Next Chapter of BMW Styling Will Feature Fewer Lines and Buttons

[Kr0m3assass1n]

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

My single biggest fear about cars going forward is that they all make me adjust stereo volume on a touch screen rather than giving me a knob to turn. Secondarily is hvac controls on a touch screen.

Didn't Honda try that and it resulted in an epic fail? I mean if a volume carmaker like Honda can't get it right, you know something is wrong with the idea. I'm certainly not a Honda fanboy but boy do they get a lot of small things right.

Problem is BMW will implement it on too many models before the backlash and realizing they fucked up. Same with engines. And styling. And so many other little things. This is unfortunately the new BMW of this decade.

[vinylengraver]

This is precisely why I believe 1-series will become a "classic" sooner than everyone thinks.
Especially the un-optioned, MT version (no I-drive, etc)
Last of them are only 5 years old and they already look vintage with 3 rubber-clad pedals, leather-wrapped stick, two analog gauges, traditional rotary knobs for the radio and a strip of grey poplar trim across a bare dash. And no touchscreens what-so-ever.
Sweet.

[Shredicus]

Funny how in the past BMW was criticized for its Chris Bangle "Flame Surfacing" stylistic approach being too revolutionary. The pendulum has swung completely to the other side and now the aesthetic iterations are too tepid and evolutionary. Meanwhile pretty much every car built in the last 10 years looks like it was inspired by Bangle's approach to body lines.

Tail wagged the dog?

[BMWRL]

This is comical when all the spy shots and new models coming out, all have the same hockey stick tail light design.

SMH....

[Teutonic]

"The new direction debuts with the X2 coupe-styled crossover shown this month at the Detroit auto show and going on sale in the U.S. this spring, said Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president of design for BMW Group."

Yeah, that was a shitty start....
If all will come like the X2 with triangles in front, hood lines, Ipads on dash, less luxurious interior, shitty seats and FWD, BMW can kiss goodbye its fan base...

[Cibbersicks]

Originally Posted by BMWRL

This is comical when all the spy shots and new models coming out, all have the same hockey stick tail light design.

SMH....

That's standard BmW design language. L shaped rear lights have been on almost every BMW in the past 20yrs in one way or another.

[Brake_Late]

Originally Posted by martin mustang

Van Hooydonk is the problem with the way BMW design is going after all his in charge, the fact his Dutch knowing and how conservative the Dutch culture is, I am some how not surprise about the way BMW design shaped up to look today.

A familiar bit old saying...

[cc3]

The Ultimate Driving Machine was always a good USP. But what does BMW stand for these days?

Merc and Audi match them on performance. The new styling is not exactly radical.

BMW just a good all rounder ?

[C5 FOR]

Originally Posted by raysspl

Well, this is in line with the rest of the German manufacturers & Tesla. Shouldn't be as much of a surprise?

Originally Posted by raysspl

Well, this is in line with the rest of the German manufacturers & Tesla. Shouldn't be as much of a surprise?

The surprise is the lack of individuality, surely that's an open market ripe for a little bit of it, just a very small piece and you will as a company reap the rewards. Why don't they see it?

[C5 FOR]

Originally Posted by C5 FOR

The surprise is the lack of individuality, surely that's an open market ripe for a little bit of it, just a very small piece and you will as a company reap the rewards. Why don't they see it?

Originally Posted by raysspl

Well, this is in line with the rest of the German manufacturers & Tesla. Shouldn't be as much of a surprise?

And I don't mean by a specifically placed roundel!!!!!

[mkoesel]

In addition to the X2, the other vehicles on van Hooydonk's list are the redesigned X4 and X5 crossovers, the new 8-series coupe, the redesigned 3-series sedan and the new X7 large SUV. While the X7 isn't slated to go on sale in the U.S. until early 2019, BMW will unveil the production version and start assembling it this year.

No Z4?

[Lovegreatcars]

Can someone feel sorry for me and tell me approximate dates for the release of the 8 series models. M included. Thanks.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

No Z4?

They seem to have got it right on the concept anyway. The production car is coming in March I believe so we’ll get to see how much of the concept’s positive attributes survive to hit the streets.

[Dackelone]

Talk like the above makes me excited to attend the next Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, in May at Lake Como!

It will be interesting to see what BMW AG shows us.

Dackel

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by tetsuo111

BMW really needs to get styling right because they no longer attempt to compete on driving dynamics nor engineering.

Really?? I have to disagree!

[KevinM]

Originally Posted by Too__Hu///Mble

A humble approach to admit that the current design of this generation of cars wasn't a success. I like when a person more so a company can confront these mishaps and show us why and how they will improve.

I agree with the kidney grille being flipped. It gives it a more aggressive and stylistic presence. Of course that's my opinion.

I leave you forum members with this question:

From all of the cars in the current gen, which has the "best overall" styling, preferably in m-sport trim?

I voted with my wallet - I find the F80 the best design. Purposeful and aggressive, but just understated enough to not call attention (particularly in MG!). I hope M has a few more Q-ships in the future, like my beloved E39 M5, but I doubt it.

[nozydog]

Originally Posted by Too__Hu///Mble

A humble approach to admit that the current design of this generation of cars wasn't a success. I like when a person more so a company can confront these mishaps and show us why and how they will improve.

I leave you forum members with this question:

From all of the cars in the current gen, which has the "best overall" styling, preferably in m-sport trim?

Personally I think F30 still looks sharp, fresh and modern after almost 6 years. I’ve read many a review where the author thinks it looks old and tired, but I don’t see that at all... I don’t even find the interior particularly dated... a friend recently got in mine for the first time and commented what a lovely stylish interior he thought it was... and he owns a Merc!!

[The Choosey begger]

I dont get it, the new X2, 8 series are supposed to showcase the new direction in design but the trapezoidal grills is so yesterday, i mean Ford, Toyota everybody else have been doing it for years now.

I hate to say this but the new X2 is no different in styling than most Kia stuff and that's the new direction?

[Levente_CSL]

m2 is the most beautiful car bmw ever made so far. it has so much road presence. when it appears on the road you cant help but to look at it, looks like an exotic car or somethin

[satish_141]

Originally Posted by acstchris

"The 8 series is going to combine all of these elements in a very new shape." Let's see where they take it.

8 series is a stunner

[satish_141]

Originally Posted by nozydog

Really?? I have to disagree!

8 series is close to Aston Martin looks

[Blindside_137]

Originally Posted by Levente_CSL

m2 is the most beautiful car bmw ever made so far. it has so much road presence. when it appears on the road you cant help but to look at it, looks like an exotic car or somethin