[Slalom]

This reminds be of the "Bangle" debate... when Chris Bangle was in charge of design and gave us ugly heavy lines at the top of the kidney grills. That lasted until the LCI when a more traditional design came back. I suspect that BMW made note of that.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by Rupes

When you say Nope, do you actually mean yes?

All 10 of the pictures you posted show a divided kidney grill. At no point does the left half of the kidney flow into the right half.

I can't help but feel pedantic at this point - but I'm not sure what you gain by saying "nope" to people who claim this looks like a Kia grill, or to me for (accurately) pointing out this is a new design element that is not mandated by safety standards / performance needs. It's nothing more than a departure from tradition for the sake of following the market. To each his own, I suppose!

Nope it does not look like a Kia grill grandma. Screw Kia and all the idiots that think that BMW is coping them.

If you think that, I highly recommend you rush down to Costco stat, you can get your eyes examined for $99. Hurry deal ends soon!

[eMvy]

Originally Posted by CP911

Kia did not copy BMW.

Always hating when I see this on a Kia Optima.

[rolltidef32]

The i4 concept has the same kidney grille as this iX3. Where was all of this talk when the concept was first revealed?

Don't remember these KIA comments then either.

Nothing wrong with going electric. I have an i3s on order now as my runabout and commute car; it's excellent.

Electric is the future, so get ready, but an evolution of the kidneys was bound to happen and is ok. I want to wait until the entire car is shown before getting upset or accept.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Had to come here just for the comments. Is anyone really surprised?

1st BMW became Lexus for the soccer mommies and the grandmas now they want to look like a KIA

[Red Bread]

Pierre LeClercq was a BMW designer and is now at Kia. Peter Schreyer was responsible for nearly every current Audi design and is the head of Kia design. Meanwhile, BMW has the 6GT, the X6 and the 2AT. Are we really arguing that BMW has the stronger designers?

[Teutonic]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

I took that last part of your post and ran on it because I know you meant it. My response was general, but if it felt personal, it likely means you are part of that population.
...
If you're already an old school Bimmer guy; great! If you're new; welcome and now you know some new things about our brand.

You know, I was hoping that you realize how unethical, rude and condescending your post about “your brand” is...
But that’s ok, even if I want, I can not go that low.

As a side note, loyalty to the brand has nothing to do with respect and common sense. I welcome any enthusiast, rookie or not, old or new to the brand. And while I am a life BMW enthusiast, I find that comments made in regards with how long someone has been with the brand are inappropriate and arrogant.

Back on topic,
I would like to see a vote in here, that will probably conclude how this new design is received.

[Costello1991]

The more time goes by, the more I hate the new bmw designs.

[L27]

Some people think that the problem with the iX3 grill comes from the fact that it is an EV. Wrong.

We agree : electric cars are the future (and for those who still don't accept that, they eventually will)

but the kidney grill, BMW's signature, should stay on EVs, even if EVs don't need cooling!

I see the i3 with something that looks like the kidney grill, and I think it's beautiful.
I think they should keep doing that on future EVs, that grill should be there.

Honestly, can you imagine a BMW without it?
I can show you a real answer : the X1 cousin from China, Zinoro 1E



Now you tell me if this looks like a BMW..

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by Slalom

This reminds be of the "Bangle" debate... when Chris Bangle was in charge of design and gave us ugly heavy lines at the top of the kidney grills. That lasted until the LCI when a more traditional design came back. I suspect that BMW made note of that.

I think it's different in the sense that BMW seems to be following trends rather than creating them. At least Chris Bangle wasn't copying Lexus, Hyundai and Kia....

[JorgenM]

Someone please photoshop this grill onto an X3?

[CP911]

Originally Posted by eMvy

Always hating when I see this on a Kia Optima.

