A multifunctional bumper assembly, for use with a vehicle, which provides energy absorption structure as well as an air intake assembly housed within the interior of the bumper assembly to increase engine compartment space. The bumper assembly has an elongated wall having a generally C-shaped cross section internally defining a channel housing the air intake assembly. The air intake assembly includes an elongated duct having inlet and outlet ends and a housing for an intake air filter element connected intermediate the ends for filtering air drawn in through the inlet end and discharged through the outlet end to an engine air intake.