Paul Horrell: Perhaps history might help us because we’ve been in this situation before. Our world was rocked by the 2001 BMW 7 Series. Everyone was halted in their tracks by its jowly face, slabby sides, and grotesquely stepped back. Anyone who went behind the wheel was immediately confronted by the original iDrive and its ferociously steep learning curve. It was a maze of incomprehensible menu hierarchies that could only be navigated using the selector wheel and no shortcut buttons at all.
With a new face at the top of its lineup, BMW is now taking another risky step. What a face, too! It’s like those passengers who travel between Nice and Geneva, Malaga and Frankfurt and emerge from the first-class lounges. Pinched eyes, upper lips that seemed oddly swollen, and orange-tanned skin pulled taut across the cheekbones. Whitened teeth sparkle in the pricey sunlight as they shout into their mobile phones with their mouths open. The vulgarity of expensive cosmetic surgery can be devastating. Please inform BMW.
This face-lifted 7 Series isn’t the first regrettable instance of a surgeon’s blade going a little too far. At BMW, nothing ever happens unless it’s a part of a larger plan. The 8 Series GT sedans and the X7 enormous-SUV round out a trio of top-of-the-line vehicles that already includes the 7 Series. They all have the same facial features. Similar driver interfaces, jewelry, and materials can be found inside.
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BMW Must Immediately Change Its Design Language
Nowadays, a lot of words come to mind whenever a new BMW is mentioned. Today, the term is “bad design.”
BMW once manufactured some of the most attractive vehicles on the road. The BMW Z1, the E30 M3, and other gorgeous BMWs from earlier decades, such the Z8 and i8, are just a few examples of the incredible automobiles from the 1980s. One of the most recognizable and attractive vehicles in the brand’s lineup is the M1 Coupe alone. BMW once produced some absolutely bizarre-looking vehicles. The design department appears to have undergone a significant seismic shift during the past few years.
Nowadays, a lot of words come to mind whenever a new BMW is mentioned. One of them is frequently disgusting. There is no disputing that BMW’s most recent design trend, with their absolutely massive and numerous other design components, is a bit excessive. The business, however, does not perceive it that way. BMW feels justified in sticking with its existing design stance, and they appear to be under greater pressure than ever to do so. However, the BMW design aesthetic must evolve. And quickly.
What sets BMW apart?
Some automobiles have attractive exteriors but lack the power to compete. Other vehicles are functional but not particularly attractive. BMW makes a point of designing exquisitely constructed cars that are of the highest caliber. One of the best all-wheel-drive systems in the world is that of BMW. Their BMW will gladly traverse most terrains, including snow and off-road situations, for those adventure seekers. The inside features luxurious leather seats that are as pleasant as the outside. The automobile also has cutting-edge electronics inside.
Although there are numerous vehicles in its class that may compete with the BMW, they often lack the comforts that come with owning one. You should own a BMW because it has a certain vibe when people get in, plus it’s just more enjoyable to drive than many of its rivals. Visit your neighborhood dealership right away to learn more!
Who oversees design for BMW?
Adrian van Hooydonk, a Dutch automotive designer and the Design Director of the BMW Group, was born on June 21, 1964, in Echt, Limburg. His residence is in Munich, Germany.
Where are BMWs created?
BMW is produced in five separate nations. BMW has production plants in Germany, Mexico, China, South Africa, and the United States.
Which is more popular, Mercedes or BMW?
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BMW and Mercedes-Benz are two well-known premium automakers whose rivalry has been notable up to this point. The two high-end automakers have encouraged one another to create advancements in terms of technology, performance, and safety features. BMW, though, seems to be outpacing Mercedes-Benz despite a number of obstacles. BMW beat Mercedes-Benz to claim the title of top premium automobile brand in the world last year.
BMW won the premium market with positive sales growth last year compared to 2020, while Mercedes — excluding its Smart and vans — saw a 5% decline in global sales of automobile units.
What does the I after BMW stand for?
You might have seen the designations 530i, 540i, or M550i on a 5 series sedan. The performance of the engine increases with the size of the last two digits in the number. A 540i, for example, will have greater power than a 530i. Originally, this number was directly related to the engine’s litre capacity; however, it is now used to denote overall power.
The fuel type is indicated by the letter at the end of each vehicle’s name. Gas models are identified by a “i,” diesel vehicles by a “d,” and plug-in hybrids by a “e.” BMW’s electric I Models feature a “i” before the digits in the car name, which is confusing. Therefore, a BMW 330i is gas-powered whereas a BMW i4 from 2022 is electric.
The BMW Hofmeister kink, what is it?
The Hofmeister kink, also known as Hofmeister-Knick, is a rearward/forward angle found near the base of the rearmost pillar in vehicles. It was on vehicles manufactured by various brands prior to Wilhelm Hofmeister’s time as BMW’s design director from 1955 to 1970, but it bears his name.
Some 1949-model 2-door General Motors vehicles with this design characteristic included the Cadillac Club Coupe, Buick Sedanette, Chevrolet Fleetline (Buick and Oldsmobile had comparable body designs), 1958 Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato, and 1961 Lancia Flavia Coupe.
It was initially used in the BMW 3200 CS and BMW 1500, which were unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1961 and afterwards named after Wilhelm Hofmeister, the company’s then-director of design.
Even though the Hofmeister kink is frequently connected to BMW vehicles, similar C-pillar kinks have been spotted on vehicles from many different manufactures for a long time. There is a noticeable Hofmeister kink on the 1951 Kaiser Deluxe Golden Dragon. The 1974 Volkswagen Golf Mk1, 1977 Fiat 127 Series II, and 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS all exhibit a Hofmeister kink.
