BMW's THREE GREATEST DESIGNS & how their recent designs have lost their way!
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- World renowned designer and designer of the X5, Frank Stephenson, analyses his three favourite designs in the history of BMW.
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Hi! This week I am detailing my favourite three designs from BMW. It was a difficult process of elimination since there are so many remarkable designs in the marks history. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Please dont forget to subscribe!
Thanks,
Frank
00:00 Intro
00:38 Summing Up BMW's Design Philosophy
01:43 Greatest Design No.1
05:46 Greatest Design No.2
09:18 Greatest Design No.3
12:24 Honourable Mentions
13:03 Concluding Thoughts On BMW's Current Design Direction
#FrankStephenson #BMW #ThreeGreatestDesigns 
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Hi! I hope you enjoy this weeks episode. We've now included chapter markers so you can easily see how each video is structured. Let me know what your THREE favourite BMW's are and how you feel about the current design direction of BMW! Also, if you're new here, please make sure you subscribe so we can bring even more detailed and entertaining content!
Many thanks,
Frank.
Great video respectful of the true BMW heritage. Today's new design is Angry Birds' pigs by the Beaver Motor Works 🐷🦫
once again, great vid
I think BMW is trying to much to be different nowadays. Trying new thing is good, but they try so many different things at once, it's messy and insecure in my opinion. Although I actually like the new M3.
Was expecting the 2002 and the e36, but it came in the honors..
It seems that BMW is ruining every new model that is not a facelift. They must feel like they have to modernize the models completely and they are taking the chance with the huge ugly grilles.
Most manufacturers (except Mercedes) are moving to more of a Japanese design language using bolder shapes. And sucha a big portion of cars will go electric in the near future and that will bring even crazier shapes to cars on the road.
We are saying goodbye to an era and i don't think it's going to be good because Teslas and other electrics don't even deserve to be called cars.
Imagine going into a BMW dealer in the late 90’:
E46 3 series
E39 5 series
E38 7 series
E31 8 series
E53 x5 series
Z3
Z8
Every single one of them is special in it’s own way. The best lineup ever made. As a BMW fan, miss those days
bmw used to be THE cool brand. now, they are getting ferther from that every year.
I saw a Z8 today gorgeous car.
But when it comes to 'classic inspired' cars the Mercedes SLS is my favorite
The best era.
Totally agree. BMW's back then looked way better than anything Mercedes or Audi were doing.
You're too focused on the past to appreciate what you have now! Remember, the death or petrol cars is coming, appreciate the current M2, M3, M4... you'll feel silly one day for not appreciating modern BMWs just because of an oversized grill
The E9 3.0 CSL is simply amazing.
I have never, EVER seen a Giugiaro car I didn’t like. Man’s a genius
@@23Piccolina faxness
@@23Piccolina .... 😒
Daewoo Lacetti
@@guenthersteiner8163 shouldn't you be looking at that hASS on track? Anyway, add Daewoo Matiz to the list
Giugiaro is a master! Who else has recycled so many designs between manufacturers? Jaguar didn't like the Kensington? NO PROBLEM! Offer it as a Daewoo Leganza. FIAT didn't like the new 500? NO PROBLEM! Offer it as a Daewoo Matiz 😂
Please, do a "three greatest designs" video of the greatest designers.
I'm really proud of this man as a human being.
Don’t be. U are not human. 😂
@@currentaf8455 eh?
Why?
What a strange thing to say
I'm embarrassed for him that unlike BMW he lives in the past, he & his supporters are not going to cope well with autonomous BEV rideshare future. Of course, like Trump, he won't be around to see it. He seems oblivious to fact that current design chief's Bangle butt 745i led to co. outselling Mercedes for 1st time & that he has since doubled volume this century on X crossovers, in segments BMW didn't even compete in until this century. 2 of the designs he cites here were by non-BMW designers, 1 inspired by former Mercedes designer who did original 1 sausage 3 sizes 3/5/6/7, & classic E9 6 cyl. face-lift of ugly duckling 4 cyl. Neue Klasse 2000 CS. None of the vehicles displayed here were volume BMW & Karmann CS notorious for rust.
