Black is a representation of all colors combined, visible in the absence of light, often used to convey luxury, sleekness, or mystery in the objects it adorns.
The trend of “blacking out” cars originated with aftermarket customizers and has since been embraced by many manufacturers, each offering their own take on this monochromatic style. Whether applied in matte or glossy finish and on different vehicles, this aesthetic can significantly alter the vehicle’s persona, imbuing it with a sense of sportiness, luxury, or sophistication.
Known by various names such as Black Edition, Midnight Edition, or Dark Shadow, these styling packages allow individuals to make a statement on the road, standing out from the crowd. They often feature premium materials and exclusive hardware, enhancing the overall appeal of the vehicle.
Let’s explore some of our favorite executions of the black edition service done by Autochapeau.
BMW X7 Dark Shadow Edition
BMW has long represented the ultimate in luxury, performance, and design for many drivers, and now it’s added even more exclusive dimensions to its design with the very limited (roughly 500 units made) X7 Dark Shadow Edition.
This vehicle can be viewed as an in-house execution that utilizes the BMW Individual program — a bespoke service that allows customers to spec vehicles beyond the standard colors and styling options. The X7 Dark Shadow Edition uses many elements that are exclusive to the BMW Individual program, and the result is quite stunning, if I do say so myself!
Aside from the legally required red taillights, just about everything on the exterior is dark or shades of dark — the Frozen Arctic Grey paint finish, black chrome kidney grille, high-gloss black roof rail, 22-inch matte black M Wheels, and more. And because the Dark Shadow Edition includes BMW’s M sports package, you’ll get people’s attention aurally too via the roaring M exhaust system.
The interior also features dark touches throughout, like an M steering wheel and BMW Individual trim pieces developed specifically for this special edition. These unique components dress the interior in a two-tone blue/black theme and surround the driver in luxurious Nappa and Merino leather plus Alcantara.
Nissan Maxima 40th Anniversary Edition
The Nissan Maxima is known for being a practical, yet still sleek, 4-door sports car, and its 40th Anniversary Edition celebrates that legacy with an extra bit of flair.
Just for the 2021 model year, the 40th Anniversary Edition Maxima gets its monochromatic visuals from a two-tone Ruby Slate Gray Pearl and Super Black paint finish, and is topped off with black accent parts all over. The body trim, front grille, wheels and badging get the dark treatment for a stealthy feel, and a unique 40th Anniversary logo on the trunk completes the look.
The exclusive treatment continues on the inside with red leather, diamond-quilted seats, and stand-out white-faced instrument gauges.
RAM Limited Night Editions
The stealth look isn’t limited to luxury vehicles — RAM trucks know how to play the game, too. The 2021 lineup of RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks will offer a Limited Night Edition trim for an extra dose of coolness.
RAM’s already muscular exterior is enhanced by a black grille and badging, black aluminum wheels, and black exhaust tips. The taillights and headlamps are wrapped with dark bezeling, and the bumpers are paint-matched to deliver the fullest expression of Ram’s dark mood. Functionality is further enhanced with tow hooks and a tonneau cover, and the 1500 models feature a performance hood.
The RAM Limited Night Edition is both luxurious and functional, and looks great whether at work or play.
Honda Pilot Black Edition
The Honda Pilot Black Edition takes the top-of-the-line Elite trim and adds a variety of interior and exterior styling upgrades.
Wrapped in a Crystal Black Pearl paint finish, the Pilot Black Edition offers model-exclusive exterior detailing, like black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels, a blackout grille, black trim, and special edition badging. This is one mean midsize SUV.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find equally cool styling treatments that feature the Black Edition logo. The dash, doors and center console really pop with red accent lighting, while the captain’s chairs, door panels and steering wheel receive red contrast stitching. The Black Edition really stands out from the rest of the Honda Pilot lineup.