Massive BMW Kidney Grilles Will Headline TAS 2023

G42 BMW M240i xDrive.

The iconic BMW ‘Kidney Grille’ has undergone quite the evolution over the past few decades. In recent times though, it has also grown in size which, in turn, has also divided opinion amongst fans and non-fans alike.

Regardless of what you think of them, this controversial signature design element is here to stay for a while, a fact made more evident by BMW’s recent preview announcement ahead of its participation in the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 (TAS 2023) auto show in Japan.

Based on the preview rendering of its TAS 2023 booth released recently, it’s safe to say that anyone visiting the show from Jan 13 to Jan 15, 2023 will not miss seeing the massive pair of ‘Kidney Grilles’ dominating its display.

Yes, folks, these grilles are indeed as big as a number of BMW’s current production models. In fact, this is an accurate blow-up of the kidney grille as primed in things like the G80/G81-generation M3 and G82/G83 M4 twins.

Said display even includes enlarged versions of BMW’s roundel and M3 model badges, as well as a parking sensor array mounted on the grille’s right side. Even the slats serve a purpose, whereby it’ll give visitors a glimpse into the interior space as a teaser of what to expect.

Notably, said massive kidney grille display at the upcoming TAS 2023 will be used by BMW’s Japanese arm as a means to launch a new and limited-run model made especially for the Japanese market. This remains unnamed for now, so your guess is as good as ours on this bit.

L-R: G82 BMW M4, G80 BMW M3.

Team Studie BMW M4 Super GT/GT300 [Image source: Motorsport.com]

Other cool cars set to go on display in the BMW booth at TAS 2023 includes the race-winning GT300-spec BMW M4 GT3 from the Japanese Super GT series, an M3 decked out in various M Performance parts and a special wrap, as well as a G42 M240i beaming with M Performance parts too.

Vehicles aside, this display space will also feature a stage where BMW is set to interview special guests on topics surrounding the BMW motorsports, as well as services available from its Japanese dealers.

What do you folks reckon, then? A great, super-sized homage to what is a signature design element of the famed Bavarian brand? Or is this simply too over the top for you? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…