The original 8 series is still my favorite looking Beamer of all time.
I totally agree with you here
Might be in the top 3
The new one Looks cool as Well. Not as good as the old one tough.
to me the original "02" oh two? 2002...
The E31 8 series is one of the most beautiful cars of all time. It is certainly the most beautiful BMW of all time.
I think that the e92 M3 was a very beautiful car! It’s so perfectly proportioned, harmonic and flowing all while upholding that Germanic sense of precision and efficiency! It’s like a surgeon’s sickle with a hand carved ivory handle! It’s effortless design met by modern technology and cutting edge German manufacturing.
I love that car.
The e92 was horrid bro tf
It's incredible how consistent the quality has been since the conception of this channel
My picks (no particular order): E30, Z3, and the 2002. The 507 is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but not sure if it's that distinctly BMW.
Love this take!
I would consider the E10 (2002) of more significant (read greater) import than the E9. The E10 (2002) defined the compact sport sedan class, whereas the E9 is a full-sized luxury sports car, which was already well defined by the Mercedes-Benz SL. Just my take.
Z8 deserve an honorable mention
Yes but it was just a re-design of the original 507. A very nice car though! Would be overjoyed to have one! I think just for design braveness the z3M should have been included too! Very distinctive and I think also very pretty!
We need you to redesign BMW because this new age of BMW's is utterly horrendous
Can BMW afford him anymore?
@@1anre they can afford him, but then goes the Chinese market along with their shitty taste
Some of the 2015-2019 bmw still look really good
Total bs. Obviously not seen them in the flesh. This Chanel is full of old shit. Old bmw look old.
@@jellyd4889 old? 2019 is old??
E39 M5 is one of the most timeless, beautiful BMWs ever. Surprised this wasn't included. Perhaps because it's very understated in design?
This is #1 in my mind too. Maybe it depends on the era that you fell in love with BMWs?
Frank just doesnt like modern cars :/
@@grtbgf did you watched his honorable mentions?
I‘d have a very tough time if I was given the choice between an E28 and an E39 M5.
Prolly would go with the former in the end, but I sure would feel like missing out on something.
Yeah surprised he picked E46 or even F10 over E39. Even a basic E39 528i still looks good driving down a road today.
Frank, if you had the regulations from the 70s or 80s, how would you design a new modern car? (That's a good idea for a video)
Thanks for adding honourable mentions!
Thanks to everybody who suggested it!
To me the balance of the M1 isn't quite right, the back end just seems massive. But that's just to my untrained eye. Awesome video!
I do think in person it might make a little more sense.
You are absolutely right,
That‘s the mid-engine problem. Unsolveable, even the best tries - even, if they were really, really well done (as for the Lamborghini Miura, e.g.) - can‘t cover the visual disproportions of any mid-engined car. Look at the newest Corvette, the Audi RS6 (or 8?), where they played the trick with a black stripe to ‚corrigate‘ the inherent disproportions of any mid-engined car. Giugaro found one of the best compromises with the M1 to solve this - basically unsolvable - problem.
You might like the BMW 850i.
To me the E9 and E3 have been the signatures of BMW design. I owned a E46 wagon for years, and all E46s still look contemporary today even after more than 20yrs. I also owned a E24, which I think is a pretty credible update of the E9 theme.
Loved that the F10 was mentioned. I've loved it from the moment it came out. It looks so clasically BMW and I consider it a really timeless design, but many considered it a bland design when it came out.
Glad to see the F10 and E46 here in the honourable mentions. . Just gorgeous designs that will be long lasting. I also really like the G30 as it emphasised some of the best areas of it's predecessors design. Slightly more muscular stance, small but welcome improvements to the treatment of the taillights etc.
Z8, E9 and M1 (ProcCar). Honorable mention is my sweetheart E92 M3. The design is so so so good with light OEM+ modifications. She has the heart to match with on of the best V8s ever to be put into a production road car.
