BMW Design

[Jimster]

The facelift of the 3 series screams out "WUSS!!!!" I wouldn't buy one, part of the reason I went pre-facelift, I don't give a shit if the trade-off gives you an extra cog in the manual tranny.

The fiver is well a lot better in the flesh, but still looks outlandish and extremely odd.

The 7 has finally grown on me, as has the 6.

The Z4 always has been stunning from Day 1

[syr74]

The newest 7 Series is passable, and has even grown on me a bit. But, it will never match the beauty and timelessness of the previous model without major revisions. The new 5-Series is a total disaster and makes me wonder if Mr. Bangle doesn't need to look into a nice set of bi-focals.

The Z4 actually isn't bad, although the "metal flaming" or whatever BMW calls it is pretty goofy IMO. Unlike the new 5 and 7, the Z4 is an improvment in looks over it's predecessor. But, that isn't saing much as the Z3 never fit very well into BMW's lineup from a "looks" standpoint IMO.

The new 6 Series isn't unnatractive, but it isn't particularly stunning by any means either. ANd, for that level of cash I want some "stun" in my style thank you. The 8 Series, and the old Six Series cars as well, were gorgeous automobiles. There definately seems to be a downward trend in the styling of BMW's overall IMO.

Frankly, I find BMW's new styling direction saddening as the previous 5 and 7 Series cars were absolutely gorgeous cars just like the old 6 and 8 Series cars I mentioned above. It appears pretty obvious to me that BMW can no longer be considered a designer of truly striking and timeless automobiles. Those are words I never thought I would hear myself say.

[crayzayjay]

Originally Posted by del

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.

Apologies del!
Chris Bangle has indeed been "promoted" (i.e. fired) from direct styling responsibility for all future BMW models.

Thread here

Guess that answers the old vs. new debate

[Neutrino]

Well as an update R&T published some spy photos of some upcoming BMW models.

Sorry for the pic quality but my scanner is not set up so i had to se my digital camera. And of course i could not find the pics on the R&T website.

Those are pics of the upcoming 4 series (coupe version of future 3 series)



cabrio version of the future 3 series



2 series coupe



IMO finally BMW got back on the right track especially with these new 4 series and of course the 3 series since it will look very similar

the convertible looks even better than the Z4

I'm not too sure about the 2 series though, for some strange reason the back end of it reminds me of the RSX

[crayzayjay]

Interesting designs. There's a lot of 6-series in the 4, which looks a little slab-sided to me and the headlights strike me as a little cartoonish. The proportions are more or less right though. Im with you on the resemblence between the 2 and the RSX, but i like the 2 overall.

[freakonaleash1187]

i really like the new designs of the bmw's. it seems they are more smoother and sleek looking to me. i also agree that the 2 does look like the rsx.

[crayzayjay]

See that's where i disagree. The 4 looks too fat imo

[freakonaleash1187]

the 4 does seem a little big for a 2-door (reminds me of a toyota solara cuz its a big 2-door also). but other than that, it has some striking designs. the 2 series is my fav cuz it is small. does anybody know what engines come with these cars?

[crayzayjay]

The 4-series is rumoured to be topped by a 432is, with the M4 having a V8.

The top 2-series will supposedly have a 240bhp (off the top of my head but i think it's right) 4-pot.

[panzershreck]

classic for good reasons

[syr74]

Yeah, you definately are not doing the new 5 or 6 any favors by showing them with their predecessors Panzer. The 8-Series makes the 6-Series look like something the cat drug in. And, the last two generations of 5-Series are enormously more attractive than the new 5.

The new 4 Series is a step back in the right direction IMHO.

[crayzayjay]

8-series > new 6

[justacruiser]

I don't like the way the new ones look. The old ones looked mean as hell! (even in the Junkyard! )

[ghetto7o2azn]

i agree the classic bmw's look the best... the only design i like is the new z4 compared to the z3....

[Rakshas]

I like the new designs more aggressive looks. Makes my older bimmers look a little sleepy.

Only exception is the 8 series and the 6. The 8 series Is , was and always will be one of my favorite cars. The six comes close but the 8 is still better.

Having said that the 6 is so far the best new design out.