What is the connection between this BMW and the Xiaomi SU7?

Hard to find a common point between this massive BMW and the feline Xiaomi, but the same man worked on both models.

If you are a fan of BMW, or simply passionate about automotive design, the name Chris Bangle is well known to you. Born in Ohio, the 67-year-old designer is the man behind the now-famous “Bangle Butt” used on the BMW 7 Series E65 in 2001. Twisted lines and a bulbous trunk as a signature—welcome to Bangle’s world. Not content with that single masterpiece, the designer also brought to life the E63 6 Series Coupé and its convertible variant E64, as well as the E60 5 Series Sedan. The 2002 Z4, the 2003 X3? All Bangle. Although not universally loved, possibly even opposed, these models are now symbolic of a particular period in BMW’s history. How many designers can claim to have significantly shaped a brand’s story?

From BMW to Xiaomi

Chris Bangle is now a design consultant for Xiaomi’s automotive division and, according to the manufacturer, helped shape their first electric vehicle. Xiaomi is the fourth car manufacturer for which the controversial designer has worked. Before joining BMW, Bangle worked at Fiat, but his career began at Opel in the early 1980s, at a time when the German brand was still owned by General Motors.

While it’s impossible to say that Bangle’s pencil even brushed a sketchpad at Xiaomi, the American luxury consultant hasn’t hesitated to do what he does best: promote himself. Bangle has appeared in numerous videos, sharing his wise opinions on Chinese creations. Will it be as famous in 20 years as his BMWs? Only time will tell.

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