BMW design has stood out over the years, thanks to a series of distinctive elements that have stood the test of time. From the kidney grille and twin headlights to the shark nose and Hofmeister Kink, BMWs have always been instantly recognizable on the street. However, there is one design cue that is often overlooked: the driver-oriented dashboard. But do you know when BMW started incorporating this feature into its cars?
In 1975, BMW took a bold step by launching the E21, the first ever 3 Series car. It wasn’t just the car’s sporty looks or nimble handling that caught people’s attention, it was something inside the cabin that quietly changed everything. For the first time, BMW has oriented the dashboard and center console towards the driver. It was subtle, but it spoke volumes about the kind of experience BMW wanted to create: the ultimate driving machine.
Built for the driver
Think about it: The way a car’s interior is designed says a lot about who it was made for. By tilting the controls and displays towards the driver, BMW was not only making the car easier to use; They were looking to differentiate themselves from Mercedes-Benz as well. BMW reinforced the idea that the E21 3 Series wasn’t just a car that got you from point A to point B, it was a car made for sheer driving pleasure. The E21 3 Series puts the driver at the heart of the experience, ensuring that every button, every gauge and every control feels like it was made specifically for them.
Sorry co-driver, but not really sorry!
But the driver-oriented dashboard wasn’t just about comfort. That slightly angled dashboard was BMW’s way of saying: “Hey, we get it. You like to drive, and so do we.” It created a connection between driver and car, making the cabin feel like a cockpit.
Over the years, this unique design has become a BMW signature. Of course it has evolved. Although today you’ll see a lot of screens inside, the essence of the driver-oriented dashboard remains in most models. For example, the latest generation 6 Series introduced in 2010 features one of the most driver-oriented dashboards.
At the time, BMW said the idea was to make the car feel as quiet and smooth as possible, creating a seamless flow between exterior and interior. This approach emphasized driver-oriented design, with an emphasis on making the driver’s space distinct from the passenger’s comfort zone.
Will this design continue on the Neue Klasse models, or will BMW reinterpret this distinctive design? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, the new iDrive