BMW says Bold Design Approach will Continue, Despite “Brutal” Feedback

BMW says Bold Design Approach will Continue, Despite "Brutal" Feedback

Design bosses at the company want products that are unique.

BMW is confusing us. Bavarian automaker BMW is sending mixed signals about its design. BMW stated that the 4 Series and the M3/M4 will likely be the only new Bimmers to receive the huge kidney grille. BMW stated that it was fine to replace the factory fascia by an aftermarket part. Finally, the company admitted that it was impossible for everyone to design.

The manufacturer may have been trying to prepare us all for the future in which the new-style kidney grilles play an important part of the brand’s overall design language. Domagoj Duc, the head of design at the company, said that this will make future BMWs stand apart from others.

In a recent interview, Dukec stated that if you want something to stand out, it must be distinctive and different. You must be different if you want to reach certain customers. While it is not our goal to please everyone, you must please your customers.”

BMW says Bold Design Approach will Continue, Despite "Brutal" Feedback

We mentioned that it is impossible to please everyone. Adrian van Hooydonk is the senior vice-president for BMW Group design. He admitted that feedback can sometimes be “brutally harsh”, but that does not mean BMW will change its mind. He said that conflict is normal and a result of the marque’s past successes.

Van Hooydonk stated that there is friction when a product is old and successful. You must change if your market success is not there. This is a stressful situation for a company.

The design duo is determined to create cars that customers love to use, and not just need. Two main types of customers are identified by the designers: the elegant creators and expressive performers. Traditionalists are those who prefer odd-numbered cars such as the 7 Series, 5 Series and 3 Series. The performers, on the other hand, like cars such the M4 and X6.