Z8 is gorgeous
My favorite BMW design ever has got to be the E38 7 Series. The design is just perfect from every angle, aggressive yet elegant. It just has this incredible feeling of lightness for such a big car, that's completely opposite to it's main competitor at the time - the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W140.
I agree these 3😍 + Z8, E92 coupe, and the E 38 7 series!
Í would love to see you back at BMW. You know better the brand’s heritage than the current team. You know what the brand needs to recapture its essence and identity.
Quite an agreeable list. To me, however the Z8 has always been one of the most amazing BMWs. It has captured that light elegance of the old BMW so well without making it look very retro. How the straight and modern rear lights were fitted onto that small curved back is amazing.
I would include the i8 in the runner up. I think it looks beautiful and really defined (at the time) what future cars should be about. Unfortunately BMW completely ignored it's early electric cars and went in the wrong way with its iX. The i8 for me was the modern M1, looking better than the current 8 series.
yeah, it rules
My life will be complete when you do Top 3 Volvos , SAABs, Peugeots, Citroëns, DS Automobiles and Renaults
Ide like the see top 3 Pontiacs.
Top 3 lancia
And VW
the F10 5-Series is one of my favorite designs from the last decade. I love it way too much
My non m sport LCi is disappointing. Some odd engineering choices too
@@leenevin8451 Damn
People in BMW really like putting their logo everywhere on their cars, aren't they?
Nowadays it's mostly just M badges everywhere.
Nice video. I already know how BMW can fix their current designs: they need to hire you again!
... I like the current designs!
@@user-xg6zz8qs3q big grill go bruh
Dear Frank, thank you for these insightful videos. My favourite BMW design is the F32 4-series Coupe. It has been my favorite car for years, and I was blessed enough to be able to buy one last year.
As someone from the younger generations, my three favorite are…
1: i8
2: M6 Gran Coupe
3: M1
Z8. Check it out. James Bond car.
I bought the best-looking (to me!) BMW that BMW themselves would like to forget... (it is in none of their coffeetop books about design, not on the wall murals in dealerships): the E86 Z4 Coupe. Classic muscle-car look, long hood, short tail, the whole back window is a big Hofmeister knick, Zagato roof, nice swipe on the side... love it.
I actually agree with all 3 that were mentioned. I’ve never seen the second one before I definitely know about the M1 and 507. Both stunning looking cars. Definitely the top designed BMWs ever. My personal favorite BMW though will always be the E36, just because it includes features I like from BMW and aspects I like from Japanese cars of the same time period. My dad had the BMW 2002 but he really loves the M5 from 1988.
I really love this channel, I didn't really think much of car design but I've really grown to appreciate how much goes into a car's look
My favourites: M3 E92, 8-Series E31, M3 CSL E46. i8 is also very unique.
I absolutely love the M3 E92. It is very elegant, just enough aggressive (unlike the later over-aggressive BMWs), it has very smooth, flowing lines. And it does not really make you focus on one element (except for the rear bumper with diffusor and exhaust) - everything works together just perfectly. And this is the only car, in design of which I cannot find not just a place I don't like but I cannot really think, what could have been improved. It is not very exotic, it is just beautiful. In fact, this is the car, that made BMW very special for me.
Z8 is a beauty but maybe nostalgia also played a part in this case.
Just want to mention that the design of the x series has been my favorite in the dmw line up. When I was a kid the X5 was as a dream car for me because it was a very bmw looking design to me, if that makes sense.
Then I recently discovered your channel and learning that you were the designer of the x5 made me so happy. You did a great job in creating a design that was true to the language of bmw, and also creating a look as you said that made the car appear light and dynamic, even tho it was an suv.
Bertone’s BMWs are looking interesting too, but not as solid as those 3.
I ma concept artist in videogames and this is one of my favourite channels EVER. Wasn’t too much into cars until I’ve been watching your videos and I’m learning a ton. Huge inspiration source and such a pleasant experience to watch. Thank you!
