Bro "identity crisis" is the way to describe it! When I saw the new 7 series for the first time I swear my first impression is that it looked like it was designed by over 20 different people who never had a single meeting together (on the exterior and interior).
Buy the way it would be interesting to see how the actual bmw designers present their work - like what were their requirements and limitations, vision, inspiration etc and do they themselves consider the outcome nice enough.
There are a few videos out there. One has the design lead Domagoj Dukes defending the design against criticism from 14 or so year old kid. That’s a great one, though the car is still ugly as hell.
BMW = serious , dinamic, agile , an athlete in a suit , good looking , less is more Kinda like a grey suit , white shirt ( no tie ) good shoes and a timeless watch . BMW now = anything but that
@@automation7295 Yeah, because forcing 9 year old slaves to make Beemers out of inferior "Chinesium" would make them better...NOT!!! Stick to robots brah, just don't create some gaw'damn Skynet Armageddon bullshit that'll nuke us all...
@@groundedgaming my sentiments exactly. I used to hate the new bmw m3/m4 coupe pig nose but for some odd reason… I kinda love it now. 😅 it may grow amongst people in due time.
I'm with you on the SUV coupe fad. I find it to be an unnecessary compromise between SUV practicality + ride height and styling. But, to each their own. There's a market for it. Sure as hell is not for me though.
I kinda get the hate, but you have to see it as something irrational. I had a coupe SUV because I wanted a roomy luxurious car, with comfortable ride height but also cool looking exterior. I don’t need a lot of trunk, nor do I go off-road. It’s some sort of statement: I appreciate and can afford sporty luxuriousness but I’m still young and playful.
@@GertNelissen Coupe SUVs aren’t roomy, their headroom is like inside a corvette. Most people I see drive this are 40 year old rich blonde girls who get starbucks everyday.
@@aimxdy8680 compared to a coupe, a SUV coupe is roomy. Like I said: it’s for young people who might consider a 4 series, but like the practicality of a SUV. It’s something in-between. If you see lots of young rich women driving it, it’s possible that they are married with a young sporty ambitious guy. There is a market for these models, that much is clear. I would describe this market as I did above.
This explains why the BMW 8 Series looks great with a well proportioned shape when it comes to headlights, grille, bumpers, sideskirts, etc., while on the other hand we have the 4 Series with, in my honest opinion, headlights and bumpers look good and well proportioned, but that grille... what the fuck! It's totally out of place. It's so big that, if you turn around and see a 4 Series behind you, it looks like you've being followed by a beaver.
I was just finishing up my video on the XM and I really have some strong opinions on that car because bmw is literally all over the place with their designs but their powertrains are incredible currently
I am not a graphic designer. But, I fully agree with your verdicts about which ones you like and dislike. I was not always aware "why exactly" I liked or disliked them and you explained them perfectly!
Wow. Just wow. BMW styling has successfully crossed over from merely ugly to downright horrifying. Yes, the technology and engines are amazing, but if you wince every time you have the unfortunate accident of glancing at one, what's the point? Edit--And no, I'm not a BMW hater at all--I just can't warm up to the design direction they are going. I just ordered a heather grey M3 E30 T-shirt to wear while driving my (previous gen) m240i, which is an amazing little car!
I think that what BMW doing is smart. They make controversial designs to make people talk about their vehicles. It also shows they aren’t afraid to try something new/different. We could look at Audi, and Mercedes and they have small, medium, and large versions of the sedans and SUV’s which in my opinion is boring. BMW’s sales numbers haven’t been hurting much either from these designs so they’re definitely doing something right
@@sunrisesunset1734 I think both are overstyled in a bad way. Both had great clean looking designs in the 90 and 2000's. Honda/acura is another example
@@sunrisesunset1734 Oh i wasn't just talking about grilles but overstyling in general. Yes Honda seems to finally realize they have been on the wrong track. With the previous civic for example. What an overstyled mess that was! The old acuras like the legend coupé, nsx and rsx were all so pretty and clean but more recent models not so much imo.
u can take risks and not look hideous. literally every big risk has looked polarizing at best and hideous at worst. I personally prefer Mercedes' outgoing generation but no one can really say their new designs are ugly like BMW's
What I don't understand about the new X7, are the door handles. It should have come with the same ones that the new 7 Series have (even the new X1 have a similar design). Because it looks out of place. Now, the new design suits a LOT better in the X7, the 7 Series doesn't look BMW.
I think what we're seeing is a company that IS reinventing itself and being extremely courageous in the process. Instead, I think we should be celebrating a company that is willing to be pushing the envelope and boldly going where others aren't. Sure, not all ideas are great, but they're willing to try. No, not in crisis, rather in adventurous mode.
@@andersnielsen6044 truth is, if what all you haters have been preacing about the demise of BMW for decades now, were true, BMW would've been gone a long time. Are we learning nothing?
@@moiggc What makes you "believe" that I am preacing? And that I have done that for decades? I have 3 BMW's in my garage by now and there has been like 15 different BMW's there during the last 2-3 decades. I just do not like the new design-series that try to go for the oligarchs, gangsters and arabs. I miss the elegant and timeless designs.
@@andersnielsen6044 You're missing my point. With every new BMW design, everybody gets onto the "this is the end of BMW" band wagon. I'm simply stating, BMW is still here, still strong and obviously doing great by most. Sure, a lot of BMW faithful hates what BMW has become. You have every right to feel that way. Please, just stop the "end of BMW" narrative. Or don't, either way, BMW isn't going away, it just makes you sound unobservant. There will always be classic BMWs for sale, enjoy them, what's wrong with that?
@@moiggc I really do not hope that you advice people professionally in investments. Your knowledge is based on being a fanboy. The ongoing consolidation in the car industry seems to happen above your head. ;)
Hey there. Im „working“ for bmw in at one of their storages near munich. I can tell you, the x8 (xm) looks more relaxed than the xm concept. The rear looks similar to the new x1 but looks more masculine. The front, especially the grille is not as dramatically over-the-top like the xm concept. The fixed a lot of the design. It looks more like a streched x5. Also the color ive seen it was a id say „forest green metallic“.
