BMW’s Designworks Shapes Kuala Lumpur’s New Metro Trains
BMW Group subsidiary Designworks provided the styling for Kuala Lumpur’s new Metro Inspiro trains, with local production and Siemens engineering underpinning the Malaysian capital’s MRT expansion.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s bustling capital, is expanding its public transport network with a new fleet of Metro Inspiro trains. These trains stand out not only for their technology but also for their design pedigree: the exterior and interior styling comes from BMW Group’s Designworks studio. This marks a notable move for BMW, a company best known for automobiles and motorcycles, into the world of urban mass transit.
BMW’s Role in Kuala Lumpur’s Subway Development
Who Is Designworks?
Designworks, a global design consultancy, was acquired by BMW in 1995. While it operates under the BMW Group umbrella, Designworks has worked on a wide range of projects beyond cars, including aviation and rail transport. The studio recently designed the latest trains for San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Its involvement in the Kuala Lumpur project highlights the increasing importance of design in public infrastructure.
Features of the New Metro Inspiro Trains
The new trains for Kuala Lumpur’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system are based on Siemens’ Metro Inspiro platform, a proven technology for urban rail networks. However, it is the Designworks touch that gives these trains their distinctive look and feel. The fleet will consist of 58 four-car trains, all of which will be fully driverless and set to serve the city’s busiest lines. Delivery and entry into service were targeted for 2017.
- Four-car, fully autonomous trains
- Level boarding and accessibility features for disabled passengers
- Contrasting-colour doors to assist with navigation
- LED lighting, including indirect illumination beneath seats
- Symmetrical patterns and vibrant colours inspired by Malaysian culture
The design brief placed strong emphasis on accessibility and passenger comfort. All trains are equipped for passengers with disabilities, with features such as level boarding and easily identifiable doors. The use of LED lighting, especially indirect lighting beneath the seats, is intended to create a sense of spaciousness and safety, while also making maintenance easier for staff.
Reflecting Malaysian Identity
A key element of the project was to ensure the trains reflected the local culture and identity of Kuala Lumpur. To achieve this, Designworks incorporated symmetrical patterns and vibrant colours, particularly blue, into the train exteriors and interiors. These design choices are intended to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and give the trains a modern, confident appearance.
The exterior styling uses strong lines and bold colour contrasts, aiming to communicate progress, technological leadership, and safety. Inside, the patterns and colours provide a visual link to Malaysian traditions while supporting a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for daily commuters.
International Collaboration and Local Impact
While the design and technology come from international partners, the trains are manufactured in Malaysia by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd. This approach not only brings advanced metro technology to Kuala Lumpur but also supports local industry and skills development. The collaboration between BMW’s Designworks, Siemens, and Malaysian manufacturers demonstrates how global expertise can be combined with local production for large-scale infrastructure projects.
The project is expected to have significant benefits for Kuala Lumpur’s residents. By increasing capacity and improving accessibility, the new trains will help reduce congestion, make public transport more attractive, and support the city’s continued growth. The driverless technology allows for high-frequency, reliable service, which is essential for a modern urban transit system.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of these new Metro Inspiro trains marks a step forward for Kuala Lumpur’s public transport. With a blend of advanced engineering, thoughtful design, and local manufacturing, the project illustrates the possibilities that arise when global and local expertise meet. As the trains enter service, they are set to become a visible symbol of the city’s ambition and its connection to international design and technology leaders like BMW.