I like how Frank absolutely nailed pronouncing Giorgetto Giugiaro's name.
I would’ve had the 2002 on my list
I'd probably go for this line up: E9, E26, 328 (1937). I used to own an E46, loved that car, so happy to see it in the honorable mention.
the BMW 3 e46 always looked incredibly pleasing to me. I was a child when it came out, but still I was impressed how it didn't seem to have any unnecessary details - it was just the quintessential car to me. I still feel that way
Aside from these cars, I would say it will be E24 (the land shark), E31 (the best looking 8 series), E38 (S-class has nothing on the real boss car) and E39 M5 because that's the best looking sports sedan they ever designed.
Surprised the original 8 series didn't make it :D
Besides that, i think the E28 and E24 are great aswell
My top 3 BMW designs is the #3 - Z3 based M Coupé E36/8, (1998 - 2002), #2 the E39 M5 (1998-2003) and at #1 the glorious BMW 850i E31 (1990-1999) with the V12 engine.
Thank God someone from the Car Industry took RUclips seriously and designed to share their knowledge and observations with us.
The BMW M1 by Giorgetto Giugiaro looks stunning! even today! stands the test of time! My other favourites are the: BMW E12 & BMW E21 by Paul Bracq, BMW E32 & BMW E34 by Ercole Spada.
I like the 2017 M550i xdrive! The aluminium details on the bumper and on the wheel arch vents ad elegance; while the design of the grill morphing into the hood gives a robust look! You just need to find the right angle to look at it!
My Favourites.
1. E23 7-Series (1977-1986)
2. Z3 (1995 to 2002)
3. E54 7-Series (2001-2004 pre-facelift)
Honorable mentions
4. E46 3-Series 4-Door Sedan (1997-2000 pre-facelift)
5. E28 5-Series (1981-1988)
My 3 favourite design are: From 80s E31, from 90s E46, from 00s F10 and I got all of them :)
I love the Z8, as it's essentially an homage to the 507
Very well selected models, absolutely agree on them.
In my eyes nothing can keep up with an E46 M3 or an E30 (M3). Perfection!
For me, it is the E60 M5. Maybe not in the greatest design line-up, but definitely needed an honourable mention. Love your videos. ♥️
Honestly, BMW's current designs also perfectly capture the essence of their present brand, which is confused, struggling for relevance with the emergence of Tesla in the luxury vehicle market, and surviving solely based off of past reputation and laurels.
Here's a list of my favourite modern BMW designs.
E38 7 series-sporty, luxurious, elegant, subtle and just perfect. No crazy grilles, no nonsense, it's design is as straightforward as it could be.
E60 M5-the best M5 in my opinion and the second most beautiful one. So subtle, yet so aggressive at the same time. I like it from 0-10 11 not gonna lie, but not all people love its aggressive road presence and sharp styling.
E39 M5-the best looking M5 and surely the second best M5-this car just screams ,,elegance" and ,,style"
Favourite SUV? Yes!
E53 X5 4,8iS-opulent, huge, massive, aggressive, but yet not IN YOUR FACE the way the modern X5M is.
@Frank Stephenson really did a GREAT job with it and the original X5 will always be my favourite SUV.
Good taste. I was lucky enough to find a ‘95 740i in mint condition with 60k miles, and it was a fantastic sedan. Everything about the car had a feeling of solidity that the newer models lack. I sold my E38 after I bought my ‘15 F32 and I really regret not keeping it.
@@NovemXI Thanks.
Well, next to the bank vault quality of the E38 7 series the F32 really lacks behind, but that's sadly how things are nowdays. BMW must cut costs everywhere they can, because they have to invest more money in EV's and ridiculously ugly stuff like the new 4 series/M3/M4/IX...
As an E24 owner I am a bit biased and I arguably thing the E24 is a better looking car than the M1. I do agree that the E9 and 507 are the two best looking BMWs ever though.