Interesting to hear, and good news nonetheless but the puzzling question still stand as to why are BMW's design's losing its identity especially when it comes to their M cars..they need to understand that their heritage in design is the KEY thing that identifies them and people prefer a more evolutionary approach. The giant grilles designs aren't BMW and they are losing their identity fast
I am most certainly in the minority here, but I love the back lights of the X3. And I cannot agree fully with the uninspiring tag. I think you missed a point of view; Do you, or anyone else for that matter, remember the original X3 (e83) pre-facelift tail lights? This is literally a reimagination of them. I love it. I also cannot fully agree that the previous generation was better. Ever since the gen2 X5 rolled out, the X series started to look more and more alike. I still own my 2004 X3 e83 and the difference between that car and the mk1 x5 is night and day. I think bmw is reimagining the difference between the models. That is why the x2 (a coupé version of x1 as you said) looks nothing alike the x6, coupé version of the x5.
Currently on BMW, the new directors are young and want to reinvent themselves in the new automotive world that does not enjoy/or care of (pure)driving or ICEs, so they’re trying to gimmick their way into people’s hearts. That’s why it seems like an midlife crisis. But! BMW still houses traditionalists that know what a BMW represents, and these two clashes all the time as we can see.
The whole problem started the day BWM decided to abandon all of their fans and clients around 2000-2010 and go a different route. If you ask any BMW owner and/or fan of that era then they will all say the same - it was the pinnacle of an era that BMW decided to leave and start fresh with a vision that had no real endgame and it was basically a hit and miss kinda evolution ever since. BMW also shifted from people who want a driver focused car that demands a bit from the driver and the driver demands the same from the car while being totally able to daily any of those cars no problem to a crowd of people that prefers center console installed bluetooth voice controlled coffee machines over driving experience. The driving experience shifted to the high end models which often presents a ridiculous price tag for most of the previous owners making the older cars suddenly even more desirable as they became "the last real BMWs". Opinions on that may and do vary but we cannot ignore that it is a fact. Cars built before the breaking point had quality written all over the place. Materials were sturdy, held up perfectly over longer periods of time, handling was firm and excellent, equipment and extras are still up to date or require just minor modifactions and the bodywork is a timeless art. Stunning at the time of revelation and a classic for later years. And adding up to all of that - a lot of fans and enthusiasts have created loads of mods to the cars that add functionality, more extras and what not which tells one thing - it ain't over. It is going strong and will continue to do so for years to come. While some newer models tried to adapt and integrate a little bit of the legacy of their former selves every now and then it didn't work well every time. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. And build quality went sideways too. Cheap plastic you'd find on any VW Concern car, squeeky parts, wiggly stuff, bad insulation and noice cancellation, bits and parts falling off because BMW was saving on glue as well..... but why? Simple. BMW realised that they have NO benefit from the fact their cars can last over decades because their income is given from the 1st owner and not the 2nd one or any other after that. Basically - If you are not buying a new car from us then you are no relevant to us at all. And the quality is set back just so their car serve their 1st owners well and whatever happens later is none of their concern. Nowadays even BMW techs tell you to get the extended warranty on your car and sell it just before it runs out to avoid a larger service bill. ....and don't even get me on the V10 M5 model which is a money pit of a machine because of a BMW error they accept and acknowledge but simply refuse to compensate. If your engine dies then it is on your expense to have it fixed. Again enthusiasts have created engine parts that should have made BMW in the first place so their cars will run and last longer. Over the time problems added up and BMW as a brand became even more arrogant towards their customers many simply left the brand for other makes. Mercedes, Audi or even US cars like the new Challenger, Charger, Mustang or whatever else there is. Or if you want to keep it simple but still on a level then take a look at the Jaguar XF (or the Project8 model) which is IMO more BMW then any actual BMW. BMW was always the "If you have money to spend we can be friends but our friendship will last only as long as you keep spending" kinda company but still with a decent touch. Your local dealer knew you by name and it was completely normal to have your car delivered once it was done being checked if you wanted to. Around 2000-2010 this changed to "Hello dear customer" and names were not known anymore. Except you were spending loads of cash and/or owning at least one //M model of the middle or high class. Nowadays it has grown into a "We do not care if you have money to spend because we do too. We can be friends if you are willing to burn your money at our house. We have a special fire bowl for that at the loby. And even then our friendship ends the same day you do exactly this. Our friendship is like a toll gate - you enter, you pay". A lot of people left the BMW team and a lot of newer came in. And it shows. Design is awfull, terrible, weird, full of questions where you don't really want any answers to and what not. Today you look at some of the BMWs and if there would be no badge you could mistake some of them for a Kia or whatever korean car. The fact that BMW started to prefer a non-European market as a primary one might have added to this weirdness as well but who knows for sure. And at this point - who even cares anymore. I don't. Sadly. But I got over it already. And who needs a grill that is bigger than the rest of the car? Those two kidneys were always the "nice signature touch" and not a radiator you have at your home to keep you warm during winter.... but maybe it was exactly that what inspired the designers. Radiators. Let's try this design idea and see how its gonna resonate with the world.... and the bigger the grill got the smaller the lights went. Like where is any sense and feel for decent proportions? Hello? Am I the only one with so many question marks floating freely above my head? It is like the last chief of Nokia got into BMW trying to bring down this company as well :D Yeah, Nokia. Some may still remember. A phone company that had tons of variations and options and features recent phones lacked for years and had to "reinvent" most of that like it previously never existed. Like the dark theme for example. Nokia - a simple sub menu switch. Nowadays phones? A big event that was accompanied by massive advertisment of what a great feature you can now enable. And in Facebook chat you had to send a stupid shortcut to someone for the menu feature to even show up :D WOOOOOW dark background. Who would have thought of that right? Yes. We did. The older generation that was used to all of this being a standard until just recently :D but this is getting slightly carried away (even thou it fits the actual problem too). This is my personal take on what is going on. All this comming from a person, me, where my father started owning his 1st BMW which was an E28 and moved upwards as they started to exist until one day I got my license and decided at some point to go the same way and we all as a family stopped around the time of 2010. My dad resigned completely and switched to Mercedes and I am done as well. Keeping my 2000s cars for as long as I can and feel like it but thats it. We tried the newer models and as I hate to say - the interest and expectations we had were big but thanks to that the disappointment later was even bigger. It just didn't feel right anymore. Regardless of my experience so far I still wish the brand all the best but BMW most likely won't get any money from us ever again. Thank you for all the beautifull cars we could own and drive as we will keep them running and in mint condition for as long as possible but our new daily cars are not BMWs anymore. And I would close the story with something a wise person once said: *"Don't be sad it is over. Be happy it happend and you could have been a part of it"* _PS: If you disagree with me and you like the new models then that is perfectly fine with me. I am not here to argue but only to leave my long time view on the brand I have made over the past 20-30 years based on feeling and ownership as well. I made my peace with it some years ago so really no hate here from me and if you feel otherwise then it was none of my intention_
same! i understand if people say they dont like the previous gen ones cus they do look ugly but the new ones are BEAUTIFUL i rly dont get the hate especially on the looks LOL
Just gotta comment, I drove an X6 2009-2016, and an X4 (M40i) from 2016 to now (bought not leased, and paid for). Why a "sports activity fastback?" (1) It doesn't feel like a cardboard carton on wheels like the X3 and X5. (2) OK, it's not a racetrack car, but it's one heck of a 10,000 kms on the highway car (as I just did in Nov-Dec). (3) On the inside, the car wraps around you and it has the classic touring car feel, as it's meant to. I grew up as a kid in my dad's various sports cars, and it feels like a sports car on the inside (despite being higher up off the ground). The X3 and X5 feel like vehicles to run errands in and take the kids to and from school.... Personally, I could never drive an X3 or X5. Totally not for me. I love my X4, and I'll drive it until there isn't a single kilometre left inside of it!
