[GenXer]

Does anyone remember when Mercedes Benz offered two options for the grill on the C Class? Customers could choose between Luxury (traditional slats and tri-star hood ornament) or Sport (oversized tri-star in the middle of the grille).

Could BMW similarly offer the oversized double kidney grille as an option instead of putting it on every new model? Right now customers can choose between Luxury and M Sport which alters the appearance of the entire front end almost completely. But, at least to date, the grill has been the same across the two trim lines.

I know this topic of large grille has been posted ad nauseum but wouldn't it be nice to give consumers a choice?

[cooolone2]

Not to worry... When sales slump a bit, it won't take long to go back to basics

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by cooolone2

Not to worry... When sales slump a bit, it won't take long to go back to basics

I don't think so ...

[..Rush..]

I've heard from some that it's about recognizing the brand from afar. However, I've never had a problem recognizing a BMW coming in opposite traffic.

People have never inquired as to what kind of car I have. It's always been, "hey nice BMW."

[..Rush..]

Everyone needs to remember that this car had well defined function and style for the brand. And, it didn't have a grotesque grill.

[GenXer]

You mean this one?

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by GenXer

I know this topic of large grille has been posted ad nauseum but wouldn't it be nice to give consumers a choice?

That is a great idea. I like the one on the right, by the way.

I think it is simply the idiocy of (1) the BMW design director and (2) all the BMW executives and supervisory board members who haven't fired the guy.

Time will tell. BMW may, in the short term, replace the business of us traditional BMW buyers with new buyers but in the long run those buyers may be one and out buyers and not the enthusiasts such as those of us on this forum. But so long as those hideous grills are the only choice, I will be looking at other brands.

[Burnsey]

Personally, I'm all in favour of progress and in fairness, will wait to see what rolls off the production line before making a decision on where my future car buying may focus.

[GenXer]

Originally Posted by SteveinArizona

I think it is simply the idiocy of (1) the BMW design director and (2) all the BMW executives and supervisory board members who haven't fired the guy.

I wouldn't fire the guy but maybe move him to the mail room or perhaps a reception kiosk at the Munich museum?

[yco]

I believe a group of designers highly influenced by Audi grills merged the idea with the kidney concept. But it didnt work, and one way or another it’ll be within a reasonable proportion much sooner, like on the iX3.

[Emilime75]

If manufacturers can offer options and complete model lineups for specific parts of the world, why can't they do the same for big grills?

[Hegge]

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

I don't think so ...

Funniest thing I've seen in a while. The big grille is unnecessary and embarassing. The M3 design should evolve like a 911 not transform in a totally different car. In an era of SUVs and crossovers, an ugly sedan is in trouble.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by cooolone2

Not to worry... When sales slump a bit, it won't take long to go back to basics

Yet when I talk to the dealers about the grilles they say customers like them as the 7 series sales have been pretty decent. The X5, and X7 have the new big grilles and are selling better than ever.

[M5Rick]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

Yet when I talk to the dealers about the grilles they say customers like them as the 7 series sales have been pretty decent. The X5, and X7 have the new big grilles and are selling better than ever.

That's what the dealers are 'programmed' to tell you.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

A better grille will be a paid subscription option

[GladiatorOwner]

They do offer them. It’s called used car market. With depreciation cooked well in, the smaller grilled cars are really cheap but have more soul. Lol

[vreihen16]

Would they have to do all of the crash testing over again on a second grille option? That could be a show-stopper.

Personally, where some people see an ugly grille, I see an opportunity for somebody to profit by making an aftermarket replacement.....

[fastboatster]

Originally Posted by yco

I believe a group of designers highly influenced by Audi grills merged the idea with the kidney concept. But it didnt work, and one way or another it’ll be within a reasonable proportion much sooner, like on the iX3.

Yeah, I agree that this rotten Audi influence. I think that Audi influence clearly ruined BMW cars in recent years - F30 was clearly influenced by (junk) b8 Audi platform. I'm half-serious of course.
In all seriousness, if grilles become so bad, the aftermarket might step in and produce new grille pieces if people are ready to pay for them.

[fastboatster]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

Would they have to do all of the crash testing over again on a second grille option? That could be a show-stopper.

Personally, where some people see an ugly grille, I see an opportunity for somebody to profit by making an aftermarket replacement.....

beat me to it by a few hours, lol) that's what I immediately thought hearing how everybody hates these new grilles

[Moflow]

Originally Posted by fastboatster

beat me to it by a few hours, lol) that's what I immediately thought hearing how everybody hates these new grilles

Ehhh, I’ve yet to see a late model Lexus with a different front end, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks that grille looks good.

[SteveinArizona]

I think there are two matters at play here and while they are related, they are not identical.

First, there is the increasing size of the grills such as on the newer 7 series. That is not great but I can maybe make myself live with it.

But then there is the second issue: BMW's emulation of the Edsel times two. This is truly hideous and appears to be the new design direction, although using the word "design" in the same sentence seems inappropriate.

[GenXer]

A true test to this option idea is to make the smaller grille slightly more expensive and see how many buyers are willing to pay for it!