Bangle goes back to the drawing board

'Revolution is over' at BMW

Chris Bangle, BMW’s controversial design boss, has said the company’s design revolution is over and his team is preparing to start from scratch ready ‘for the next revolution’. Bangle, talking to Automotive News Europe, said the launch of the 3-series marked the end of a styling ‘revolution’ started by the 7-series in 2001.

He dismissed suggestions that the 7-series had an unattractive design, claiming that ‘customers liked it — very much so’.

He admitted the new 3-series was the best interpretation of BMW’s design language. ‘Perhaps we designers have matured, or the public is more ready to appreciate it.’

Bangle said he sees ‘almost nothing’ from other car makers in terms of ‘real and formal innovation… Almost no one has had the courage to take a radically new direction the way BMW has.’

Source: Autocar

Auto Spies perspective: Bangle says 'Almost no one has had the courage to take a radically new direction the way BMW has.’ We agree. But the problem with their radical new direction is the radical new designs STUNK. None of us are against radical change. We just want radical change, done right. Chris, we're all willing to give you a second chance. We just hope you get it right the next time.

DiamondJim - 3/18/2005 10:21:56 AM

+1 Boost

Freaking Hell, when are you people going to send off Bangle with a nice kick in the rear out the door?

We need a new young fresh designer to design for BMW....

MercBasher - 3/18/2005 12:45:02 PM

+1 Boost

BMW sales are rising, despite the designs - just think what BMW can accomplish when its products start looking more attractive.

Steve - 3/18/2005 2:18:18 PM

+1 Boost

It seems that Mr. Bangle subscribes to the flawed belief that "change is good."

The truth is that *GOOD* change is good. BMW is just putting a good spin on a bad situation. There are bridges to be sold to the folks who take Mr. Bangle's statements at face value.

Steve - 3/18/2005 2:18:18 PM

+1 Boost