Lol everyone I've met who works at the BMW plant where those are made tells me to never buyba BMW unless your leasing or get a special program like they did.
Even more weird stuffs came out from BMW recently, such as the unrevealed new M2, some leaked photos are showing how it looks like, and yes it's weird... and the previous version of the M2 looks much better than the newest one...
I don't even have any words to sum up where BMW's design is except all over the place. How's this for an idea BMW? Use your best designs from the past and modernize them. And work your way up from there to be daring. My personal favorite even though it didn't see production was the 2002 Homage Concept from 2016. That could've been the perfect and daring direction to go.
There will be a M4 3.0 CSL Hommage Car this year! But based on the M4! So it won't look as Beautiful as the Concept... And Price is around 750.000 Euro...🤷🏼♂️
I just want an iX4 here in the US. They make an iX3, but we don't get it here for some reason. The X4 has a better body shape for EVs, so an iX4 should be obvious and then brought here.
Yes, they have lost it to the point that I expect BMW to start seeing the effect in their sales numbers going forward. Very sad because I am a BMW driver.
Listening to Bembi shows why a camel is a horse designed by committee. Put one person in charge of design--let it be Bembi--and you'll get something nice looking.
I have to seriously question your taste and judgement. You think "coupe SUVs" like the X4 and the X6 are dumb, but you think the X7 doesn't look bad? That's insane. The front of new X7 is a monstrosity (just like the 7 Series) and the X6 is one of the best looking BMWs right now.
@6:48 - "It doesn't have the driving capabilities or the driving characteristics of a lower sitting four-door coupe or two-door coupe and it doesn't have the practicality of an SUV either. So it tries to be good at two things and becomes great at absolutely nothing" - Lol, that killed me when said that about the BMW X4, lol.
This is the equivalent of a young school kid's story they tell their teacher about what's going on at home if the parents go through a bad divorce: totally contorted confusion.
i honestly agree with his critique on the X6. its weird to see what is essentially an X5 front fascia on such a sloping sporty design, especially from certain angles
@@Vitrinn you’re entitled to youre own opinion bro. but i lowkey have a soft spot for coupe suv’s, my fav by far being the GLC 63 AMG Coupe, but again you’re entitled to your own opinion 👍🏾
I don't know why it's so hard to understand why the coupe suv exists, a good amount of people like them. The people who buy them know about the compromises of the design their not worried about cargo space. If you don't like it don't buy it.
Suv coupe: when you want the practicality of the height etc however do not have the need for the extra load space of the equivalent suv/want a slight increase in practicality with the extra load space and do not want to compromise on a coupe design and the handling benefits that can come with it.
As a German I am not happy to see tanks coming from our country in serial production (again). Utility vehicles are something for development countries with roads full of potholes (if there are any). In wealthy countries, even politicians go by bike or train.
5:07 I really dislike the taillights… Doesn’t look like something from a BMW at all. Also for some reason the new x1 looks awful to me, it’s something about the headlights and the grille, can’t put my finger on it Also the xm is just appalling, the ix is too bland, the xm has too many random lines, the upper part of the tailgate looks like it has a tumor growing on it, the small headlights look weird
People buy x4 to tell others that they have money to waste. See me , I don't give a sit to practicality. X5 is for old dudes, but I'm young and cool... Current x4 in lower trims has worst proportions of them all.
Remember when the "Bangle-butt" was controversial? I almost yearn for those days. The blunt, ugly front ends defy aerodynamics make the Audi front ends look attractive.
Check out the 2003 Infiniti FX35. It was like the first SUV to use the chassis of a coupe (Infiniti G35) 20 years ago. The taillight design of that vehicle is still used today. Very timeless/sharp design and a better rendition of a coupe SUV than the X6 which came out 3 years after.
What baffles me the most is the BMW made the 8 Series after about 30 years, and with a design that is as stunning as the one of the 1990s. Both G15 and E31 have timeless aesthetics. Then BMW lauches the new 4 Series, and design speaking, it's just... meh... I mean come on! Why did they have to put that huge ass grille in the front? It looks like someone sat on and the front bumper and dented it. Are you fucking kidding me?
Yes, have them please stop making ugly, overstyled appliances and back to making cars that people can enjoy driving again. Whatever happened to the "Ultimate Driving Machine"?
It's only a matter of time till BMW messes with the design of the X5 and completely ruin it. Fingers crossed that they don't do anything drastic to it. After all, the X5 was BMW's first SUV. It's a shame too since the powertrains of current BMWs are arguably the greatest they've ever been. Too bad the majority of BMW's designs right now don't give serve powertrains justice. There's like only three models from BMW that I can look at today and say, "that's the ultimate driving machine."
