[lan4]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

The E46 and E90 interiors were both ahead of all the competition in design, quality of materials, and fit and finish. When the F30 came out, the interior certainly wasn't "bad" but it was clear that BMW had gotten complacent since the interior was near identical to that of the E90 with a few added curves. The competition has not only caught up but has overtaken BMW in the interior department.

So what should be the saving grace of the 3-series? The driving experience right? That should still make it a worthwhile purchase over the likes of the A4 and C-class shouldn't it?

Well when I drove all of them I found they feel nearly identical. BMW is playing to the lowest common denominator and there is simply no good reason left to purchase the 3-series over the competition. I suppose it still has looks on its side, but with the right options the A4 and C-class look pretty nice as well. Having owned an E90 since 2008 and seeing that nearly a decade later the only advantage the F30 and upcoming G20 will have over my E90 is some more modern tech, that's not enough to keep me loyal to the 3-series! My car is in mint condition inside and out and the latest 3-series' are just marginally better cars but are inferior BMWs. A royal shame indeed.

Totally agree. Have owned or leased many BMW's (1's, 3's and 5's) during the last 20 years. E90/92 was the high water mark for the 3 in my opinion. While I really like my F80 M3, the loaner F30 328's I have driven were just horrible. Buzzy, floating handling, numb steering, etc. No offense intended to those that own them. Not sure where BMW is heading other than the Toyota of Germany. Sad result of globalization I guess.

[Blubaron79]

RIP real tailpipes

[Geo_335]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

those exhaust tips are awful. bring us back real exhaust tips that are round and welded to the pipe.. thankfully it looks fixable with an aftermarket diffuser with proper round cutouts.

I'm holding out hope that these don't make it to production...

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Hope they keep those exhaust tips.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I also have a gripe with the tachometer. Why is 3/4 of it digital and 1/4 of it analog? Cost cutting? That's retarded.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

This could look good. Still too early to make it out, but i hope it turns out way better than the G30 did. BMW needs to step up their designs.

Some people dont like MBs new design lenguage, but i give them kudos for trying something away from this "evolution" trend thats going on. If only they differentiated more between models, would've been even better.

A few years back I wouldn't even consider other brands, but with BMW making those facelifts, and some poor decision making on models, focusing on whatever makes them sell more, definitely makes me look away to other brands.

Its ok to pursue profit, but you cant just leave what once made the brand recognized for that. Step it up guys. Competition isnt the same anymore.

[tallshortguy]

Originally Posted by T!m@

Looks like kia. Bmw officially dead for me

Originally Posted by lan4

Bigger and uglier with every generation. Sales aren't hurting however, so it must be me.

lol how do you people even know what it looks like when it's heavily camouflaged?

Oh well, the less crazy people driving BMWs the better I suppose.

[kevinlevrone]

Looks like the new 3-series has a great stance, looks more compact than the F30, nose is not botched and dived, the hood doesn't have the stupid straight line, profile looks (very) sporty, basically it has all the ingredients to look great. I really hope BMW does not ruin the front and rear end, I will need to replace my 2009 E90 and this looks like it has the potential to be the 3-series everyone is waiting. I suppose hydraulic steering is out of question, but I just hate the electric steering feel of new BMWs (and I drove all of them including the F80 M3).

If not, I will just choose the Alfa Giulia and be done with BMW.

[TodmordenLad]

As many have pointed out, a nasty pair of MB style exhaust tips. But hey, you can get used to anything if you try hard enough . I even liked my E61 after a while!! (Actually it was the best driving BMW I've owned)

[BimmerMat135]

I think it will end up being a better driver car than the F30 like the G30 seem to be better than the F10. Can't wait to see the G21.

[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

I think it will end up being a better driver car than the F30 like the G30 seem to be better than the F10. Can't wait to see the G21.

Exactly, what may look like a small change on the outside, is really a bigger change underneath. The G30 is what the F10 was supposed to be from the start, better handling, lighter and more like a drivers car, so will the G20 also be i i think.
Looking decent as of now, long way to go still.

[rainfall]

Let me guess: bigger, longer wheelbase to accommodate back passengers. More boring.

[lan4]

Originally Posted by tallshortguy

lol how do you people even know what it looks like when it's heavily camouflaged?

Oh well, the less crazy people driving BMWs the better I suppose.

Oh, I see, people who don't share your opinion about the styling of a new BMW are "crazy"? Take a deep breath.

[Eddien123]

Those tailpipes are awful

[tallshortguy]

Originally Posted by lan4

Oh, I see, people who don't share your opinion about the styling of a new BMW are "crazy"? Take a deep breath.

Where did I say that? I said you two seem to be crazy for judging seemingly as a final product the styling of a car that's almost totally camouflaged. That much is laid out very clearly in my post.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

As many have pointed out, a nasty pair of MB style exhaust tips. But hey, you can get used to anything if you try hard enough . I even liked my E61 after a while!! (Actually it was the best driving BMW I've owned)

I don't mind the MB style exhaust. It looks very elegant, yet it's very sporty.

[raysspl]

Center screen got bigger. Not a bad thing at all. Now, if we can only get larger front & rear legroom, that would be great

[Jblack4083]

Those tailpipes might be the reason I hop off the 3-series bandwagon.

Of course though, I fully expect my next car to be another M, and I fully expect BMW to use REAL, elliptical, tailpipes for that vehicle.

[T!m3]

Originally Posted by tallshortguy

lol how do you people even know what it looks like when it's heavily camouflaged?

Oh well, the less crazy people driving BMWs the better I suppose.

And when people says it looks amazing it's ok, cause camo disappears? Right?
Listen, dude, it's just my opinion. Okay? Can I have it? Thanks.

[tallshortguy]

Originally Posted by T!m@

And when people says it looks amazing it's ok, cause camo disappears? Right?
Listen, dude, it's just my opinion. Okay? Can I have it? Thanks.

Did I tell you you weren't allowed to post? I'm not sure where you think I'm denying your right to an opinion. My opinion is that anyone saying judging as a finality a car's looks when you can't see much of anything is crazy.

[Cammy5]

Interesting that this test mule has xenon projectors. It seems BMW is either sticking you with base model halogen reflectors or full LED reflectors. Weird that xenon projectors still (might) be an option.

[SCOTT26]

G21 Prototypes imminent.