Former BMW designer criticizes the design of the new iX3, saying it “doesn’t look that impressive.”
German luxury car company BMW will soon launch its new electric SUV, the iX3. This model is considered very important for the company, as it will introduce new battery technology, electric motors, and the 10th generation of iDrive. Furthermore, this car will also feature the company’s new design language, which could be used in other models in the future.
However, a former BMW designer did not like this new design at all.
Criticism by former BMW designer
Frank Stephenson, who worked on the design of the first generation of BMW’s popular SUV, the X5, has openly criticized the design of the new BMW iX3.
Frank Stephenson is a well-known designer in the automobile industry. He has worked for BMW as well as several other major companies, including:
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Ferrari F430
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Maserati MC12
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McLaren P1
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Mini (the first Mini of the BMW era)
iX3 design “not impressive”
In an interview, Stephenson said that the new BMW iX3 doesn’t look as impressive as it should.
He specifically criticized some of the car’s design elements.
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He called the crease lines on the fenders “disturbing.”
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He also criticized the new design of BMW’s famous kidney grille.
He said the grille’s new look resembles “beaver teeth.”
However, he also admitted that this design is slightly better than the previous overly large kidney grille.
The front bumper and rear design were also not liked
Stephenson also called the car’s front bumper overly complicated. He said that electric cars require fewer air inlets for cooling, yet the underbody appears quite full on this car.
Regarding the car’s rear design, he said it looks a bit simple and lacks BMW’s signature taillights.
He jokingly added:
“Nice try, but maybe next time it will be better.”
Has criticized BMW design before
Frank Stephenson has previously criticized BMW’s recent designs. In his YouTube series, he said that some of the company’s new designs have “lost their way.”
He specifically questioned the design of these models:
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BMW XM
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BMW 2 Series Coupe
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New models with large kidney grilles
Sales figures reveal something else
Although social media and design experts have differing opinions about BMW’s design, the company’s sales figures remain strong.
BMW currently leads Mercedes and Audi in premium car sales.
What will change in the new design language?
BMW’s new Neue Klasse (New Class) design philosophy will include:
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Smoother and cleaner surfaces than before
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Less complex design
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Smaller and redesigned kidney grille
These changes are expected to appear in future models.
New BMW i3 coming soon
BMW is also set to introduce its new electric sedan, the i3. Reports suggest it will premiere on March 18.
The new i3 is expected to feature the same Neue Klasse design language, which the company plans to adopt in several future models.