Everything looks amazing except 3 things: Cons: 1. The Interior Cockpit Design is not Driver Centric and not aggressive enough. The Interior is pretty bland looking without a proper Instrument Cluster and a proper Instrument Cluster Cover. The long Infotainment Touchscreen looks naked and unfinished without a proper Instrument Cluster Cover. 2. The Aggressive and Dynamic Exterior Design Theme is not carried over into the Interior Design. 3. The car is way too heavy for any segment. 2,710 kg is way too heavy especially for a Sporty SUV from the M Division. It has to go on a massive diet if it ever wants to be a proper M Car. Pros: 1. Nice exterior design, but it could have way better. It would definitely benefit from a more aggressive and edgy design language if that's the theme that they were initially going with. 2. Thank God BMW didn't give it the massive Kidney Grille treatment. The Front Fascia looks way better now compared to the previous generation 7 and X7. 3. Thank God it still has a Front Longitudinal RWD/ AWD Layout. Symmetrical Powertrain layout is the only reason I'm still a huge Beemer Fanboy. Exterior Design = 7/10 Interior Design = 2/10 Performance = 7/10 Ride and Handling = 5/10 Technology = 7/10 Overall = 28/50 = 56/100
The problem is there is no house design languange, each model stands for itself, but looking at lineup it looks incoherent, messy, even with heritage features (kidney/grille, Hofmeister kink,...) it seems the designers are struggling how to incorporate and models looking more like caricatures. They lack fluidity, cleaner and organic look. Soft lines and good proportions would give more 'halo effect' then random agressive lines coming from each direction and going nowhere. That was the beauty with old(er) designs - even with softer look it would look agressive, sporty, refined, elegant.
BMW is not in a identify crisis. The smaller grills tend to be for more middle class consumer markets. We’re as the large grills tend to be for the pricey models and luxury specs. This is to ensure higher luxary sales in Asian markets. We’re as in the US we’re most of the models are start below $80000’ the grills can be smaller😊
We're living in a Era that cars are starting to look futuristic.. but people don't understand why lol.. they want the same look for the next million years?
Yes. 85% of people with generaly good taste think that any other german car manufacturer makes way better looking cars then what BMW has pooped out recently
Oddly enough, all of BMW’s X series models are made in South Carolina, which for those of you who don’t know is one of the most normal and boring states in the USA
I think the SUV coupe caters to people that like sporty cars but like the centre of gravity. Most people I know likes them. Me personally I'm into sporty cars only. I say no to SUV
The BMW X2 is the odd one out of all the BMW SUV’s, it’s the only BMW car in the entire vehicle lineup that has the BMW logo on the back on the C pillar, like why?!
At some point brands need to change and adapt. I would say BMW is trying to appeal to the current consumers. People have been criticizing BMWs about looking dull and boring
Feels like they took a wrong turn but are too scared to turn around
I think they’re on crack
@@yourmuda1188 lol
😂😂😂😂😂
They peaked around 2000.... they have been making them cheaper and more aggressive year by year.
if they did turn back then that would be them admitting that they were wrong or made a mistake. and i dont think bmw wants to admit that
Bro "identity crisis" is the way to describe it! When I saw the new 7 series for the first time I swear my first impression is that it looked like it was designed by over 20 different people who never had a single meeting together (on the exterior and interior).
The X3 tail lights kinda looks like a energy sword from halo
Or like some kind of organ, maybe kidney taken out for transplantation? Maybe that's the representation of how expensive fully optioned BMW is.
It looks like it is scared of something
Yes! I knew I had seen that shape somewhere!
To me, rear of the X3 just looks like it,s on LSD
@@mangotail6808 an thats amazing
Buy the way it would be interesting to see how the actual bmw designers present their work - like what were their requirements and limitations, vision, inspiration etc and do they themselves consider the outcome nice enough.
They look at some puckered bungholes for their 'inspiration'.
That would be very interesting. Bembli himself used a lot of words to say "ugly", so I can only imagine what BMW employees would do.
I doubt they will ever, at least officially sadly, to not go against their marketing machine, unless things get desperate.
@@alext3811 One day one of the designers will retire/quit and whistle blow everything about the design direction at BMW.
There are a few videos out there. One has the design lead Domagoj Dukes defending the design against criticism from 14 or so year old kid. That’s a great one, though the car is still ugly as hell.
BMW = serious , dinamic, agile , an athlete in a suit , good looking , less is more
Kinda like a grey suit , white shirt ( no tie ) good shoes and a timeless watch .
BMW now = anything but that
Unlike you, I think BMW should move to China and make all their vehicles exclusive there.
*dynamic
@@automation7295 Yeah, because forcing 9 year old slaves to make Beemers out of inferior "Chinesium" would make them better...NOT!!!
Stick to robots brah, just don't create some gaw'damn Skynet Armageddon bullshit that'll nuke us all...
100% they have lost it, their new designer needs to be fired
Absolutely! I only like the normal 3, all 5 and 8 Series models! The rest you can forget...🙄
Maybe it will be something like Bangle. The future generations may love it.
@@groundedgaming my sentiments exactly. I used to hate the new bmw m3/m4 coupe pig nose but for some odd reason… I kinda love it now. 😅 it may grow amongst people in due time.
But it’s not just one designer
maan what i would do for a brand new e53 4.4
Nice room, especially the 1 :16 diecast models in the background 😍
I'm with you on the SUV coupe fad. I find it to be an unnecessary compromise between SUV practicality + ride height and styling. But, to each their own. There's a market for it. Sure as hell is not for me though.
I kinda get the hate, but you have to see it as something irrational. I had a coupe SUV because I wanted a roomy luxurious car, with comfortable ride height but also cool looking exterior. I don’t need a lot of trunk, nor do I go off-road.
It’s some sort of statement: I appreciate and can afford sporty luxuriousness but I’m still young and playful.
Dane Thompson i find coupé suvs unnecessary too
@@GertNelissen Coupe SUVs aren’t roomy, their headroom is like inside a corvette. Most people I see drive this are 40 year old rich blonde girls who get starbucks everyday.
@@aimxdy8680 compared to a coupe, a SUV coupe is roomy. Like I said: it’s for young people who might consider a 4 series, but like the practicality of a SUV. It’s something in-between.
If you see lots of young rich women driving it, it’s possible that they are married with a young sporty ambitious guy. There is a market for these models, that much is clear. I would describe this market as I did above.
