What the heck happened to BMW?

[lowrydr310]

I'm not even talking about styling, though you could argue they continue to go down the wrong direction in that area too. I get it, they need to push boundaries. In some cases their 'edgy' initially unaccepted design language becomes mainstream and eventually looks good. (Though certain models like the pre-LCI E65 Bangle 7 will never look good no matter how hard one tries.)

I'm talking about the driving dynamics, and even the interior styling and materials. I've driven all sorts of non-M BMWs and they all have that distinct BMW feel. Excellent handling. Nice interior that is definitively BMW, like if you were to hide the badges and put a stranger in it, you'd still know it's a BMW.

I recently rented a G21 LCI 320d for a week. It definitely looks like a BMW, and I even LIKE the styling of the wagon over the sedan. But driving the thing? Sure it was comfortable and no real complaints, just that it didn't *feel* like a BMW. You could put Kia badges inside this thing and I wouldn't know the difference. Just soft and boring. No different than any other car on the market. No soul. I know the F30 gets a lot of hate for starting that downward path, but a friend of mine has a F30 328i with Dinan suspension bits and even that car felt more BMW like than the current G20.

The engine was nice, plenty of power for everyday driving and I averaged just over 50MPG though it was very light driving, nothing sporting or aggressive. They say nobody wants small Diesels in the USA... I do.

[MJBO]

Buy something else then.

I love my G81, it's insanely good.

[NickyC]

They're just heavy, very ugly cars now (for the most part). It is a shame.

[Clark_Kent]

BMW has evolved into a mass market auto manufacturer. At this juncture they're not much different than Volkswagen or Toyota in the sense that they're widely available, offer several vehicle options, and are designed for mass appeal. While I enjoyed the few M cars I owned, I will never buy another BMW.

[pikkagtr]

Albert Biermann left M
so that last GOOD BMW was the F80
now they are just churning out heavy bloated boats with lots of power to go straight
a face only a blind mother can love
the best BMW on sale currently wears a Toyota GR Badge

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by MJBO

Buy something else then.

I love my G81, it's insanely good.

Ah but that's an M car. They're different... though I haven't personally driven one yet. I'm talking the non-M cars.

Though that 320d had M badges everywhere... on the fenders, door sills, dash,

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by pikkagtr

Albert Biermann left M
so that last GOOD BMW was the F80
now they are just churning out heavy bloated boats with lots of power to go straight

Tell me you haven't driven a G8x without telling me you haven't driven a G8x