Photo: Alex Sincan/autoevolution
Minimalism against complications, sharp clarity against ambiguous elements, and sobriety against opulence; not to mention discrete symbolism, too. These are the notions I took the time to weigh before starting an own styling approach regarding the latest BMW 4 Series. Otherwise, the risk of coming up with a design like something for comic book superheroes is significant.
I don’t see any mystery about the wave of criticism raised by the new BMW 4 Series's appearance. Intuitively, people see all things around them as either beautiful or ugly. Look at a Jaguar F-Type: nobody has to explain to you why it is beautiful.
Now, take a look at a Fiat Multipla or a Pontiac Aztek: nobody has to explain why it is ugly. There is a large set of cultural references asssimilated by all of us in time that has a determinant role in this perception process. The results may vary, however.
When a designer has to talk a lot to convince the public as much as possible that his creation is nice looking, he already has a problem. Nobody should ever forget that spectacular might not go together well with beautiful.
Putting lots of details together will undoubtedly lead to a spectacular result, and people will certainly be impressed. Here we reach the paradox area of the „be careful what you wish for” saying. However, BMW managers shouldn’t worry too much about it, because the fabulous tech and capabilities of their cars will continue to appeal to customers and fans anyway. True, a less controversial design would help them have even more success.
Just for the fun of it, I blended the front end of a BMW Z8 with the 4 Series' body. But let’s go back to what you came here for. This is my vision regarding a simply nice 4 Series, without big holes on the body and an overemphasized double-kidney grille. In fact, I chose to integrate it completely in the design of the front bumper—yet it is still there, telling us we are looking at a BMW. Smoothness rhymes with refinement, I believe.
Now, take a look at a Fiat Multipla or a Pontiac Aztek: nobody has to explain why it is ugly. There is a large set of cultural references asssimilated by all of us in time that has a determinant role in this perception process. The results may vary, however.
When a designer has to talk a lot to convince the public as much as possible that his creation is nice looking, he already has a problem. Nobody should ever forget that spectacular might not go together well with beautiful.
Putting lots of details together will undoubtedly lead to a spectacular result, and people will certainly be impressed. Here we reach the paradox area of the „be careful what you wish for” saying. However, BMW managers shouldn’t worry too much about it, because the fabulous tech and capabilities of their cars will continue to appeal to customers and fans anyway. True, a less controversial design would help them have even more success.
Just for the fun of it, I blended the front end of a BMW Z8 with the 4 Series' body. But let’s go back to what you came here for. This is my vision regarding a simply nice 4 Series, without big holes on the body and an overemphasized double-kidney grille. In fact, I chose to integrate it completely in the design of the front bumper—yet it is still there, telling us we are looking at a BMW. Smoothness rhymes with refinement, I believe.
Google News