@@GertNelissen maybe they should get a sedan or a Wagon, SUV coupes aren’t sporty and they aren’t fast and they sure as hell aren’t practical.
We want more lineup reviews like this! Nice video!
it seems like there are different design teams for each model, and none of them communicate
It is forbiden🤣🤣
This explains why the BMW 8 Series looks great with a well proportioned shape when it comes to headlights, grille, bumpers, sideskirts, etc., while on the other hand we have the 4 Series with, in my honest opinion, headlights and bumpers look good and well proportioned, but that grille... what the fuck! It's totally out of place. It's so big that, if you turn around and see a 4 Series behind you, it looks like you've being followed by a beaver.
I was just finishing up my video on the XM and I really have some strong opinions on that car because bmw is literally all over the place with their designs but their powertrains are incredible currently
The XM is Hilarious! Hideous, Grotesk and Ugly as f...
I am surprised BMW hasn't made the 'Family Truckster' woodgrain panelling for the front grille on the X7, I7 and XM
I am not a graphic designer. But, I fully agree with your verdicts about which ones you like and dislike. I was not always aware "why exactly" I liked or disliked them and you explained them perfectly!
"Identity crisis" is a VERY polite way to say "creating some of the ugliest cars ever made"
Wow. Just wow. BMW styling has successfully crossed over from merely ugly to downright horrifying. Yes, the technology and engines are amazing, but if you wince every time you have the unfortunate accident of glancing at one, what's the point? Edit--And no, I'm not a BMW hater at all--I just can't warm up to the design direction they are going. I just ordered a heather grey M3 E30 T-shirt to wear while driving my (previous gen) m240i, which is an amazing little car!
I think that what BMW doing is smart. They make controversial designs to make people talk about their vehicles. It also shows they aren’t afraid to try something new/different. We could look at Audi, and Mercedes and they have small, medium, and large versions of the sedans and SUV’s which in my opinion is boring. BMW’s sales numbers haven’t been hurting much either from these designs so they’re definitely doing something right
It’s easy to make a controversial design-just make it really ugly. Not all press is good press.
@@Akiss any press is good press buddy
@@blazesmooth5573 lol tell that yo the Pontiac Aztec, Ford Pinto.
It’s like BMW is trying to market cars only to tech-bro’s, and they forgot about normal folks who like nice things
"Kitsch" is the word that comes to mind when i look at these BMWs.
I also have that with lexus.
Lexus vehicles look way better to me. Most of the hourglass grilles are excellent. Some look really out of place though.
@@sunrisesunset1734
I think both are overstyled in a bad way.
Both had great clean looking designs in the 90 and 2000's.
Honda/acura is another example
@@alphatrion100 Of the oversized grilles, I prefer the Lexus, and Acura has 1 or 2 nice-ish grilles recently.
@@sunrisesunset1734
Oh i wasn't just talking about grilles but overstyling in general.
Yes Honda seems to finally realize they have been on the wrong track. With the previous civic for example. What an overstyled mess that was!
The old acuras like the legend coupé, nsx and rsx were all so pretty and clean but more recent models not so much imo.
@@sunrisesunset1734
They are all trying to be like audi with those huge grilles if you ask me.
Not the first time.Remember the “Bangle butt”?
I luv the bmw new designs think you & other older crowd is just caught in the past
I like the new designs, going off track and trying new shapes and taking risks. Most companies copy each other and just rebadge the same stale shapes.
So does BMW...
@@Kev27RS I know (Supra) they're not afraid to take risks is what I'm saying.
@@maliiiwa Yes, but the cars still look the same to eachother...
It's the same for Mercedes.
@@Kev27RS fair enough
u can take risks and not look hideous.
literally every big risk has looked polarizing at best and hideous at worst.
I personally prefer Mercedes' outgoing generation but no one can really say their new designs are ugly like BMW's
What I don't understand about the new X7, are the door handles. It should have come with the same ones that the new 7 Series have (even the new X1 have a similar design). Because it looks out of place. Now, the new design suits a LOT better in the X7, the 7 Series doesn't look BMW.
I think what we're seeing is a company that IS reinventing itself and being extremely courageous in the process. Instead, I think we should be celebrating a company that is willing to be pushing the envelope and boldly going where others aren't. Sure, not all ideas are great, but they're willing to try.
No, not in crisis, rather in adventurous mode.
When the solid state batteries and self driving cars are here, BMW will be something to read about in the history books.
@@andersnielsen6044 truth is, if what all you haters have been preacing about the demise of BMW for decades now, were true, BMW would've been gone a long time. Are we learning nothing?
@@moiggc What makes you "believe" that I am preacing? And that I have done that for decades? I have 3 BMW's in my garage by now and there has been like 15 different BMW's there during the last 2-3 decades. I just do not like the new design-series that try to go for the oligarchs, gangsters and arabs. I miss the elegant and timeless designs.
@@andersnielsen6044 You're missing my point. With every new BMW design, everybody gets onto the "this is the end of BMW" band wagon. I'm simply stating, BMW is still here, still strong and obviously doing great by most.
Sure, a lot of BMW faithful hates what BMW has become. You have every right to feel that way. Please, just stop the "end of BMW" narrative. Or don't, either way, BMW isn't going away, it just makes you sound unobservant.
There will always be classic BMWs for sale, enjoy them, what's wrong with that?
@@moiggc I really do not hope that you advice people professionally in investments. Your knowledge is based on being a fanboy. The ongoing consolidation in the car industry seems to happen above your head. ;)
Hey there. Im „working“ for bmw in at one of their storages near munich. I can tell you, the x8 (xm) looks more relaxed than the xm concept. The rear looks similar to the new x1 but looks more masculine. The front, especially the grille is not as dramatically over-the-top like the xm concept. The fixed a lot of the design. It looks more like a streched x5. Also the color ive seen it was a id say „forest green metallic“.
That’s good to hear. Thanks for sharing!
do you know why bmw's current designs are all over the place? and why they implemented the split dt running lights?
Interesting to hear, and good news nonetheless but the puzzling question still stand as to why are BMW's design's losing its identity especially when it comes to their M cars..they need to understand that their heritage in design is the KEY thing that identifies them and people prefer a more evolutionary approach. The giant grilles designs aren't BMW and they are losing their identity fast
BMW hired all the car designers from GTA.
