The world of automotive design is constantly evolving, especially for exterior designs. In the last few years the public has been given a jolt by select OEMS offering styling that is not only exciting but emotional.

To take a couple, Audi and BMW have been prime examples of setting a style and brand all to their own. I have always wondered why these cars in particular have been so appealing. Both have their own distinctive identity and originality only to be bested by the evolution of their own design.

Though the American and Japanese OEMS have been improving in the recent years, especially GM with their juice Cadillac and Buick line, Audi and BMW still seem to offer that extra desirability that makes you salivate and drool.

So what makes these guys so terribly good?

Let’s look at Audi.

Audi has been pushing the boundaries of design ever since they released their “Bauhaus on Wheels”, the TT back in 2000 after its original inception in 1995. Their architectural approach was fresh, innovative and gave the world something they had never seen….especially with its accurate translation into production. Most model revisions from the A4-A8 have seen modest differences but the latest offerings really sets the tone for graceful and aggressive styling yet remaining pure to its brand.

What I have found lately with Audi’s exteriors is their refined chiseled and harmonious styling that leads your eye through each surface transition leaving you begging for more. Every transition is precise and purposeful. Each cutline and break in the surface is consistently tight, clean, and crisp, creating graphical elements to their geometric forms that only accentuate its overall beauty. Check out the latest offering from Audi. If one could define exactly what a car should be, the benchmark in terms of styling, engineering, and execution, well then this is it!! The Audi S5 and A5!

The S5 coupe sedan is….to put it delicately….. Bad Ass! Graceful character surface along the side profile of the vehicle leading you to the intersecting graphical cut lines of the tail lamps further enhanced by the relief above the license plate. No needless chrome bezels over headlamps and fake vents to distract you. The build quality is what you would expect from Audi, flawless! The surface details are so prominent yet simple in nature. Audi has transformed there rather passive friendly looking headlamps from previous gens to a more aggressive “ready to eat you alive” attitude when viewed from a rear view mirror.

A car’s ability to paralyze you and grab your attention to study its form and details adds up to what we call that EMOTION factor. It’s like a piece of sculpted art that compels and draws you to observe each surface no matter how insignificant it may seem. Take away all your details, cutlines, headlights, front grills, and the vehicle should excite you by the purity of its complete three dimensional form. It’s where FUNCTION follows FORM …..and that’s Audi. Audi has once again expanded their design vocabulary paving the path to integrate graphic design with crisp surface styling.

Now BMW.

With exception to the cough’ cough’, hack’ hack’ 6 and 7 series, BMW has been producing the same kind of emotion with a little more aggression particularly their 3 and M series. The side facing of the car has a very distinct character surface that shows the same dynamism of a sketch. So sharp is the crease of the character sculpting it feels like a sheet of folded paper! Pure energy here man!

BMW also seems to have the same approach of building graphical elements with their cut lines. Every cutline where the sheet metal is formed and joined together becomes part of the graphical dynamic. Check out the Bimmer pics below.

However, GM has been quick to take on a similar approach in styling. Right on their tale is Buick! The Buick line has made huge strides in their styling and execution that will even rival Lexus. The Enclave was the first vehicle in my mind that offered a fresh perspective to the Buick line though somewhat similar to Audi Styling. The front and rear shoulders are gracefully sculpted with sharp overtones. Surfaces are clean and precise and the overall vehicle has a sense of a refined chiseled look.

The Buick Invicta is another up and comer illustrating GM really means business. I never thought I would say this working in the industry for a decade now, but wow! GM finally understands the necessary sacrifices to bring back some excitement into their products! Styling is quite similar to it’s big brother, the Enclave, with attention to the shoulders of the vehicle giving it a strong stance. Again you see smooth, graceful lines with sharp overtones throughout the vehicle with clean uncluttered surfacing helping to consistently define their Buick brand. The front hood seems to bear some resemblance to BMW 3 series with the sharp creases on the outer edges of the hood.

So in summary, what are the exterior trends as I see it?

1. More purposeful sculpt, defining more shapes that create a visual interest and emotion to the vehicle

2. Graphic Arts integrated with 3D form.

3. Simplicity – reduction of unneeded detailing to help one focus on form.

To their credit,  it is truly refreshing to see the advances GM has made to bring back their competitive edge to the market. Sadly, Chrysler is far behind. Ford is doing better but still has some catching up to do but their new MKS sedan is showing some promise. With all the competition and pressure to sustain themselves, it would be great to see the day when the American OEMS step up and reclaim their throne as the best of the best in terms of innovation and design. But they have to ask themselves this.  Are they the follower….or the leader? If they can come out with products that look like Buick, I’ll take it…..for now.