i don't think the new designs are ugly, just not fitting, for lack of a better word i can't think of at the moment. i prefer the old styling no question. and if memory serves correct, the designer who's behind this new direction bmw has taken was fired. please correct me if i'm wrong but i vaguely recall reading that somewhere.
as for the new 5 series, the front end reminds me too much of a pontiac grand prix. those tail lights? can someone say WRX??
in conclusion. old > new.