[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Fuller

It's hard to predict how it'll sell when it's available though. I mean, I can't understand how Toyota could even sell one Prius, yet they're everywhere. Our opinions aren't necessarily representative of the broader market, and neither are our friends, or bimmerpost.

Exactly!

[MFNATIK]

BMW and Audi shuffled their deck chairs by swapping designers and engineers. These moves have brought us AWD M cars and gigantic grilles. Too bad it didn't get us any M wagons like the RS6 Avant.

We also saw this happen at Kia when they strategically hired Albert Biermann and Peter Leclerq, so it's no surprise Kia's started to become better driving cars and got styling cues that resembled BMW's kidney grilles and fender vents. Maybe this also why BMW had to change their grille design to re-distinguish themselves?

As for Audi's influence, I'm ok with the AWD since it's rear wheel biased and great for increased traction, but damn, I'm not buying these new grilles. We have definitely witnessed a paradigm shift to Audi inspired design. Only time will tell if this is the dawn of a new era or an end to classic BMW design as we've known it. People will vote with their pocketbooks and BMW will react one way or another. Personally Audi's have never appealed to me. That's why I'm on my 18th BMW and most likely my last for now.

[emre]

I will be at Frankfurt IAA on Friday to see the grilles in person.

I don't like what i see in the photos, but I will see on Friday if they are any less disturbing in the metal.

[bimmerfile]

This could all be a clever ploy by the BMW Marketing Dept to ensure they sell out the final year current gen 4-series production.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

This could all be a clever ploy by the BMW Marketing Dept to ensure they sell out the final year current gen 4-series production.

I'd be buying one if I didn't already have one

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

This could all be a clever ploy by the BMW Marketing Dept to ensure they sell out the final year current gen 4-series production.

It's not!!!

[speedmaster20d]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/06/bm...-other-models/

Well this didn't happen. But this may...

love this buddy!

[J-RO]

Originally Posted by Wmzorba09

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/06/bm...-other-models/

Well this didn't happen. But this may...

According to that article it appears that BMW is designing these grilles to appeal to China and the Middle East. Maybe they should consider different grilles for different markets.

[TodmordenLad]

Love my F36. That's all I have to say on the matter

[clee1982]

All rights almost 50 pages now, when are we going to see "real" street car release?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by clee1982

All rights almost 50 pages now, when are we going to see "real" street car release?

If there are leaks, perhaps as early as November of this year. Sort of like this from seven years ago:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=767418

Or, if not that early, maybe by March 2020:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=818697

But official pictures probably won't be available until June 2020, when you'll see a thread like this one:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=853135

[wuzupfoo]

Originally Posted by 3284me

Radical design may be what BWM needs. Lexus has done it for years and despite their big ugly grills is leading all luxury makers in sales.

Thats a bit different tho.. their cars really sell on industry leading reliability. Unless this thing is the boss performance and feel wise. Which then it will sell because of that.

But I will agree with you maybe they need this design change to bring in new buyers. Either way I want to see this IRL on a production model before I completely abandon the idea of this car.

[SCOTT26]

What stage are we at now? Denial? Bordering on Acceptance?

[stefan]

Originally Posted by solstice

I don’t think they are forcing themselves at all. Designers like to design and create and as long as they stay within regulations there is no forcing, especially not for a company that pride themselves to “lead never follow”. Read the original post by Jason on the 1st page and you’ll understand that BMW is all in on this design and everything about it is carefully thought out. Good designers when getting enough freedom create for the future not the past. Instead of being forced I see the concept as the opposite, a result of artistic freedom.

...but they are clearly following. Didn't a BMW exec say the customers "want bigger grilles"? BMW had a distinct look and it now seems to be a mashup of a few different brands. I get this is a BMW forum still, but do you seriously not see the conflicting design languages? The front 3/4 is where it all comes smashing together disjointedly. It looks ridiculous and doesn't have the excuse of being functional. Adrian van Hooydonk himself once said that minimalistic lines create a timeless look which is important to BMW.

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What stage are we at now? Denial? Bordering on Acceptance?

Amnesia?

I haven't forgot.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by stefan

I haven't forgot.

My favorite 3 series and m3 design.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by stefan

I haven't forgot.

Love the E46 coupe and silver grey is another favorite of mine. My F80 is a handsome car as well. But today I’d have the 4 series concept over any of them. The E46 and F80 are beautiful but dated and the design belong in the past. The new 4 series concept is fresh, bold and designed for the next 10 years where it will need to stand up against the design revolution the EVs will bring. EVs has huge packaging advantages with opportunities for very beautiful and unusual designs. If you are shocked by the 4 series concept hold on tight, since it’s likely to be seen as conservative before it’s life cycle ends.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by stefan

I haven't forgot.

That car came along after the E46 was "accepted".

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What stage are we at now? Denial? Bordering on Acceptance?

The market or BMW?

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What stage are we at now? Denial? Bordering on Acceptance?

Some are still in denial. I saved a seat for them at the table though.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

What stage are we at now? Denial? Bordering on Acceptance?

Was initially surprised at how awful it looked but indifferent now as I know I won't be buying one when I come to change my car in a year's time

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by solstice

Love the E46 coupe and silver grey is another favorite of mine. My F80 is a handsome car as well. But today I'd have the 4 series concept over any of them. The E46 and F80 are beautiful but dated and the design belong in the past. The new 4 series concept is fresh, bold and designed for the next 10 years where it will need to stand up against the design revolution the EVs will bring. EVs has huge packaging advantages with opportunities for very beautiful and unusual designs. If you are shocked by the 4 series concept hold on tight, since it's likely to be seen as conservative before it's life cycle ends.

You make some valid points backed by rationale. Many people are so focused on now, and not on what's coming.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

You make some valid points backed by rationale. Many people are so focused on now, and not on what's coming.

I understand your point, but when I'm in the market for a new car, I'm pretty focused on "now". I want it to look stylish and sporty the day I drive it away from the dealership. I don't want it looking fugly as a way of softening me up for what might come years down the line!! :