BMW lost the plot with their new designs?

 In the recent years BMW launched a flurry of new models including the new 8 Series, the 1 series, the 4 series and X7. Every one had the signature double kidney front grille. Over the years the size of the kidney grille grew in size and it has been often laughed at by industry observers for growing in size. The new models designs are no longer classy or sexy as it once were. Mercedes which was traditionally more conservatively designed have since caught up and over taken BMW as the sporty brand with the current C-class and the A-class.

BMW's gradual evolution in design have become too out of date and it needs design refresh to keep up with Mercedes and Audi. BMW's X4 and X7 look strange and is not sporty nor sexy. On the other hand Mercedes' GLA and GLB have grown in appeal and is stealing more sales from BMW.

In the horsepower race BMW is also falling behind. BMW once upon a time made the best engines in the industry with its M engine but now have been over shadowed by the AMG 45 and AMG 63 engines which is full of character and are incredible power units. The M engines are no doubt still very good.

The BMW 1 series is also now front wheel drive which is the first for BMW. The design of the car is nothing spectacular and the M135i cannot compete with the AMG A45 which is over 120hp up on the M135i. BMW may need to relook at their design philosophy and inject some new design blood in order to bring the brand back to the front. Some drastic design changes will yield some excitement back into the brand if not it will gradually fall further behind Mercedes.