I'll say this every chance I get. Bring back Chris Bangle!
No,please don’t.The rot started with Bangle.
My wife finds the rear of the X3 LCI nicer than the previous one :D And women are always right :)
It shows that even large companies can be a horrible mess.
The entire BMW i series is an abomination(with the exception of i8).
I am most certainly in the minority here, but I love the back lights of the X3. And I cannot agree fully with the uninspiring tag.
I think you missed a point of view; Do you, or anyone else for that matter, remember the original X3 (e83) pre-facelift tail lights?
This is literally a reimagination of them. I love it. I also cannot fully agree that the previous generation was better.
Ever since the gen2 X5 rolled out, the X series started to look more and more alike.
I still own my 2004 X3 e83 and the difference between that car and the mk1 x5 is night and day.
I think bmw is reimagining the difference between the models. That is why the x2 (a coupé version of x1 as you said) looks nothing alike the x6, coupé version of the x5.
What's the point of giving this big ass grill to the electric cars
Currently on BMW, the new directors are young and want to reinvent themselves in the new automotive world that does not enjoy/or care of (pure)driving or ICEs, so they’re trying to gimmick their way into people’s hearts. That’s why it seems like an midlife crisis. But! BMW still houses traditionalists that know what a BMW represents, and these two clashes all the time as we can see.
The whole problem started the day BWM decided to abandon all of their fans and clients around 2000-2010 and go a different route. If you ask any BMW owner and/or fan of that era then they will all say the same - it was the pinnacle of an era that BMW decided to leave and start fresh with a vision that had no real endgame and it was basically a hit and miss kinda evolution ever since.
BMW also shifted from people who want a driver focused car that demands a bit from the driver and the driver demands the same from the car while being totally able to daily any of those cars no problem to a crowd of people that prefers center console installed bluetooth voice controlled coffee machines over driving experience.
The driving experience shifted to the high end models which often presents a ridiculous price tag for most of the previous owners making the older cars suddenly even more desirable as they became "the last real BMWs".
Opinions on that may and do vary but we cannot ignore that it is a fact.
Cars built before the breaking point had quality written all over the place. Materials were sturdy, held up perfectly over longer periods of time, handling was firm and excellent, equipment and extras are still up to date or require just minor modifactions and the bodywork is a timeless art. Stunning at the time of revelation and a classic for later years.
And adding up to all of that - a lot of fans and enthusiasts have created loads of mods to the cars that add functionality, more extras and what not which tells one thing - it ain't over. It is going strong and will continue to do so for years to come.
While some newer models tried to adapt and integrate a little bit of the legacy of their former selves every now and then it didn't work well every time. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
And build quality went sideways too. Cheap plastic you'd find on any VW Concern car, squeeky parts, wiggly stuff, bad insulation and noice cancellation, bits and parts falling off because BMW was saving on glue as well..... but why? Simple. BMW realised that they have NO benefit from the fact their cars can last over decades because their income is given from the 1st owner and not the 2nd one or any other after that. Basically - If you are not buying a new car from us then you are no relevant to us at all. And the quality is set back just so their car serve their 1st owners well and whatever happens later is none of their concern. Nowadays even BMW techs tell you to get the extended warranty on your car and sell it just before it runs out to avoid a larger service bill.
....and don't even get me on the V10 M5 model which is a money pit of a machine because of a BMW error they accept and acknowledge but simply refuse to compensate. If your engine dies then it is on your expense to have it fixed. Again enthusiasts have created engine parts that should have made BMW in the first place so their cars will run and last longer.
Over the time problems added up and BMW as a brand became even more arrogant towards their customers many simply left the brand for other makes. Mercedes, Audi or even US cars like the new Challenger, Charger, Mustang or whatever else there is. Or if you want to keep it simple but still on a level then take a look at the Jaguar XF (or the Project8 model) which is IMO more BMW then any actual BMW.
BMW was always the "If you have money to spend we can be friends but our friendship will last only as long as you keep spending" kinda company but still with a decent touch. Your local dealer knew you by name and it was completely normal to have your car delivered once it was done being checked if you wanted to. Around 2000-2010 this changed to "Hello dear customer" and names were not known anymore. Except you were spending loads of cash and/or owning at least one //M model of the middle or high class.
Nowadays it has grown into a "We do not care if you have money to spend because we do too. We can be friends if you are willing to burn your money at our house. We have a special fire bowl for that at the loby. And even then our friendship ends the same day you do exactly this. Our friendship is like a toll gate - you enter, you pay".
A lot of people left the BMW team and a lot of newer came in. And it shows. Design is awfull, terrible, weird, full of questions where you don't really want any answers to and what not. Today you look at some of the BMWs and if there would be no badge you could mistake some of them for a Kia or whatever korean car. The fact that BMW started to prefer a non-European market as a primary one might have added to this weirdness as well but who knows for sure. And at this point - who even cares anymore. I don't. Sadly. But I got over it already.
And who needs a grill that is bigger than the rest of the car? Those two kidneys were always the "nice signature touch" and not a radiator you have at your home to keep you warm during winter.... but maybe it was exactly that what inspired the designers. Radiators. Let's try this design idea and see how its gonna resonate with the world.... and the bigger the grill got the smaller the lights went. Like where is any sense and feel for decent proportions? Hello? Am I the only one with so many question marks floating freely above my head? It is like the last chief of Nokia got into BMW trying to bring down this company as well :D Yeah, Nokia. Some may still remember. A phone company that had tons of variations and options and features recent phones lacked for years and had to "reinvent" most of that like it previously never existed. Like the dark theme for example. Nokia - a simple sub menu switch. Nowadays phones? A big event that was accompanied by massive advertisment of what a great feature you can now enable. And in Facebook chat you had to send a stupid shortcut to someone for the menu feature to even show up :D WOOOOOW dark background. Who would have thought of that right? Yes. We did. The older generation that was used to all of this being a standard until just recently :D but this is getting slightly carried away (even thou it fits the actual problem too).
This is my personal take on what is going on. All this comming from a person, me, where my father started owning his 1st BMW which was an E28 and moved upwards as they started to exist until one day I got my license and decided at some point to go the same way and we all as a family stopped around the time of 2010. My dad resigned completely and switched to Mercedes and I am done as well. Keeping my 2000s cars for as long as I can and feel like it but thats it. We tried the newer models and as I hate to say - the interest and expectations we had were big but thanks to that the disappointment later was even bigger. It just didn't feel right anymore.
