Copycat or Coincidence? BMW’s Latest Model Sparks Debate

Full Change model of BMW 1 Series
Following the differing looks
Controversy over plagiarism was even raised

The recently revealed full-change model (redesigned model) of the BMW 1 Series is attracting attention every day. The new model’s front end significantly diverges from traditional BMW designs and has received mixed reactions. While some noted that it looked somewhat familiar, allegations of plagiarism surfaced shortly after that. The question is whether it is a copy of a specific model from Kia.

BMW is famous for its unique design and identity, which it has accumulated over a long period. But which model was pointed out as the model for this new BMW vehicle? We have looked into this issue in detail and examined overseas reactions.

The model being compared is Kia’s European strategic model, Ceed. Interestingly, the segment is similar to that of the BMW 1 Series, which shifted to front-wheel drive starting with its third generation, leading to considerable overlap in driving dynamics. For comparison, the target was not the current model of the Kia Ceed but rather the initial model of its third generation, which was released in 2019.

Overall, a similar atmosphere can be seen. The kidney grille, which was BMW’s representative identity, was changed to an integrated type with both sides combined, starting from the new 1 Series. There is a clear difference in the details of the grille interior between the two vehicles, but the strangely similar outline creates a similar feeling.

Compared the details

Looking closely, we can also see the detail of the tiger nose with the center part of the grill turned inward in the new 1 Series. In the case of the headlamp, commonalities can be found in the rest of the frame except for the line that goes to the rear. The diagonal detail at the top edge of the grill was also applied to the edge of the headlamp to create a sense of unity. This feature can be found in the new BMW 1 Series and Kia Ceed.

The layout structure is similar, including the trapezoidal air intake at the bottom of the front bumper and the vertical air curtains on both sides. The only differences are in the remaining details, such as the angle of the vertical fin that divides the air intake inside and the character line between the air curtains. Carscoops, an automobile media outlet covering the issue, remarked that if BMW’s propeller badge were covered, it would become difficult to distinguish the vehicles.

BMW is not what it used to be
Automobile media reassesses Kia

Carscoops recently commented, “Until not too long ago, the best Kia could do was imitate the brands they admired most.” However, they also noted, “Now it seems BMW has run out of ideas and is trying to emulate South Koreans.” Carscoops highlighted that Kia’s current design exudes confidence in its identity and understanding of its customers’ desires.

There is a growing proportion of adverse reactions to BMW’s new vehicle designs. Criticisms mainly target the vertical grille of the 4 Series, also known as the Nutria grille, and the front design of the recently leaked, fully redesigned X3 model. The controversy around the 1 Series is expected to persist, as the design had already sharply divided opinions into likes and dislikes even before the plagiarism controversy arose.