As a trained automotive designer, what is going on with BMW??

want to start by saying that although I work in manufacturing products related to the automotive industry, I’m not an automotive designer at this time. My background and degree in industrial design took me on a different path, so I approach this topic as an enthusiast rather than an expert. Design is subjective, and I’m genuinely curious about everyone’s opinions on this!

In industrial design, we’re taught certain principles around proportions, functionality, and trends. While breaking these rules can sometimes result in innovative and exciting designs, BMW seems to be pushing these boundaries—but not in a way that feels cohesive or intentional.

I’ve always admired BMWs. I owned an E92 M3 AC Schnitzer and recently test drove the new G90 M5. Unfortunately, I walked away severely disappointed, both with the exterior and interior design. When BMW introduced the oversized kidney grilles on the M3 and M4, I initially stayed open-minded, thinking they might grow on me in person. But when I finally saw them up close, they felt even more jarring.

Take the door design cutting into the wide rear fenders—while the rear proportions on the M4 and M5 work well, the front feels disconnected. And the new headlights on models like the 5 Series and X series aim for an aggressive stance, but to me, they come off as awkward rather than purposeful.

It’s as if different design teams are working on separate components in isolation, and then those pieces are hastily assembled into a final product. There’s a lack of harmony in the overall aesthetic, which feels uncharacteristic for a brand that once epitomized balanced design.

I’m curious to hear what others in the community think—does this resonate with you, or do you see these designs differently?