German Car Zone

Unfortunately new pedestrian regulations forbid the old style of attatching the grille to the bonnet. That is why the new 7er , Z4 , X1 etc all have upfront facias. Mercedes-Benz have even followed suit with the E-Klasse the grille no longer lifts with the bonnet. The Upcoming Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG receives an upright front end in light of new classification of pedestrian rules.

Scott yes but MB did it with a slight tilt while BMW is almost vertical. Does that mean MB is violating the pedestrian rules ?

^With the E-class they have the double jointed hood and (I think) exterior airbag. So maybe that's how they can get around it.

I´ve realised that the air intakes will have the same chrome piece as the Z4 one, Can you see it on the FEP front end?.

Quote:

Scott yes but MB did it with a slight tilt while BMW is almost vertical. Does that mean MB is violating the pedestrian rules ?

Here is the answer to your question.



Yes that is correct , they have spent capital on pedestrian safety at the front of the car with pop-up bonnet etc.
These solutions and engineering are expensive , so they will possibly use this solution in the upper segment cars with other models complying with design changes to the front end resulting in an upright grille as demonstrated on the "Blue Efficiency" and F700 Concept Car - Both of these cars comply to European pedestrian protection regulations.

Thats MB for you right there..
Spending big money on 1. safety 2.Design..
they work around things to make a product that fits the brand..

Definitely gotta hand it to them, even if it meant putting down a bit of R&D money to get past that regulatory hurdle.




Honestly though, I don't think these regulations have had any negative impact on the design of new BMWs...in fact, I think it's been beneficial to the front design of new BMWs, gives them more presence, allows them to place the headlights even more over the wheel-arches...and also allowed them to somewhat bring back the shark-nose of yester-year BMWs.

What it takes to be the definitive leader in automotive technology for the industry. Though Volvo has contributed its share of innovations Merc is the true pioneer of automotive safety innovation.

Yeah but here theu didn't pioneer this innovation.

Jaguar has had pop-up bonnet for awhile