Regardless of my experience so far I still wish the brand all the best but BMW most likely won't get any money from us ever again. Thank you for all the beautifull cars we could own and drive as we will keep them running and in mint condition for as long as possible but our new daily cars are not BMWs anymore.
And I would close the story with something a wise person once said: *"Don't be sad it is over. Be happy it happend and you could have been a part of it"*
_PS: If you disagree with me and you like the new models then that is perfectly fine with me. I am not here to argue but only to leave my long time view on the brand I have made over the past 20-30 years based on feeling and ownership as well. I made my peace with it some years ago so really no hate here from me and if you feel otherwise then it was none of my intention_
Almost every maker has copied the x6 so clearly we like it
i think the x4 looks pretty good
They’ve been missing in action for 10 years
I love how this video was made before the leak of the new rubbish 2023 BMW M2 with no lines
I really like how the X4 looks 😂
same! i understand if people say they dont like the previous gen ones cus they do look ugly but the new ones are BEAUTIFUL i rly dont get the hate especially on the looks LOL
BMW lost its mind.
BMW should do a lightbar going across the front, but with a gap in the middle so it's two separate light bars.
Just gotta comment, I drove an X6 2009-2016, and an X4 (M40i) from 2016 to now (bought not leased, and paid for). Why a "sports activity fastback?" (1) It doesn't feel like a cardboard carton on wheels like the X3 and X5. (2) OK, it's not a racetrack car, but it's one heck of a 10,000 kms on the highway car (as I just did in Nov-Dec). (3) On the inside, the car wraps around you and it has the classic touring car feel, as it's meant to. I grew up as a kid in my dad's various sports cars, and it feels like a sports car on the inside (despite being higher up off the ground). The X3 and X5 feel like vehicles to run errands in and take the kids to and from school....
Personally, I could never drive an X3 or X5. Totally not for me. I love my X4, and I'll drive it until there isn't a single kilometre left inside of it!
I saw two X7s just days ago that had the same exact daylight running lamp issue. The exact same drl piece was broken on both cars...
Lol everyone I've met who works at the BMW plant where those are made tells me to never buyba BMW unless your leasing or get a special program like they did.
Even more weird stuffs came out from BMW recently, such as the unrevealed new M2, some leaked photos are showing how it looks like, and yes it's weird... and the previous version of the M2 looks much better than the newest one...
The new m2 is horrendous, the rear end is an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions.
I don't even have any words to sum up where BMW's design is except all over the place. How's this for an idea BMW? Use your best designs from the past and modernize them. And work your way up from there to be daring. My personal favorite even though it didn't see production was the 2002 Homage Concept from 2016. That could've been the perfect and daring direction to go.
There will be a M4 3.0 CSL Hommage Car this year! But based on the M4! So it won't look as Beautiful as the Concept... And Price is around 750.000 Euro...🤷🏼♂️
@@einautofan6685
I'm not sure I read that right. E750k? Nope. Not when you can have the 765LT with plenty of spare change.
@@chiemekaa 750K, 50 cars only!😉
The first X5 was a good design ? Just stand 30 minutes behind it in a traffic jam and you want to vomit because of that ugly rear end :-)))
I just want an iX4 here in the US. They make an iX3, but we don't get it here for some reason. The X4 has a better body shape for EVs, so an iX4 should be obvious and then brought here.
Yes, they have lost it to the point that I expect BMW to start seeing the effect in their sales numbers going forward. Very sad because I am a BMW driver.
Listening to Bembi shows why a camel is a horse designed by committee. Put one person in charge of design--let it be Bembi--and you'll get something nice looking.
I have to seriously question your taste and judgement. You think "coupe SUVs" like the X4 and the X6 are dumb, but you think the X7 doesn't look bad? That's insane. The front of new X7 is a monstrosity (just like the 7 Series) and the X6 is one of the best looking BMWs right now.
@6:48 - "It doesn't have the driving capabilities or the driving characteristics of a lower sitting four-door coupe or two-door coupe and it doesn't have the practicality of an SUV either. So it tries to be good at two things and becomes great at absolutely nothing" - Lol, that killed me when said that about the BMW X4, lol.
Skoda is doing a better job at designing BMW's than BMW itself.
This is the equivalent of a young school kid's story they tell their teacher about what's going on at home if the parents go through a bad divorce: totally contorted confusion.
i honestly agree with his critique on the X6. its weird to see what is essentially an X5 front fascia on such a sloping sporty design, especially from certain angles
I absolutely adore the X6 design, out of all the models he showed if we're talking about only how it looks i would buy that any day of the week
@@Vitrinn you’re entitled to youre own opinion bro. but i lowkey have a soft spot for coupe suv’s, my fav by far being the GLC 63 AMG Coupe, but again you’re entitled to your own opinion 👍🏾
5:10 Did anyone notice that rear lights look like the end of a bell? Perhaps rightly so to attract typical drivers?
I don't know why it's so hard to understand why the coupe suv exists, a good amount of people like them. The people who buy them know about the compromises of the design their not worried about cargo space. If you don't like it don't buy it.
I think the new design is great 👍
They should have never done the XM, a mid engine sportscar would have been awesome. A real homage to the M1 not a male crawler
The short answer is yes...they have lost it
No they haven't
CEO: I want the new cars look like my son
Designers: (but your son got a big nose sir) OK no problem!
big nose... funni
Which son, sir?
-My favorite son, Hogg of course 🐷
Suv coupe: when you want the practicality of the height etc however do not have the need for the extra load space of the equivalent suv/want a slight increase in practicality with the extra load space and do not want to compromise on a coupe design and the handling benefits that can come with it.
As a German I am not happy to see tanks coming from our country in serial production (again). Utility vehicles are something for development countries with roads full of potholes (if there are any). In wealthy countries, even politicians go by bike or train.
Bmws design team probably got a pay reduction and decided to make ugly ass cars
dunnow why everyone is hating this XM - for me it looks rly amazing. Not a car expert but from the Design I like it as much as the G Class
What's next? they will release a grille car? these gigantic kidneys are out of control
can you do a video for the rest of bmw's current sedan/coupe lineup?
