[mofomat]

Originally Posted by solstice

What the evidence does say is that a controversial design does not in itself automatically equal low sales volume.

Define "low sales volume".

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Exactly! ....and when this controversial design sells

Define "sells".


The only way you can definitively conclude how the grill affects sales is for BMW to sell two models. One with this grill, and one with an alternative and more palatable grill as a no-cost option. That's obviously not going to happen, so nobody, not even BMW, will be in a position to know TRULY how the new grill affects sales.

All they can do is go with one option and if it meets their own internal sales goals, then it will be deemed a success. But you can't declare something is a success without a benchmark. This is basic scientific theory!

For the record, I think it's a good idea to go with this grill. Whether it looks good is secondary. It's shaking things up a bit, which is a good thing.

[kern417]

It's really easy if you're in the know. They have sales projections. If it's below projections, there would be a lot of problems. That's why models get cancelled, design changes are made, and new models get introduced. They don't arbitrarily assume sales numbers are "good enough."

Changes like these are introduced because people complain for years about things like "My M3 doesn't feel special enough" or "it's too similar to other 3-series." Doesn't mean we'll like the direction they choose. But when they send out customer surveys and 1/100 say they actually take their car to the track, expect their focus to shift.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by georgere

This I will buy. Current two is uglied by BMW on purpose. Still a good car but they tried to add design elements only mother would love

I actually like the current 2 series design. Admittedly, the new generation would look even better if it took cues from the above. That would also focus the 2 series into a more sporting niche, for better and worse. Better for those of us who appreciate a sports coupe, worse over all for sales since they might lose some of those who buy them for a compact daily.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Fuller

I actually like the current 2 series design. Admittedly, the new generation would look even better if it took cues from the above. That would also focus the 2 series into a more sporting niche, for better and worse. Better for those of us who appreciate a sports coupe, worse over all for sales since they might lose some of those who buy them for a compact daily.

The normal 2-series doesn't sell well anyways so its a miracle they haven't discontinued it all together or made it FWD like its 4-door siblings.

My only problem with the current 2 is that they need to put it on a diet, its too heavy for a small 2-door. And then the only other issues are really the modern BMW BS like steering feel, and all that good stuff.

[Jason]

Updated April 21, 2020 with first look at M Performance Parts

The G22 4 Series has now been spotted fitted with some M Performance Parts. This prototype features the usual M Performance front spoiler lip, sideskirts, brakes, and for the first time - wing canards on the front bumper.

G22 4 Series M Performance Parts

[solstice]

Originally Posted by Jason

Updated April 21, 2020 with first look at M Performance Parts

The G22 4 Series has now been spotted fitted with some M Performance Parts. This prototype features the usual M Performance front spoiler lip, sideskirts, brakes, and for the first time - wing canards on the front bumper.

The bold grille require equally bold aero, looks like a nice upgrade.

[bmrm396]

Originally Posted by solstice

The bold grille require equally bold aero, looks like a nice upgrade.

Ur joking right? Point out something "bold" here. These are the most afterthought uninspiring and trash M performance pieces I've seen outta bmw. Clearly goin the route of just lookin for a money grab on here. Very unimpressed.

[Gold333]

It looks like a dog with its own balls in its mouth


I think for the first time, there is no guarantee that objective aesthetics will improve with each new generation of BMW.

Like objectively, the difference between a good sculptor or painter and a very bad one.

The front of the new BMW looks, objectively, hideous. There is no continuity of lines, use of negative spaces, room to breathe in ratio, leading the eye, etc.

There are people who will buy it, people who cannot discern aesthetics. Like a Saudi prince who thinks a gold toilet is “class”. People who can not tell the difference between a Caravaggio and a Mondriaan.

But this is the second time in recent history that I have seen a new generation of car look worse than the previous.

It happened in the past, sure, but the new car design was obviously more refined, nuanced, impressive, wide, low, new and better than the previous, even if it had “ugly parts”.

This new car seems to be objectively uglier in total.

E89 - G29 all over again.

[snareman]

I do like the angular exhaust pipes

[mbanck]

First technical specs and preproduction first drive reviews:

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1715733

[snareman]

Still seems odd to me that they had a professional photoshoot on a camo'd car.

[famarm]

That's exactly what I thought, I don't remember it happened before.

[kern417]

I've seen it from other manufacturers, though I can't pull up any examples. But you see Chris Harris, Carfection, etc. do reviews in cars that aren't fully revealed yet so it has camo on the exterior and dash while they're driving it. It makes sense that the OEM would do the reveal at that level before lifting embargo for journalists.

Edit: Another Car & Driver Example
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-drive-review/

[mofomat]

Originally Posted by famarm

That's exactly what I thought, I don't remember it happened before.

You must have been living under a rock for the last two years.

[famarm]

Originally Posted by mofomat

You must have been living under a rock for the last two years.

Yes you're right.
I hope to do a driving test quite soon.

[kiwirick]

Originally Posted by Gold333

The front of the new BMW looks, objectively, hideous. There is no continuity of lines, use of negative spaces, room to breathe in ratio, leading the eye, etc.

There are people who will buy it, people who cannot discern aesthetics. Like a Saudi prince who thinks a gold toilet is “class”. People who can not tell the difference between a Caravaggio and a Mondriaan.

But this is the second time in recent history that I have seen a new generation of car look worse than the previous.

It happened in the past, sure, but the new car design was obviously more refined, nuanced, impressive, wide, low, new and better than the previous, even if it had “ugly parts”.

This new car seems to be objectively uglier in total.

Unfortunately, I think you're right. BMW could perhaps learn from history : the Ford Edsel also had a grotesque grille. Look what happened to that car.

[iAlexander]

Nice job BMW... Instead of taming the grille down let's slap a plate on top of it? Not like the loss of air flow will hurt anything — The grille is already 90% looks and 10% function. They need to make a Chinese specific bumper/grille. I haven't heard but a couple people share positive sentiment toward it.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by iAlexander

Nice job BMW... Instead of taming the grille down let's slap a plate on top of it? Not like the loss of air flow will hurt anything — The grille is already 90% looks and 10% function. They need to make a Chinese specific bumper/grille. I haven't heard but a couple people share positive sentiment toward it.

Not having counted it seems that the majority of bimmerposters who have actually seen the concept 4 IRL at the Welt don’t mind the grill. I.e. don’t panic until you see the whole car IRL.

[J-RO]

Originally Posted by iAlexander

Nice job BMW... Instead of taming the grille down let's slap a plate on top of it? Not like the loss of air flow will hurt anything — The grille is already 90% looks and 10% function. They need to make a Chinese specific bumper/grille. I haven't heard but a couple people share positive sentiment toward it.

They can call it the Corona grille.

[Jason]

May 13, 2020 -- M440i Coupe and Convertible In Action

[Zirenz2006]

Reveal it already!

[R N M]

Is that CF roof or glass on the coupe?
Seems to be very planted.