UNDISGUISED Shot of the New Z4

[GAZA62]

From what i can see i dont mind the headlights and grill look more agressive which i think the Z4 needed on the front end but not liking the rest not so muscular looking but as said above need to see one in the flesh.

[2dogs]

I like it alot but with no coupe on the cards not for me

[*AL*]

Don't know about you guys, but every time BMW release an updated model my first impression about the looks is pretty lukewarm and I usually prefer the previous version.

But then after a while it's strange how the new one grows on you and the old one starts to look dated. I guess it might be the same with this but I'll wait until I see better photos or, preferably, see it in the metal.

As covered in another thread, unless they do a proper coupe version of the new Z4 (and unless it looks nice), I'll be happy with what I've got.

I heard Chris Bangle say something along the lines of, "if you're out in front (with design) nobody's there to congratulate you when you arrive."

Agree totally with the statement above, it sums it up nicely. Rarely do top designers get it wrong............but do sometimes.

[BMW_Z4_Norway]

The old one is much more pretty if you ask me

[rollingstone]

I heard Chris Bangle say something along the lines of, "if you're out in front (with design) nobody's there to congratulate you when you arrive."

ha ha... The same thing might be said about those so far behind (with design) that everybody's left the grandstands. Sadly, that likely explains the automotive homogeny of "design for the masses," which BMW for the most part eschews... they're often the "top Tom" the other cats copy.

[Herminator]

Don't know about you guys, but every time BMW release an updated model my first impression about the looks is pretty lukewarm and I usually prefer the previous version.

But then after a while it's strange how the new one grows on you and the old one starts to look dated. I guess it might be the same with this but I'll wait until I see better photos or, preferably, see it in the metal.

As covered in another thread, unless they do a proper coupe version of the new Z4 (and unless it looks nice), I'll be happy with what I've got.

I heard Chris Bangle say something along the lines of, "if you're out in front (with design) nobody's there to congratulate you when you arrive."

Agree totally with the statement above, it sums it up nicely. Rarely do top designers get it wrong............but do sometimes.

You do realise Chris Bangle designed the Fiat Multipla (I guess that will be the "but do sometimes" bit of what you said)

[mikedav]

I heard Chris Bangle say something along the lines of, "if you're out in front (with design) nobody's there to congratulate you when you arrive."

The man is extremely full of himself and thinks he is much, much better than he is. The only reason we accept the current 5 is it's been around so long, it's so common, and we are used to it. Great car underneath but visually one of the ugliest ever (though the Sport kit smartens it up). The pre facelift 7 still looks like a monster. The Z4 kinda works because it's like a piece of sculpture...one car he did do though that actually looks better (IMO) now than when new is the Fiat Coupe. That shows how hit and miss design can be...

IMO this new Z4 looks very good, which means in real life I will probably like it even more. I want to see the rest (the back and the roof especially) but it is looking good so far. Far cleaner lines. The side vents have a lot in common with the new 7... as a successor I think it really works - it's still a Z4, just more modern. I doubt a fastback style Coupe is in the works though

[paddy wright]

cant see how anyone can see the 5 as ugly- yes the 7 was at first then everyone got used to it before copying it! I know bangle didnt get it right every time ( the multipla !!!!!!!!!!!!) but at least he dares to be different! the z is an amazing looking car and it will be hard to top it. Not sure the new z is the car to do it but time will tell.

[*AL*]

I had the E60 5 series, very good looking car imo.

[mikedav]

cant see how anyone can see the 5 as ugly

Dame Edna headlights, high sided blank vertical surfaces, tiny castors for wheels, lumpy boot lid...the proportions are all wrong IMO. I think the E39 is still a better looking car. Having said that In M5 or Sport mode with the bodykit, larger wheels, especially in black or grey to hide the dodgy detailing, it looks much much better. Those headlights though...ugh. Of course in every other respect its a perfect car (performance, handling, quality etc) like all 5 series...which is annoying LOL.

I'd take an E90 M3 Saloon over an M5 Saloon almost purely because of the styling

[paddy wright]

is this poof its a fake pic? why doent the window image come up past the a piller into the buildinging window. Is that a soft top?

[Wondermike]

It is real, not sure if I like it or not though

We still can't see whether the indicators are on the mirrors or not, or the type of roof for that matter. Why did that bloke have to be in the way ...

I thought the indicators in the mirrors was debunked a while back, and it won't have them.

[louZ4]

I really like it. The camo pics we had been seeing seemed a rather uninspired design. i was afraid the Z4 would lose the sculptured look. But these photos show a beautifully designed car. At some point I would like to have one.

[rabman5]

From that pic, I'm not really digging it, but I'm sure it will be different in person.

[GP20]

Not seeing enough in this picture to say if I like it or I don't like it. The front grills do look a bit weird shaped like on the new 7 series, and front bumper seems to have the ugly contours like on the face-lifted E90.

But I think it's safe to say that from all the spy picture & then this undisguised picture, the E89 doesn't make the E85 look dated. BMW could've offered both the E85 & E89 in their line-up at the same time and you wouldn't think the E85 is a 7 year older design.