Who produces the BMW engines?
For Mercedes Benz India and BMW-India, Force Motors produces high-performance, premium-quality engines and axles.
Force Motors has provided more than 1,15,000 engines and 1,00,000 axles to Mercedes Benz India to date. The front and rear axles of the C, E, and S class passenger cars as well as the GL Class SUVs have been added to this portfolio. This covers the 4 and 6 cylinder V-type gasoline and diesel engines, which are used to power the whole lineup of cars and SUVs produced by Mercedes Benz India.
BMW tasked Force Motors in 2015 with building and testing the engines for all cars and SUVs that would be manufactured in India. To develop and supply engines for their 3, 5, 7, GT series cars and X1, X3, X5 series SUVs made in India, Force Motors established a specialized state-of-the-art plant in Chennai next to the BMW factory. Over 44,000 engines have now been provided by Force Motors to BMW.
What does BMW’s M stand for?
The word “Motorsport” refers to the BMW M Series, which was initially developed to support BMW’s racing program. Over time, the BMW M program started to add customized vehicle models to its roster, which are now accessible to the general public.
The BMW logo is white and blue, but why?
White and blue, the colors of the German State of Bavaria, where BMW is based, are the first clue to the logo’s meaning. The BMW logo, complete with the four colored quadrants, is shown on a spinning airplane propeller in a 1929 BMW advertisement.
Why was the grille so large on the BMW?
The BMW 303’s radiator grille was large because it was necessary to be. The engine only received air in that manner. This kind of grille size became unnecessary throughout the years as engine cooling requirements and available resources altered. It is now undoubtedly and mostly a decision of aesthetics for brand identity.
Who creates the best automobiles?
The design of Lamborghini’s cars over the years may be what best defines the brand. It may have almost entirely created and established the wedge-shape supercar zeitgeist, with all others mostly following suit. And it owes Marcello Gandini—quite literally—everything. Despite being a specialized field, Gandini is a well-known name. He established the design language for Lamborghini beginning with the Miura and continuing through the Countach and Diablo.
But he’s not just one Bull pony. Gandini worked on a wide range of projects, including the Bugatti EB110 prototypes, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T and the Renault 5 Turbo, as well as various Maseratis and Lamborghinis. Some of the greatest cars ever created, drawn by the same hand. You’ll probably agree that automobile design royalty.
What is the name for car designers?
Automotive designers, also referred to as automotive stylists, are specialized industrial designers that use their aesthetic talent and technical expertise in mechanics, production, and materials to enhance the appearance, ergonomics, and aerodynamic design of automobiles. They may serve as consultants or have full-time jobs with automakers. In the United States, there are about 39,700 industrial designers working, including automobile designers.
Chris Bangle worked at BMW for how long?
After 16 years with the German carmaker, Chris Bangle, who served as head of design for BMW and became one of the most renowned and despised car designers in automotive history, abruptly announced his resignation.
The g80 m3 was created by who?
If you didn’t know, Chris Bangle is an American car designer who took over as BMW’s Chief of Design in 1992. His influence as Chief of Design extended to the Z series, the 1, 3, 5, 6, and even 7 Series, as well as the X3, X5, and X6.
He also created the renowned BMW GINA concept car. So it goes without saying that he significantly influenced the design language of the majority of BMWs at the time. What you might not know (or might know, depending on how much of a BMW-phile you are) is that quite a few brand enthusiasts were unhappy with the back ends of the vehicles when the Bangle period BMWs initially appeared, and many moons thereafter. The finest example is the E65 7 Series.
In fact, there are still passionate arguments for and against this period in BMW’s design history. Some applauded the brand’s courageous foray into unfamiliar area and willingness to pave the way for a fresh design aesthetic, hailing the design revolution. Others bemoaned the fact that it deviates too much from BMW’s design philosophy.
Mind you, this is the same period that established the framework for a larger 7 Series. The E60 5 Series was also produced during this time period. Given all of that, ask yourself: “Has this design strategy had a long-lasting effect and helped bring the brand’s design language up to date, or not?”
Is it preferable to play it safe by continuing the same thing with minor adjustments or do bold and impressive design innovations ultimately result in a more fascinating and varied design catalog?
Returning to the subject at hand, the new G8X M3 and M4, you should be aware that as legitimate M cars in the BMW M stable, the design decisions made on these most recent models will have an impact on the remainder of the line-up. I’ve talked to individuals on both sides of the “kidney-gate” controversy.
Some enthusiasts don’t give a damn about appearance and are more concerned with performance improvements that will give them a better driving experience both on and off the track. These people typically react to the new M automobiles in a neutral to enthusiastic manner. The “period of the dignified grille” is past, some people quickly turn their heads in protest while clinging onto their F8X and older generation M automobiles.
These individuals typically don’t think highly of the new front-end designs.
Following our discussion on design, allow me to introduce a new dimension to the conversation: time, and more specifically, how the passage of time affects each and every one of us.
BMW was established more than a century ago, thus it was established before you, the reader. This entails that BMW existed prior to your involvement in the automotive industry, and that what you regard as a “classic design” is really your own individual view of reality that was developed at the time you were mature enough to know what you liked, plus 15-20 years after.
Your formulation and subsequent categorization of particular opinions regarding what constitutes a “classic” style as determined by your personal criteria, all of which are related to time—specifically, the moment at which you first became involved in the BMW car scene—followed this. That’s a long way of saying, but ask an 80-year-old person what they think a vintage BMW front end looks like.