There’s much to talk about with the new 4 Series, given that BMW is promising a major dynamic overhaul to make it sharper and more driver focused… Ahhh, who are we kidding? You want to hear about the grille, right? Thought so.
Yes, the 4 Series will feature a big, bold whopper of a front grille, very similar to the one featured on the concept that preceded it.
As with the concept, it will inevitably be the talking point of the car. It’s arguably the boldest version of the kidney grille yet, which is saying something given some of the treatments on recent BMW models.
Frankly, it’s too bold for my tastes, although I do respect the commitment with which it has been done; it undoubtedly makes a statement. And BMW’s designers have consistently defended their recent grilles, claiming that the response from its customers has largely been positive.
But while that approach apparently works for the likes of the 7 Series and BMW X7, it seems a bigger risk on the 4 Series, because it risks overshadowing BMW’s hard work on the performance and handling. Those are far more worthy talking points.
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All those creases!
Guaranteed to bump up repair costs in a minor shunt.......
Car repair.
If it's just scratched, easy repair, badly dented, new panel respiratory, bolt on , job done, no faff of car in workshop for weeks, if so, courtesy car if available ,no hassle.
Recent Fords
lost their way because Ford designed and engineered them as to appeal to a world market, and they either went a bit naff and floppy with an American influence (Mondeo and Kuga) or cheap and cheerful East Asian (Ecosport). The only vehicles that really hit the spot were the Fiesta and Focus, which still appeal to the European market, but work elsewhere.
Manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes and Audi, or even Volvo had vehicles designed to appeal to a world market, and they worked, because above all they were well engineered and possibly a bit safe and bland, but never offensive (bar the odd model).
The problem I see today, is those manufacturers apart from Volvo (owned by the Chinese, but still Swedish cool) have forgotten their world car design, and focused entirely on China/Asia and or America, both markets are very important, but also not exactly known for their taste. Volvo seem to have kept thier designs to appeal to a world market, and are having year on year record sales, without a single vehicle in their range that is offensive, and most actually very handsome.
There is a reason American cars dont sell well elsewhere, its not just because they all have V8s and poor economy.
Darned ugly..
But if the muppets buy them, they'll sell them.
Look at what BMW have done to the "Mini" and Rolls-Royce, big slabs of in-yer-face metal yet sell better than they ever did! There's no accounting for taste
The badge says BMW but I keep seeing a Skoda
Maybe I'm just crazy but that front grill really reminds me of the ones on Skoda's for some bizzare reason.
The rest of the car looks ok though and not like an old mans car.
Try the otherway
Scootaloo@, I think it's other way, and not only Skoda, Kate a look at Hyundai for one, I'm sure there are more.
Typo, typo.
Who is Kate?, and how did she get on here?, oops!, that was me, should be ...take.
Do be quiet..
muppet
Didn't notice that
Until you said it... you've just saved me £20k, off to buy a Skoda now instead... toodles