Ask the Car People.SM


Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

729 messages,  Last post on May 30, 2007 at 10:05 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series

Messages Page 47 of 73

#461 of 729 2006 750i style by mevande

Mar 30, 2005 (11:29 pm)

I think BMW made the 7 series bearable again! It looks closer to the 1995-2001 series than the 2004-2005 "mutants". BMW got an earful from the automotive press, customers ect. I was at the dealer various times in the 2 years after the 745i intro, and they always had a huge demand for pre-owned 2001's for the styling on the newer 745i's was in total, not a favorite. I think the evolution from the 1994 7 series to the 1995 was more palatable. They made a significant update to the platform w/o making the 1994's look like dated "pigs".

#462 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [mevande] by 530ir1150r

Mar 31, 2005 (6:34 am)

Replying to: mevande (Mar 30, 2005 11:29 pm)
While I do not like the new design philosophy, two things to keep in mind. People I know in there 20's like the new 5 series and the low beltline dating back to the 1600s and early CSi Coupes was cutting edge for the 60s.

#463 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [530ir1150r] by kdshapiro

Mar 31, 2005 (7:04 am)

Replying to: 530ir1150r (Mar 31, 2005 6:34 am)
Some people that I know that formerly were not thrilled with the "old" conservative styles are liking the new looks. They seem to have attracted a whole new audience. While the old looks were handsome and classic, the new look is smartly designed and positioned to move the company forward.

#464 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [kdshapiro] by 530ir1150r

Mar 31, 2005 (9:27 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Mar 31, 2005 7:04 am)
I'm sure they will sell more cars. I'm not sure it is a move forward. As I've tried to say before, expanding volume in a mature market may weaken the brand.

#465 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [530ir1150r] by kdshapiro

Mar 31, 2005 (10:33 am)

Replying to: 530ir1150r (Mar 31, 2005 9:27 am)
If the market were mature, every manufacturer wouldn't be trying to produce cars that have what BMW cars have. Legendary handling and good styling. Let the Japanese manufactures put the wizmos in the cars. I don't need stuff like self-start. People that buy Lexus or Acura want self start.
 
BMW is a niche player attempting to move forward. Not moving forward is not the same as holding ones ground, it's more like sliding backward.

#466 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [kdshapiro] by 530ir1150r

Mar 31, 2005 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Mar 31, 2005 10:33 am)
The North American market has not grown for years. Other manufacturers attempt to convince you they have BMW traits. In total, there are always compromises.
 
Expanding market here means either becoming Lexus-like to satisfy demand or marketing BMW strengths to create demand. The first is quicker, the second takes time.
 
I agree you cannot stand still. You either progress or regress. BMWs position is more precarious on this tight rope because they market experience(which requires some semblance of exclusivity.)instead of price or service.

#467 of 729 ugliest bmw by m4d_cow

Apr 05, 2005 (2:13 am)

is the x3 by far

#468 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [530ir1150r] by kdshapiro

Apr 05, 2005 (6:26 am)

Replying to: 530ir1150r (Mar 31, 2005 2:59 pm)
I don't think I agree. What they market is they drive like no other, they are extremely handsome cars, fit and finish are beyond reproach. This is true in all models except for the X3 - which IMO they did a good thing with the design. People can treat it like a truck and not worry.
 
While the Japanese focus and have focused on wizmos, BMW earns it's living by focusing on driving. There is no wrong side of this. Personally I hate cars with a zillion widgets, more to break in the long run.

#469 of 729 Re: 2006 750i style [kdshapiro] by 530ir1150r

Apr 05, 2005 (6:50 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Apr 05, 2005 6:26 am)
Their experience is "driving like no other". I'm afraid their emphasis is or will shift from driving to wizmos because their increase in volume will outrun the market for "Ultimate Driving Machines". Of course, BMW may redefine "Ultimate Driving Machine" from road worthiness criteria to 1000 watt stereos and plush interiors.

#470 of 729 Self-Indictment by designman

Apr 05, 2005 (8:38 am)

The half-baked 3 and facelifted 7 is a blatant admission that they blew the styling. We have to endure one more abomination—the 1—then hopefully a return to styling sobriety.

Messages Page 47 of 73

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement