[FCX5]

Interesting take as always from AutoTrader. I agree…

[AlpineBoost]

It won't backfire. I don't think it really matters what they put in an ad, on social media, or even what their cars look like. As long as they continue to perform the way they do then someone will buy them.

If they had come up with 3 very different, equally as drastic styling changes and what we got is style A, I may hate style B as much as A but like C. Some people may like A & C but not B, some like all 3, etc; while others hate all 3 and are against a drastic change. Just because you're not a fan of the execution of the current generation doesn't necessarily mean that you're against a radical change in design.

No matter what they do there will always be someone that's disappointed. While I do believe that they hope their designs appeal to as many people as possible, the great part is that we don't all have to like the same things, nothing is ever going to be for everyone, and no one is being forced to buy anything.

As for everything listed in the video: I feel like BMW is Jim and a lot of us are Dwight.

[F32Fleet]

NO. The only risk for BMW and other Euro luxury makes are reliability because EV powertrains generally speaking are more reliable and having to compete on software which is generally viewed as a commodity by the customer.

[TTM0TION]

EV power trains are more reliable? Like in theory in the future or you think that applies to today?

[Bimmer Pleaser]

I am on wait list for an M3 allocation even though I hate the horizontal grille. I'll be sitting inside the car and as long as it looks good inside who cares about the rest? Audi and MB have nothing to offer other than soulless AWD designed by cookie cutters.

[SpeedyATL]

I guess im in the minority, but i really like the 4 grill. So much so, that I've ordered one.

It's nice to have something that sets the car apart from every other recent bmw out there.

Time will tell i guess...

[pz619]

I can’t speak for the entire marketplace, but I can speak for myself. I was going to get the new M3 but after seeing that grill, I’m out. I can’t buy a car that I hate looking at. Honestly, it’s the most hideous front end of a car that I can think recall in the last 20 years. This includes the Aztek. My opinion of course; I realize people won’t feel the same way.

I’m holding out hope for the G87 M2, even though I want a 4 door. I’ve made a 2 door work this long, so it probably won’t be an issue. Oh well, if BMW can’t satisfy I’ll just look at other brands.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by TTM0TION

EV power trains are more reliable? Like in theory in the future or you think that applies to today?

Applies today.

Electric motors are very reliable. How is BMW going to build in 100k mile planned obsolescence?

IIRC Tesla is very reliable and their batteries (Model 3) are rated for 300k-500k miles.

[wtwo3]

This video seemed useless. It was the very cliche "good for them, they're acting boldly and hopefully they get it right eventually" theme. I was hoping he had an actual point to make. I'm a fan of Rory Reid, but not this video.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

I am on wait list for an M3 allocation even though I hate the horizontal grille.

Did you mean "vertical", or are you laying down?

[pz619]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Did you mean "vertical", or are you laying down?

The slats are horizontal. I’m sure that’s what he meant.

[Killramos]

I think relative success or failure of a given model occurs at the margins. So yes I think it matters.

They managed to convince me not to buy a new M3 this year over their design choices.

The question is, do you think BMW’s new design decisions make someone more or less likely to buy their cars over a competitors? I think less, time will tell I suppose.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

This video seemed useless. It was the very cliche "good for them, they're acting boldly and hopefully they get it right eventually" theme. I was hoping he had an actual point to make. I'm a fan of Rory Reid, but not this video.

I actually don't really like him. His reviews are very corporate and full of fluff.

[Dlpfcb]

I am a believer in change and innovation, but they have pushed the boundaries too far. They are trying to be different but when you swing too far its hideous, as seen in the new M3 and XM. Maybe I'm not the 10% they are hoping to sell to but currently owning 2 generations of M3 they have lost me for future M3s until a better change comes fourth.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by pz619

I can’t speak for the entire marketplace, but I can speak for myself. I was going to get the new M3 but after seeing that grill, I’m out. I can’t buy a car that I hate looking at. Honestly, it’s the most hideous front end of a car that I can think recall in the last 20 years. This includes the Aztek. My opinion of course; I realize people won’t feel the same way.

I’m holding out hope for the G87 M2, even though I want a 4 door. I’ve made a 2 door work this long, so it probably won’t be an issue. Oh well, if BMW can’t satisfy I’ll just look at other brands.

What gets me is why BMW won't offer an alternative front end. The front end of an MSport is already different from a non MSport model. Coke fixed itself from the "New Coke" debacle by bringing back "Classic Coke" but selling it along side New Coke. Coca Cola turned a disaster into a success story.

come on BMW...do the same thing. It would also be interesting how many buyer would choose each version.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I actually don't really like him. His reviews are very corporate and full of fluff.

I can see that. I guess I just like his presentation style.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

What gets me is why BMW won't offer an alternative front end. The front end of an MSport is already different from a non MSport model. Coke fixed itself from the "New Coke" debacle by bringing back "Classic Coke" but selling it along side New Coke. Coca Cola turned a disaster into a success story.

come on BMW...do the same thing. It would also be interesting how many buyer would choose each version.

No incentive for them to do so. Especially in this market. I wonder if we were in normal times and if the demand wasn't there, if they'd bring out changes like that.

[Darth One]

What I want to know is, when will YOUTUBERS putting their WILD HEADLINES in ALL CAPS finally BACKFIRE?

[King Rudi]

What sells BMW's? The Roundel. Some brands, regardless of direction, will sell based solely off of society's perception of brand. Mercedes and BMW will always hold this power. They could re-release the Ford Pinto, slap a roundel on it and it will sell.

Case in point - Yeezy's. Ugliest shoes I've ever seen. People pay top dollar.

[SpeedyATL]

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder....

I quite like new the 4 series grill....it's not so plain like all of the other Bimmers I've owned/leased over the past 30 years. I applaud the balls to try something new. If you don't like it, don't vote for it with your $. Either get one without the larger grill or get one of those boring 'star' cars.

One thing is for sure, BMW listens to money, so if enough don't like it they will 'hear' it, but I kind of doubt that's the message they'll be receiving when the votes are tallied.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder....

I quite like new the 4 series grill....it's not so plain like all of the other Bimmers I've owned/leased over the past 30 years. I applaud the balls to try something new. If you don't like it, don't vote for it with your $. Either get one without the larger grill or get one of those boring 'star' cars.

One thing is for sure, BMW listens to money, so if enough don't like it they will 'hear' it, but I kind of doubt that's the message they'll be receiving when the votes are tallied.

I agree that ugly is in the eye of the beholder (at least most of the time; I think the Pontiac Aztek managed to make the category of ugly no matter who the beholder).

It is very hard to determine the effect of a design element on manufacturer sales. You are comparing actual sales with imaginary sales (what would have happened if the grill were different). About the only way would be if BMW went the New Coke/Classic Coke way and then we could see how many ordered which front ends.

[yousefnjr]

60 Minutes recently had a piece on Gucci and part of the discussion was how they’ve evolved to stay relevant and what that’s meant for the business, really mirrors a lot of what’s happening with BMW I think. “Beautiful strangeness” is a great phrase.