BMW has high hopes for the next-generation iX3, equipping it with next-generation motor and battery technology, as well as the tenth-generation iDrive system. The new car is also the first model in the modern BMW product line to utilize the Neue Klasse next-generation platform and will feature a completely new design language.
However, renowned designer Frank Stephenson, who previously worked at BMW, was not convinced by this direction. Born in Morocco, he was involved in the design of the first-generation X5 and the first-generation MINI Cooper during the BMW era. Furthermore, Stephenson has designed several other well-known sports cars, including the Ferrari F430, Maserati MC12, and McLaren P1.
On March 2nd, local time, in an interview with Top Gear magazine, Stephenson gave a rather sharp critique of the design of the new BMW iX3: the design lacks visual highlights, and the creases in the fenders look very abrupt. He also criticized the kidney grille, a blend of retro and modern styles, for presenting a “mixed old and new beaver fang shape,” and for being too tight, almost like it’s wrinkled together. However, at the same time, he also believes that the new design is at least an improvement over BMW’s exaggerated grilles of recent years.
Stephenson’s criticisms also extended to the front bumper: the lower air intake area was “too complicated,” and electric vehicles don’t require as much cooling as gasoline cars. His assessment of the rear was that the overall design was “somewhat ordinary,” lacking the highly distinctive taillight design of past BMW models.
Stephenson concluded, “It was a good attempt, but we’ll try harder next time.”
Looking back at Stephenson’s past comments, a clear trend emerges: he has consistently been critical of BMW’s designs in recent years.
According to reports, he has bluntly stated that “recent BMW designs have lost their way.” Previously, he even described the XM’s front design as “completely illogical.” When commenting on the 2 Series Coupe, he also questioned whether BMW was “continuing to dig itself deeper and deeper.” Furthermore, he has repeatedly mocked BMW’s increasingly exaggerated kidney grille design.
