Showcasing a new design philosophy for BMW, the Concept CS has made its world debut at the Auto Shanghai 2007 motor show.


Based on a bespoke platform, BMW says that the car offers a vision of future BMW design rather than the first look at a new product.


The BMW Concept CS is a four-seat premium vehicle was created by a team at BMW Design Development in Munich and comes with several exterior and interior design touches that could make their way on to future models.


Its body width increases towards the rear to emphasise the sporting pretensions and wide track of the car. The BMW Concept CS is 400mm wider (1,978mm excl mirrors) and 67mm longer (5,106mm) compared to a standard wheelbase BMW 7 Series.


The roof line, at its zenith, is just 1,367mm – 124mm lower than a BMW 7 Series.


While the Concept CS is a vision of one possible future, it still retains its core BMW DNA, BMW says.


A reworking of the classic kidney grille design aimed at improving air flow to the engine, currently a 5.0-litre V10, is incorporated, while the Concept CS features the traditional Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar and dual corona ring headlights.


For the design study the double BMW headlamp arrangement features innovative LED reverse projection technology to provide the illumination.


Rearward facing lights project a beam onto a smooth reflective surface, which in turn conveys a precise beam on the road ahead. Such technology provides a wide expanse of illumination without dazzling oncoming motorists, BMW claims.


The shoulder line present in all BMWs for visual effect is differentiated on the Concept CS with a break in this line at the rear quarter. A trailing shoulder line at the rear curves to mirror the line of the rear wheel arch. The door handles are fitted flush to the lower window ledge so the bodywork remains clean and without interruption.


Access to the car is controlled via sensors which, when activated, move the door handles proud of the bodywork for use.


Ceramics as the material for the controls and instruments have also been introduced to BMW for the first time.


The BMW Concept CS is a design study. However, it is likely that key elements of the car could appear on forthcoming new models.