Beauty or Beast? BMW's Design Evolution and the Love-hate Relationship with its new Looks
My love affair with BMW began when I got my first car—a 1994 e34 BMW 525i. It was a thing of beauty, with its clean lines, elegant proportions, and an air of understated luxury that made me feel like I was driving on clouds. I was smitten. However, today's BMW designs have left me feeling more heartbroken than head over heels. How did we go from the gorgeous cars of yesteryear to the polarizing and, dare I say, hideous creations of today? Let's delve into BMW's design evolution and see where things took a turn for the worse.
BMW's Design Heyday: When Everything Was Just Right:
There was a time when BMW designs were the epitome of elegance and grace. With models like the 2002, the E30 3 Series, and the E39 5 Series, the automaker became synonymous with clean lines, balanced proportions, and an air of understated luxury that turned heads without shouting. Those were the good ol' days.
Enter the Bangle Era: A Love-Hate Relationship Begins:
In the early 2000s, BMW decided it was time for a change and brought in chief designer Chris Bangle to shake things up. And shake things up he did! The "flame surfacing" design language was born, bringing with it a cacophony of complex shapes and polarizing features—hello, "Bangle Butt" on the E65 7 Series. While some appreciated the bold new direction, others were left longing for the days of sleek simplicity. Bangle recently wrote a piece in Forbes suggesting that car design must be reinvented.
Behold the Grille-zilla: BMW's Controversial Makeover:
Fast forward to the present day, and BMW has taken a design leap that's left many car enthusiasts shaking their heads in disbelief. The massive, larger-than-life kidney grilles on models like the 4 Series and the iX electric SUV have caused an uproar, sparking heated debates and even inspiring memes poking fun at their controversial design choices. Is this the same BMW we once knew and loved?
Brand Identity Crisis: Who Are You, BMW?
With these daring design choices, BMW seems to be straying from its roots of sophistication and timeless appeal, causing an identity crisis of sorts. Have they lost their way in a bid to stand out in a crowded luxury automotive market? And more importantly, can they find their way back to the classic design language that made them a household name?
BMW's Design Future: To Boldly Go Where No Bimmer Has Gone Before?
Predicting the future of BMW's design is like trying to guess the outcome of a high-stakes poker game. Will they double down on their controversial design choices, or will they revert to the classic, sleek lines that once defined the brand? As consumer preferences and technology continue to evolve, it's anyone's guess what the future holds for the Ultimate Driving Machine.
So, there you have it. BMW's design journey has taken some wild turns in recent years, leaving fans and critics in a love-hate relationship with their new models. As we watch the drama unfold, we can't help but wonder whether BMW's latest design escapades will be remembered as a daring and visionary move, or a facepalm-worthy moment in the brand's storied history. For now, all we can do is buckle up and enjoy the ride.