Purely From A DESIGN Perspective, Does The All-new BMW M340i's Kidney Grille Look AWESOME or AWFUL?

When the all-new BMW 3-Series made its primetime debut not too long ago, the first thing that my eyes were drawn to wasn't its new front grille. That's because when the vehicle first appeared, it wasn't wearing anything peculiar or off putting.

Instead, BMW showed us the 330i that would lead off.

The Mark McGuire of 3-Series', the M340i, was to be debuted a bit later. And when that arrived on the scene, it had some totally different dental work.

Seen for the first time in person at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS), the M340i has a completely new type of kidney grille. Inspired by the all-new Z4's look, it's a solid piece up front with what appear to be little pieces of jewelry up front.

Rather than look traditional and timeless, the M340i's grille looks like bling and akin to a rapper's teeth.

So, I've got to ask: Does the all-new BMW M340i's front grille look AWESOME or AWFUL?


Los Angeles Auto Show

dlin - 12/7/2018 1:00:21 AM

+5 Boost

BMW doesn't know where they are going in terms of design... Lots of arbitrary lines and pieces without a cohesive unity. Worst cheapo plastic I've seen at the top of door panel and instrument panel, as in that of new X3. And don't get me going on that central air vent!

Being a BMW driver, I don't know how much longer I can tolerate this non-sense

valhallakey - 12/7/2018 2:05:38 AM

+4 Boost

The kidney grill... well the inner detail looks interesting, however it is too large, no separation between left and right and is oddly shaped.

valhallakey - 12/7/2018 3:37:50 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah I want paint between the grills. I c the car can c me :)

Dexter1 - 12/7/2018 7:11:12 AM

+2 Boost

Keep making the connected kidney grille wider and BMW will soon have a Kia grille. And we thought Chris Bangle sucked...

rockreid - 12/7/2018 7:36:03 AM

+3 Boost

Looks like BMW has taken their twin Kidney branding to cartoon levels. I guess that’s what they think their customers want... I can see now they are designing more for the Chinese market rather than the traditional reserved German market. Seems like most manufacturers are looking East now over the USA market. Times are changing.

Lovesponge76 - 12/7/2018 9:40:44 AM

+4 Boost

I think Obama and Sarah Palin said it best "if you put lipstick on a pig it is still a pig"

Lovesponge76 - 12/7/2018 9:44:33 AM

+2 Boost

Ahh...it looks like they placed two extra touch pads next to the shifter..awesome...oh wait that isn't a touch pad!

Lovesponge76 - 12/7/2018 9:48:55 AM

+2 Boost

Ahh...it looks like they placed two extra touch pads next to the shifter..awesome...oh wait that isn't a touch pad!

This is supposed to compete with the C43? BMW has a dedicated audience of those that continue to lease because they can't roll that negative equity into a purchase.

I know I was one of them. Suggestion ride out the lease, return it and walk over to the MB store. The price of entry is slightly higher but the product is better ( not the resale value).

cidflekken - 12/7/2018 11:26:20 AM

+4 Boost

Just an evolution of a grille. Not really that newsworthy or worthy of specific scrutiny. Unlike truly drastic changes in design like Lexus and Acura have made over the past few years.

Truthy - 12/7/2018 12:05:45 PM

+3 Boost

The interior is similar to my 2014 C-Class. MB moved forward in 2015. BMW is behind in the chase.

mre30 - 12/7/2018 12:15:29 PM

+1 Boost

It will look acceptable for about 18 months (the design and texture is acceptable/fine) but it will look like Sh*t after that when stone chips and general wear starts flaking off the gold accent paint.

4 year old ones will look terrible because by that time, the gold accent paint will be all chipped and it will be a cheap plastic, faded, mess.

scenicbyway12 - 12/7/2018 1:41:48 PM

+4 Boost

The Grill is okay, bit gimmicky in my opinion. The front bumper is a distorted, ungainly disaster.

cidflekken - 12/7/2018 4:20:10 PM

+2 Boost

what I DEFINITELY don't like about the design is how BMW incorporated that same theme into other parts of the car. The instrument gauge design and the vent surround both mimmick the same overall shape. Just comes off as tacky to me.

SSP350 - 12/7/2018 10:38:41 PM

+2 Boost

Am I the only one who sees a "Lexus GS" rear end? Is BMW going backwards?

rlbdcky - 12/10/2018 7:26:14 AM

+1 Boost

The grill is hideous. The X7 and X5 grills are awful too. What ever happened to German design restraint? BMW's new design language is cartoonish and overwrought.

MDarringer - 12/10/2018 8:18:12 AM

+1 Boost

German design restraint is why new BMW's look 15 years old. Ditto Audi.