Displayed by cars such as the XM Label Red (pictured), the grilles have been getting ever larger, and the bodykits ever more aggressive, as the brand explores a new design direction – something that has led to considerable controversy.

However, in reality, car manufacturers have been experimenting with new design and conceptual ideas for decades, with varied results. Therefore, cars like the XM only join an increasing pantheon of vehicles that have shocked, surprised and sometimes just plain impressed us – let’s take a look: