[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by CP911

Yes, but the differences between those M cars and the standard series cars were very subtle. Basically just the edges/sides of the grille were different, but the basic shape was essentially the same. This seems to be a much larger departure from the regular 3-series.

The E9x M3 and F8x M3/M4 shared parts with the E92 3 Series and F32 4 Series respectively. That won't change with this generation. That is to say, the reason the M4 is getting the taller grill is because the 4 Series is getting the taller grill, and the reason the M3 is getting that same grill is because it borrows the front end from the coupe family. As such, the difference between the front end of the M3/M4 and the 4 Series will likely be much the same as in past generations (wider fenders, different bumper styling with larger air intakes).

Those semantics aside, it may very well be the case that the 4 Series (and, formerly, the 3 Series coupe) styling is the most distinct from the 3 Series sedan that it has ever been. It certainly does look as though that will be the case given that the G20 has very short wide grill while the G22 will have a narrow tall grill.

To me it is unfortunate that the M3 must, once again, inherit from the coupe lineage. It may not be the only reason, but it certainly plays a role in the later-than-necessary launch date. The F90 M5 was on the market within a year of the G30. The G80 M3 will trail the G20 by at least a year and a half, and it is looking like it will be closer to two years (that is, together with the G82, sometime after the G22 arrives).

[montegoblue_e92]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Maybe...

Attachment 2038859

Now THIS would be awesome!!

[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by montegoblue_e92

Now THIS would be awesome!!

This look awsome.
And seeing the classic E39 a page or so back, the kidneys look to small actually. The new X5 have the correct size for a modern BMW. The kidney on this Consept looks close to perfect, a M can be bold and look classy at the same time, if done right.
The haters are jumping ship to soon imo.

[ashkgerd2]

I think what he is trying to tell us is that it will look disgusting.

[Cortexiphan]

I think bigger grills look very distinct, I love them...
There is no rule that says 'big grills are bad for X'. There's only resistance to change, and internet whiners.
I love this design trend an I think if M3 that looks even remotely like this, that would be amazing, and would be the most distinct and coolest 3 series design ever.

[The Choosey begger]

This is what we want, not bugs bunny big teeth!

[The Choosey begger]

Not this

[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by montegoblue_e92

Now THIS would be awesome!!

This look awsome.
And seeing the classic E39 a page or so back, the kidneys look to small actually. The new X5 have the correct size for a modern BMW. The kidney on this Consept looks close to perfect, a M can be bold and look classy at the same time, if done right.
The haters are jumping ship to soon imo.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Cortexiphan

I think bigger grills look very distinct, I love them...
There is no rule that says 'big grills are bad for X'. There's only resistance to change, and internet whiners.
I love this design trend an I think if M3 that looks even remotely like this, that would be amazing, and would be the most distinct and coolest 3 series design ever.

Looks like a beaver, which isn't a bad thing if you like beavers.

[jdhiro]

Originally Posted by Rogue916

Just did a quick and crappy mock-up of an alpine white with performance black grilles...

Looks great - ship it!!

[SCOTT26]

It works extremely well on the 4er. So with the M's wider track and broader wheel arches it's going to have a unique identity but offer something entirely new whilst at the same time being far more distinctive and aggressive than any other M3 before it.

[DRKNEVL]

I am not sure I read the OP correctly but god no, please stop with these ridiculous grills!

[unc879wins]

Good news is you can now receive a DirecTv signal from the grille.

[yayaya]

Is the G80 going to have a bumper through the grills like the concept? Awful

[pyrat15]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

It works extremely well on the 4er. So with the M's wider track and broader wheel arches it's going to have a unique identity but offer something entirely new whilst at the same time being far more distinctive and aggressive than any other M3 before it.

Sounds promising. I just hope that it will not have this hideous gap above the BMW logo where the hood ends - Scott: could you maybe confirm that BMW (as on the other G models) finally said goodbye to this hood-line? Unfortunately, the 4er G22 on the pic below seems to have such a design. Hopefully that will change, as it it's still a prototype.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by chris82

Looks like a beaver, which isn't a bad thing if you like beavers.

well dam.

[montegoblue_e92]

Originally Posted by pyrat15

Sounds promising. I just hope that it will not have this hideous gap above the BMW logo where the hood ends - Scott: could you maybe confirm that BMW (as on the other G models) finally said goodbye to this hood-line? Unfortunately, the 4er G22 on the pic below seems to have such a design. Hopefully that will change, as it it's still a prototype.

I'm curious to know this as well. I know this is a concept car, but the hood line shown here seems pretty reasonable...

[mtrack]

There is one main reason for this tall flat front bumper trend, European Pedestrian Safety Standards. I try to keep an open mind and am not averse to changing my mind about a design or, performance element that I don't think will work at first blush. But, I don't like these large tall grills period.. I don't like the front of my sports car/sports sedan flat. When you have to design the whole front of your car around the possibility that it might come into contact with a pedestrian and, it's impact on the pedestrian when that happens, how it looks and how it cuts through the air is going to be majorly affected. I didn't like the large tall grill element when it was used by Audi and the "preditor" mouth grill implemented by Lexus. I also am not thrilled with the elimination of the DCT transmission and all wheel drive purported for the new M3/M4. I would like a rear driven DCT car with a small grill and more wedge shaped front end. Oh, and as little turbo lag as possible. I'm on my 3rd F8X M car, they are the best value in a Euro performance car out there I/M/O., I'm far from a "hater." There is no denying that turbos produce tremendous torque but, I still miss the type of throttle response and sound of N/A engines. Regulation makes it harder every year for manufactures to build something that's light and aerodynamic. Use of Electric motors will increase instant throttle response so technology can help, but there's weight penalties for battery usage and a lot of complication when mating the electric drive technology to an internal combustion engine. Complication equals expensive parts and labor cost when repair is needed. No stopping technological advancement or, it seems regulation. Doesn't mean I have to accept every change with glee though. I'm really not happy about these tall grill designs and I don't think my opinion is going to change on this one.

[xlover]

Originally Posted by pyrat15

Sounds promising. I just hope that it will not have this hideous gap above the BMW logo where the hood ends - Scott: could you maybe confirm that BMW (as on the other G models) finally said goodbye to this hood-line? Unfortunately, the 4er G22 on the pic below seems to have such a design. Hopefully that will change, as it it's still a prototype.

Looking at These images from the M3 spy shots the hood line isnt as strait as that 4 series mule but nor does it appear to go right to the kidneys... but something entirely different.

due to the new design it looks to almost zig zag up and down.... almost like the hood is going to have 2 power domes that run right up to the grill like the iconcept

[Weiman]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

Remember when kidney grilles actually looked like kidney grilles?

You mean like this?



No, I don't remember that.

[SCOTT26]

For a closer look.
But I will place these in the 4er G22 thread if you want to see them all.

[blisstik]

I see the trend. Eventually it will be the letter M in a grill.