My honorable mentions would be: Pre-war BMW 328 , BMW E12 (early cars particularly) and the 2002 Tii Touring.
PS: I had no idea you designed the X5! I also own an E53 X5 and in my humble opinion it looks much better then the consequent generations and the X3.
The honorable mentions really brought the video together. The focusing on the future part added a lot to the video as well. Please keep those!
An interesting selection, but IMO the M1 is probably the least BMW of all BMW's cars - you could stick a Lancia or Alfa Romeo badge on it, and quite frankly that would make more sense, as apart from a couple of cues it shares little with BMW design language. My personal choices in no order would be the E30 M3, 2002 and E9 CSL. Also-runs would be the Z8, Z3 M Coupe, 850i and Z4 Mk 2.
Frank, even a great car designer like you can't ignore the fact that the BMW Isetta is the best BMW ever.
The 3 cars that Frank included in the top 3 are stunning and certainly beautiful and timeless, but none of them is my top 3. To me BMW is all about elegant, athletic, sharp and fast sedans that make every day driving an occasion. In that respect, my top 3 designs from BMW are:
1. E32
2. E38
3. E34 (sedan and wagon)
And 2 honorable mentions, the E30 and E36.
I think all those 5 designs fulfill the concept I have from a proper BMW and not only that, but they have aged gracefully. With each new generation that comes out, they become even more special because the simple elegance they have is impossible to recreate in today’s world.
The Miura and the 507 are the most timeless car designs. Most cars reflect design cues of their times but those 2 are original elegance.
Great video! My favorite designs are the E24 6-series, E31 8-series, and the Z8.
Now those three are some gems of design 😍.
Great series. I would love to see Lancia's three greatest designs. Brand which we should never forget.
Start a thread here: Aurelia Spider, Beta Montecarlo, Stratos (without aero kit). Consolation prize: Fulvia Rallye (notchback version).
S4, 037 etc
Lancia is my fav brand ever
i worked with Adrian Van Hooydonk and Henrik Fisker in management at Designworks under Chris Bangle’s direction. While Adrian is a wonderful
human being/leader, holding to the Bangle butt approach while leaving Henrik’s sparse athletic beauty behind was the genesis of the current (mis)direction of BMW Design. Increasing the innovative influence of Fernando Pardo might be just what the Borse seeks
Awesome!!!! Can't wait to watch and enjoy! Hope the whole community is well
Three best BMW designs, K1300S, HP2Sport and R5. Oh wait this is a car channel. That said that last car is jaw dropping. I didn't think the M1 could be topped. Not outside of Motorrad anyway.
Lol yup keeping my 2015 K1300S Motorsport no doubt.
I loved my BMW 850!!
My top 3... As for me, it's very hard to select, because BMW had a lot of design masterpieces in the past.
1) BMW 507
2) BMW E36
3-4) tied BMW Z1 and BMW E31
I owned a 1974 BMW CSI ..White with a navy blue leather interior as well as a 1974 BMW 2002 TI I silver with a beige interior . Both were stunning in looks and drivability. and bought new . I wish I still had them. .
I stopped caring about BMW as soon as they moved from E to F designations
F sounds about right to the new ones.
I would say that M2, M3 F80 and M4 F82 are great designs that will age pretty well
press "F" to pay respects
The BMW E31 8 series is the finest design and the most beautiful BMW of all time, inside and out.
E24 (6 Series), E31 (8 Series), E52 (Z8), F13 (6 Series coupe) are all amazing. My pick is E63 LCI (6 Series coupe facelift) though: shark-like, modern and aggressive design that has aged really well. It encapsulates futuristic design and traditional coupe proportions that make the whole package fresh and alluring to this day.
I agree only with the E9 - it's the best example of what's characteristic about BMW styling.
M1 looks like a generic supercar, and 507 looks like a generic roadster.
Instead I would choose e36/e38 for the proportions, and e60 for the impact its debut had on the industry, how much more fresh did it look than all the rivals.
