Re: BMW design boss defends cautious new 3-series
Monday 31st October 2011
"All our cars are part of the BMW family, but like any family, each member must have their own strong character traits. The 1 Series is not so serious and 70 per cent of its customers are new to the brand, so it can be more adventurous. The 3 Series has a different character."
BMW design boss defends cautious new 3-series
Van Hooydonk: 3-series is conservative for a reason
These are the words of Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW's design chief, defending the new 3-series in an interview with US car site Edmunds Inside Line against criticisms that the new 3er is too conservative, too similar to its predecessor. (It certainly didn't win universal plaudits when the new 3-series was revealed on PH a couple of weeks back.)
Van Hooydonk points out that the 3-series is BMW's key model range, and so must remain recognisable, but that there have been some significant stylistic changes, particularly around the nose, where the kidney grille now melds into the car's headlamps. "It is quite a big step forwards," he says, "but it remains identifiable as part of the BMW family. Even if you took the badge off, you'd know what it was."
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Discussion
He may be defending his position - that is his job. But I think he is wrong and I suspect the market does, too.
This car is way to conservative at a time when competition is getting better and better.
If I was at VAG right now I would be pretty pleased. And for any other competitor looking to do well in the premium space ( Jaguar for example) the conservative design of the new 3 series looks like a gift.
An own goal from the Germans IMO.
This car is way to conservative at a time when competition is getting better and better.
If I was at VAG right now I would be pretty pleased. And for any other competitor looking to do well in the premium space ( Jaguar for example) the conservative design of the new 3 series looks like a gift.
An own goal from the Germans IMO.
I just hope the interior quality is better than the current 5, i had a look in one last weekend, and there is a lot of shiny plastic in there, the 'sport models' used to have ali trim, now its plastic with a slither of ali, and the central air vents in the dash really are crap, they don't seem fastened to anything, you can push then back at least 5 mm with a finger, and they just spring back.
Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
I am a huge BMW fan having owned 7 various models so far and I think the new 3 series shape is ugly and a step backwards for the company generally. What is going on with the swept curves everywhere, sure it’s distinctive but does not float everybody’s boat. Based on this rubbish I would think seriously about getting a jag instead. I definitely wont be buying a new one any time soon. I'll be sticking to the antique 2001 supercharged 330 M3 slayer thanks very much.
I think that it is lovely - a marked improvement over the current model.
p.s. how on earth is your BMW worth GBP15k? I'm not knocking but it seems an absurd amount for a high mileage moded car when mint M3s and M3 CSs and the like are in that range.
p.s. how on earth is your BMW worth GBP15k? I'm not knocking but it seems an absurd amount for a high mileage moded car when mint M3s and M3 CSs and the like are in that range.
Edited by Hitch78 on Monday 31st October 13:06
I know there has to be a 'DNA' to the brand (all the models looking related), but why, oh, why does it have to look a bit too closely related to the new 1 series? The new 1 series now looks like that inbred, gormless relative that no one speaks about.
Despite being related to the 1 series, the 3 is almost a Daisy Duke. Inbred, but hot (and you still would). Almost.
Despite being related to the 1 series, the 3 is almost a Daisy Duke. Inbred, but hot (and you still would). Almost.
Oddball RS said:
I just hope the interior quality is better than the current 5, i had a look in one last weekend, and there is a lot of shiny plastic in there, the 'sport models' used to have ali trim, now its plastic with a slither of ali, and the central air vents in the dash really are crap, they don't seem fastened to anything, you can push then back at least 5 mm with a finger, and they just spring back.
Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
The springing back-ness is part of the new passive occupant protection system. It's supposed to work just like a bouncy castle. Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
"but it remains identifiable as part of the BMW family. Even if you took the badge off, you'd know what it was."
I'm not a car designer and I sort of know what he is saying. I partially accept that but it still seems conservative with a lot of fussy detailing. There is no broad vision here of what a small modern executive saloon should look like.
Great opportunities for Alfa, Audi, Jaguar and all...
I'm not a car designer and I sort of know what he is saying. I partially accept that but it still seems conservative with a lot of fussy detailing. There is no broad vision here of what a small modern executive saloon should look like.
Great opportunities for Alfa, Audi, Jaguar and all...
