German vehicle stylist Larte Design has turned its attention to the latest BMW X5. The refreshed version of BMW’s mid-sized crossover has received a new look, one that adds some aggression and sets the BMW apart without going overboard the way it is oh-so-easy to do whenever you try to improve a factory design.
Adding aftermarket styling to any new vehicle is a tough balance. One that even the best companies can’t always end up on the right side of. Check out Larte’s own Cadillac Escalade for one example. But this X5 does it right, making it clear it’s not stock, but also making it clear that you aren’t the kind of person who crushes beer cans on your forehead and screams at the valet that they had better park it out front or they’re not getting that crisp dollar bill from you.
Visual Updates That Won’t Hurt Your Eyes
Back to the X5. Larte starts the design with inserts for the stock front bumper instead of an outright replacement. They make the front vents appear more prominent, and the changes add some contrast to the center crash bar. A new splitter along the bottom makes it look a little more racecar, but the bare carbon part isn’t so large that it’s likely to drag.
The grille frame is also new, though it doesn’t look like it. Larte’s piece trades BMW’s stock plastic for a slightly different hue, once again just enough to make a difference.
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Larte’s hood delivers more significant changes. The carbon fiber bonnet is much lighter than the stock part. It has more aggressive angles and venting, and wears the styling house’s badge where BMW’s roundel would normally live.
With all of those new parts, it’s easy to miss the fender extensions. They make the X5 wider, visually, at least, and frame the big forged wheels. New mirrors and new side skirts help complete the changes to the X5’s side profile.
More Brake Lights May Be The Brand’s Signature
The quad tailpipes and extra brake lights in the rear bumper will get your attention first once you walk around to the back of the X5. Keep looking, and the mid-height spoiler and a new roof spoiler both help set the Larte X5 apart. Who is this styling for, you might ask. Well, even if you didn’t, Larte has an answer.
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Larte turns its attention to the GLE Coupe, and while the amount of carbon is not subtle, the design of the kit is pretty good.
It says that this is for “those who are always one step ahead. For those who don’t just drive on the road, but make every glance linger on their car. This is a car for ambitious, confident individuals who know what they want and aren’t afraid to declare it. Owners of such cars are successful and daring people who value their independence and seek to be in the spotlight.”
“In their world, there is no room for mediocrity, and every detail of their life speaks of high status and impeccable taste,” the delightful ad copy reads, and, well, flattery will get you everywhere, Larte.
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