW has filed the documentation with the World Intellectual Property Organization. These filings show a grille much larger than the one we already know, along with appropriately sized headlight units.

This innovation may not reach production models until the Bavarian brand makes the definitive leap to electrification. We believe this because electric vehicles have a smoother front end to improve their aerodynamic coefficient.

That is why future Bavarian models would follow the design of the concept called BMW i Vision Dee. The patent shows a kind of electric panel that extends across the bumper and allows different areas of the front to be illuminated. The patent application describes an illuminated grille with the headlight units located behind it. The panel would also integrate all the necessary driver-assistance sensors, further reducing the visible elements on the front end.

For now we will have to wait to see whether this novel technology finally reaches production vehicles. We also do not know whether, with this system, the front end would look completely empty or whether the brand would implement some kind of screen protection.