Oddball RS said:
I just hope the interior quality is better than the current 5, i had a look in one last weekend, and there is a lot of shiny plastic in there, the 'sport models' used to have ali trim, now its plastic with a slither of ali, and the central air vents in the dash really are crap, they don't seem fastened to anything, you can push then back at least 5 mm with a finger, and they just spring back.
Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
Completely agree true BMeer fan wont like this at all, I also agree with your comment about the interiors they are progressively getting worse since the e90 shape was released. Its so sad shame in my opinion they are ruining the heritage by making them look so plastic and rounded. The box shape M3 evolution e30 runs rings around this aethetically.Not the stuff my BM memories are made of.
Hitch78 said:
I think that it is lovely - a marked improvement over the current model.
p.s. how on earth is your BMW worth GBP15k? I'm not knocking but it seems an absurd amount for a high mileage moded car when mint M3s and M3 CSs and the like are in that range.
The Supercharger is £7k installed and dont forget the genuine AC Schnitzer parts cost stupid money IIRC circa £15k alone besides I probably spent twice that on it so far. But she does leave e46 Oem m3 behind and thats not even with the intercooler fitted, one day I will eventually get it upto 475-500bhp.p.s. how on earth is your BMW worth GBP15k? I'm not knocking but it seems an absurd amount for a high mileage moded car when mint M3s and M3 CSs and the like are in that range.
Edited by Hitch78 on Monday 31st October 13:06
TBH I dont think I would ever sell it anyway she is a real head turner and complete wolf in sheeps clothing.
rustymx5 said:
Pretty much every 3 series has been conservative and they have always sold by the bucketload.
What about the current Audi line up? You'd find more character in an unwashed sock.
Yeah fair point, Im not an Audi fan myself but if I had £45-50k to blow i'd would far sooner buy the Jaguar XF supercharged 5litreV8. What about the current Audi line up? You'd find more character in an unwashed sock.
toppstuff said:
He may be defending his position - that is his job. But I think he is wrong and I suspect the market does, too.
This car is way to conservative at a time when competition is getting better and better.
If I was at VAG right now I would be pretty pleased. And for any other competitor looking to do well in the premium space ( Jaguar for example) the conservative design of the new 3 series looks like a gift.
An own goal from the Germans IMO.
I don;t actually see your point, considering VAG are the past masters of Evolution rather than revolution on the styling front. Christ almighty VAG even sometims struggle to change the styling from one car to another!This car is way to conservative at a time when competition is getting better and better.
If I was at VAG right now I would be pretty pleased. And for any other competitor looking to do well in the premium space ( Jaguar for example) the conservative design of the new 3 series looks like a gift.
An own goal from the Germans IMO.
Quote“but that there have been some significant stylistic changes, particularly around the nose, where the kidney grille now melds into the car's headlamps. "It is quite a big step forwards," he says
(Van Hooydonk …………or should that be Van Hoodywink ????);)
Total rubbish as both myself and Mr Whippy said a couple of weeks back in reference to the new bonnet line;
It is a 'cheap' feature.
I bet it's there simply to save money, and it shows. It's a horrible place for a line. Yes, my Z4 has it, but I think it works due to the position of the lights and grilles... but in the new 3 series it's clearly just sat back up the bonnet to save having a complex split line which ultimately DOES look better.
Cheap details just stand out to me, and it results in a premium car that looks cheap. Naff imo.Just to refresh peoples memories GOOD outgoing model bonnet line on your left, CRAP incoming bonnet line on your right ….. (Ops sorry “significant stylistic change” ???)
And here’s my naff Photoshop attempt of what I consider looks a better bonnet line
Yep, agree with Mr Whippy, it’s a cheap feature ………. dreamt up no doubt by beancounters rather than someone who can actually design
(Van Hooydonk …………or should that be Van Hoodywink ????);)
Total rubbish as both myself and Mr Whippy said a couple of weeks back in reference to the new bonnet line;
Mr Whippy said:
It is a 'cheap' feature.
I bet it's there simply to save money, and it shows. It's a horrible place for a line. Yes, my Z4 has it, but I think it works due to the position of the lights and grilles... but in the new 3 series it's clearly just sat back up the bonnet to save having a complex split line which ultimately DOES look better.
Cheap details just stand out to me, and it results in a premium car that looks cheap. Naff imo.
And here’s my naff Photoshop attempt of what I consider looks a better bonnet line
Yep, agree with Mr Whippy, it’s a cheap feature ………. dreamt up no doubt by beancounters rather than someone who can actually design
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