That bit about the black cladding and if it wasn't there, it wouldn't sell... it's science. 🤣🤣🤣
I have to say seeing them in person is a different experience they look incredible in person
no, ix made me puke when i saw it
I’ve been on a hunger strike until they get rid of Chris Bangle.
Interesting. I think the X4 looks far better than the X6. Overran rear design is a lot more attractive to me
I emailed BMW to see if they wanted feedback from me from a consumer point of view, and they said no. LOL Arrogant company.
5:07 I really dislike the taillights… Doesn’t look like something from a BMW at all.
Also for some reason the new x1 looks awful to me, it’s something about the headlights and the grille, can’t put my finger on it
Also the xm is just appalling, the ix is too bland, the xm has too many random lines, the upper part of the tailgate looks like it has a tumor growing on it, the small headlights look weird
The new x7 in hideous
People buy x4 to tell others that they have money to waste. See me , I don't give a sit to practicality. X5 is for old dudes, but I'm young and cool...
Current x4 in lower trims has worst proportions of them all.
Remember when the "Bangle-butt" was controversial? I almost yearn for those days. The blunt, ugly front ends defy aerodynamics make the Audi front ends look attractive.
BMW design in 2022/23 is horrendous, maybe Germans are having a brain freeze due to the energy crisis thanks to Ukraine war.
Check out the 2003 Infiniti FX35. It was like the first SUV to use the chassis of a coupe (Infiniti G35) 20 years ago. The taillight design of that vehicle is still used today. Very timeless/sharp design and a better rendition of a coupe SUV than the X6 which came out 3 years after.
When the first generation X6 came everybody started laughing untill they discovered it sold like shit 😂
I consider myself a UA-cam expert. This man is top 3.
Top 3 of the _worst_ maybe...
Facts 💯
@@fl00d69 🤡
Who are the others?
@@ArnoldQMudskipper Bet you he doesn't even know.
What baffles me the most is the BMW made the 8 Series after about 30 years, and with a design that is as stunning as the one of the 1990s. Both G15 and E31 have timeless aesthetics.
Then BMW lauches the new 4 Series, and design speaking, it's just... meh... I mean come on! Why did they have to put that huge ass grille in the front? It looks like someone sat on and the front bumper and dented it.
Are you fucking kidding me?
Yes, have them please stop making ugly, overstyled appliances and back to making cars that people can enjoy driving again. Whatever happened to the "Ultimate Driving Machine"?
i can agree
It's only a matter of time till BMW messes with the design of the X5 and completely ruin it. Fingers crossed that they don't do anything drastic to it. After all, the X5 was BMW's first SUV. It's a shame too since the powertrains of current BMWs are arguably the greatest they've ever been. Too bad the majority of BMW's designs right now don't give serve powertrains justice. There's like only three models from BMW that I can look at today and say, "that's the ultimate driving machine."
7:55 OPINION REJECTED
Everything looks amazing except 3 things:
Cons:
1. The Interior Cockpit Design is not Driver Centric and not aggressive enough. The Interior is pretty bland looking without a proper Instrument Cluster and a proper Instrument Cluster Cover. The long Infotainment Touchscreen looks naked and unfinished without a proper Instrument Cluster Cover.
2. The Aggressive and Dynamic Exterior Design Theme is not carried over into the Interior Design.
3. The car is way too heavy for any segment. 2,710 kg is way too heavy especially for a Sporty SUV from the M Division. It has to go on a massive diet if it ever wants to be a proper M Car.
Pros:
1. Nice exterior design, but it could have way better. It would definitely benefit from a more aggressive and edgy design language if that's the theme that they were initially going with.
2. Thank God BMW didn't give it the massive Kidney Grille treatment. The Front Fascia looks way better now compared to the previous generation 7 and X7.
3. Thank God it still has a Front Longitudinal RWD/ AWD Layout. Symmetrical Powertrain layout is the only reason I'm still a huge Beemer Fanboy.
Exterior Design = 7/10
Interior Design = 2/10
Performance = 7/10
Ride and Handling = 5/10
Technology = 7/10
Overall = 28/50 = 56/100
Those giant kidneys and the thumbnail says it all.
Looking forward to your redesign of these
Every BMW looks like a Subaru now. They don’t look like premium luxury performance cars anymore.
Only the x5,x4,5 and 3series designs are cool..every thing else in there current line up is UGLY
BMW is fucked, look at 850 CSi from the ninetees...what the fuck
The problem is there is no house design languange, each model stands for itself, but looking at lineup it looks incoherent, messy, even with heritage features (kidney/grille, Hofmeister kink,...) it seems the designers are struggling how to incorporate and models looking more like caricatures. They lack fluidity, cleaner and organic look. Soft lines and good proportions would give more 'halo effect' then random agressive lines coming from each direction and going nowhere. That was the beauty with old(er) designs - even with softer look it would look agressive, sporty, refined, elegant.
2022 where BMW design competing with honda and chevy lol
Well I did a ideal redesign of bmw iX which literally preserved the original signature of bmw design from the past
BMW is not in a identify crisis. The smaller grills tend to be for more middle class consumer markets. We’re as the large grills tend to be for the pricey models and luxury specs. This is to ensure higher luxary sales in Asian markets. We’re as in the US we’re most of the models are start below $80000’ the grills can be smaller😊
We're living in a Era that cars are starting to look futuristic.. but people don't understand why lol.. they want the same look for the next million years?
Yes. 85% of people with generaly good taste think that any other german car manufacturer makes way better looking cars then what BMW has pooped out recently
Oddly enough, all of BMW’s X series models are made in South Carolina, which for those of you who don’t know is one of the most normal and boring states in the USA
I think the SUV coupe caters to people that like sporty cars but like the centre of gravity. Most people I know likes them. Me personally I'm into sporty cars only. I say no to SUV
The BMW X2 is the odd one out of all the BMW SUV’s, it’s the only BMW car in the entire vehicle lineup that has the BMW logo on the back on the C pillar, like why?!
At some point brands need to change and adapt. I would say BMW is trying to appeal to the current consumers. People have been criticizing BMWs about looking dull and boring
Haven’t been this early before. What’s up, guys and gals?!
Thank God Im not the Only One, Atleast someone is talking about it.... they got it right on the new 7 series, but messed up the M4