The x3 and x5 are still the most beautiful SUVs with perfect proportions, ofc the 2022 x3 being an exception.
@@GiancarloBenzina Ranger Rover Velar is an example of pretty modern SUV. BMW X5 of current generation has attractive proportions too, however it starts to show its age slowly, and with last facelifting they kinda gave X5 generic taillights - like a mix of Renault Koleos and some asian car.
The E24 was a masterpiece, and worthy of inclusion. The design was successful for fourteen years!
To me, there is nothing more beautiful that BMW E9 CSL and Merc 300 SL.
For me, the E34 5 series is the best BMW. It's also probably my favourite car design of all time. Beautifully proportioned and classy.
was really hoping you'd mention the E31 8 series but great video anyways!
Top choices sir. I would’ve added the E31 850i. The E9 is absolutely gorgeous 😍
Absolutely the 850!!!!!!!!!
I'm not a designer and this is just my opinion, but when I look at the M1 it feels like it would be better without the BMW design language. It's almost as if it's an italian supercar but they had to force the BMW design language on to something where it doesn't quite belong. Anyway great video.
Thanks for the awesome video!
I like how he said the current design is complete doodoo without actually saying it
I know it's not really your wheel house but I'd love to see your favourite cars from an american or asian manufacturer
Keep up the great content, Frank. Really loving every video you see realising!
The proportion of the F10 5 series is just perfect.
my favourites: M1, 2002 Turbo and Z3 M Roadster
Not the 3.0 CSi instead of the 2002?
@@richsackett3423 i like both for sure, but could only pick 3.
and i like the 2002 better than the CSI, because of the grille especially. also i think the Turbo looks very cool for a production car of that era.
@@M0torsagmannen I said something because your list resembles mine. I do love a 2002 with a massive air dam. You must admit the CSi has one sexy ass.
@@richsackett3423 yeah it is a beauty, probably looks slightly better from the rear than the 2002.
"Hugely desirable from this view" - Gotta remember that one. Gonna use that one :3
😉👍
I really like your vids on critiquing peoples designs. But, Could you show us more of your progression in design? Like your designs that were never released or were maybe even rejected at some point, or maybe just some wild ideas you had in the past? Or maybe some concepts we haven't seen that evolved into some of your iconic works.
I like all three of Frank's choices, but none of the runner-ups. Three of my personal favorites are the E12 5-Series with its sweet, compact proportions, the E24 6-Series because of its sublime elegance, and the E30 M3 because of its perfect mix of proportions, solid stance, and sporty agressiveness. My runner-ups would be the the E38 7-Series, the Z8, and the i8.
The E9 is one of the most beautiful cars in the world
Hi Frank! I'd love to know your take on the bmw i8, I personally love it and believe that even though it's already 7 years old it didn't seem to age a day. Sure, it's not the classical BMW design such as the ones you've touched upon in this video, but is it really much different from the M1?
Excellent video.E46 coupe beautiful, and of course the E31 840/850ci .The E9 is just so gorgeous,but very rare and the few for sale are huge amounts of money here in the UK.
Mr. Frank, this video was a joy to watch! I find your decision to agree and add the honorable mentions a great one (may I suggest to just briefly pointing out why those additional designs caught your eye; why are those noticeable?)! Commenting the current design language of (any) company was also a positive addition to the format and one not that much people are qualified to do (but you are, so carry on)!
Frank in my 3 Greatest BMW Designs, I would have to include the BMW 1600 GT, possibly the most perfect BMW ever made.
Old designs like the ones mentioned in this video will continue to age beautifully, and will appear as relics once ICE engines enter near extinction. Newer BMW’s however, will age poorly, and look outdated- they will be pointed to as models of the 21st century’s wasteful excesses.
Regarding the M1, gotta love the E23-derived tail-lights. The 90's 8 series was, in my humble opinion, a very well developed extension of this design, as well.
the quality and production on this channel just keeps getting better
Can you bless us with a Mercedes one now lol
judged from the foreground i would guess C111 is on the list