Looking Good
BMW styling gets back home with new 4 Series & revised 7 Series.

There are glimmers of light that a modicum of sense is returning to Munich's designs after the promotion of BMW design director Chris Bangle to overall design boss of BMW Group.

Road & Track’s April ‘04 issue reports that the new 4 Series (2-door coupe & convertible versions of the new 3 Series) departs from Bangle’s polarizing design cues with tasteful yet thoroughly modern design. To my eye, the headlights on the 4 are still a bit odd, but the nose is otherwise cohesive and proportional. The trunklid is (hallelujah!) free of the jarring raised edge that mars the current 5-6-7 Series and Z4. Although the design wouldn't suffer by leaving out the concave scoop in the side, the overall look of the 4 represents a welcome dose of stylistic restraint.

Further good news: “BMW is admitting that the 7 Series’ shape wasn’t all they claimed it was” (R&T). Shots of a facelifted 7 include toned down headlights and trunk design. This cleaned up version of the 7 should see production by the end of 2004, none too soon for millions of BMW fans sick of the avant garde design failure of BMW’s current flagship.

Speed the day when BMW’s entire line once again reflects the handsome and evolutionary design philosophy that defined the marque’s aesthetic and commercial success during the 20th Century. We have no doubt that the new 3 and 4 Series and revised 7 Series will be successful in the marketplace, thanks to styling more in line with BMW tradition. Bravo, Munich.

Now, fix the remaining series’ (especially the 6 and Z4), ditch the iDrive, and happy days are here again. -RS

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