[IMG]https://www.autocar.co.uk/sites/auto...-optima-17.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c2...el/BMW/2-1.jpg[/IMG]

I hate those non-functional side gills on any marque, so I don't see your point. We are discussing BMWs new grille designs since, well, that is what this thread is all about. And yes, BMW had to be aware of what Kias look like, so IMO they are either blatantly and shamelessly copying them, or they are so lost with their design direction that they just so happened to end up resembling the tiger nose. Either way, it's a disgraceful situation.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by fxoffroad

[SIZE="3"]IMO... this thread is comical.

There's no way BMW is going to change its signature design language. One need only look at the i8 to know that. [/SIZE]

Huh? Where have you been? News flash! They already have.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

The i4 concept has the same kidney grille as this iX3. Where was all of this talk when the concept was first revealed?

Don't remember these KIA comments then either.

Nothing wrong with going electric. I have an i3s on order now as my runabout and commute car; it's excellent.

Electric is the future, so get ready, but an evolution of the kidneys was bound to happen and is ok. I want to wait until the entire car is shown before getting upset or accept.

Grille on i4 concept looks nothing like the iX3 concept. Executed completely differently with no black mesh grille, and I would argue the i4 looks good and futuristic compared to this newest iteration.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by CP911

Grille on i4 concept looks nothing like the iX3 concept. Executed completely differently with no black mesh grille, and I would argue the i4 looks good and futuristic compared to this newest iteration.

Sure, the grille on the i4 is different, but the kidneys are not closed and has similar design language. I think the overall slim design of the kidney grille on the i4 pays tribute to the cars from the 70's. The modern wide look and not being closed into two distinct kidneys is what has people up in arms.

Think BMW was just attempting to separate the electric from the ICE X3

[PARTS@STBMW]

Interesting

[CP911]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Sure, the grille on the i4 is different, but the kidneys are not closed and has similar design language. I think the overall slim design of the kidney grille on the i4 pays tribute to the cars from the 70's. The modern wide look and not being closed into two distinct kidneys is what has people up in arms.

Think BMW was just attempting to separate the electric from the ICE X3

You are correct in that BMW is trying to differentiate from their normal ICE lineup. I don't blame them and I agree it's a necessary evolution, but execution is everything with these types of bold design changes. They messed this one up. All I was trying to say.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by JorgenM

Someone please photoshop this grill onto an X3?

I don't think the X3 and the iX3 will look alike aside from basic form: Small SUV.

[fxoffroad]

It's a concept... doesn't mean they are going to put this grill on anything w/ a BMW roundel. (IMO)

Originally Posted by CP911

Huh? Where have you been? News flash! They already have.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by JorgenM

Someone please photoshop this grill onto an X3?

I did it anyway. Not too bad IMHO. Looks nothing like a KIA.

[SCOTT26]

It's a new interpretation of the twin kidney grille. But it also solves an inherent problem. With the need for advances in technology requiring sensors, cameras etc...
they do not allow for a clean minimalist front appearance.
The sensors etc are located in the grille to allow for a smoother front end aerodynamically therefore increasing efficiency.

BMWi design is an approach to aerodynamic aesthetics and minimalist design.
The new generation of BMWi models which take their place alongside the standard models will be bearers of this philosophy.
Including the i4 and iNEXT which is an SUV.

Although it is going to be interesting on how you react to the next generation of 4er? I can already predict the comments.

As for the "Connected" grille?
It's an element from our history, an interpretation of a previous tradition.
The only issue is the due to the issues in industrial design and engineering factors such as ventilation,safety legislation etc...

The grilles are wider purely down to aesthetic and problem solving issues. So although there is a similarity it is something BMW originally had but have reinterpreted.

Design as a whole needs to evolve and certainly BMW have an extensive back history to call on.
However other manufacturers are also implementing these and other tried and tested BMW features but trying to offer an interpretation to suit their language which for some is a concoction of BMW features.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by pheerlx

The 2019 BMW iX3 everybody
[IMG]https://cnet3.cbsistatic.com/img/Owt...ia-sorento.jpg[/IMG]

Hot damn I don't think Ive ever gotten so many appreciates for one post.