Rendered speculation at Motor Authority by the usually on-point Schulte Design shows us a new Bimmer that is neither fish nor fowl. Let's savor this latest X-6-esque, "what the Hell is this supposed to be?" moment. This is not (nor will it ever be) the 3-series coupe. It's not a 1-series hatch. It's not a two-door X3 coupe. It's a shooting brake! It's not clear if the, uh, hatch will earn this model a premium over the regular 3-series coupe, or if it's some kind of weird ass budget model. This indecision is reflected perfectly in the car's incoherent rear-quarter, with Banglian lines and surfaces evoking bad memories of the Z3 coupe. The X6 shows that BMW is trying to infill its product lines with new packaging, and this study continues that trend. As nice as it is to get a gander at the face of the new 3-series (if that's what this is), I'd rather BMW leave this one in Munich and send over a 1-series hatch instead.
12 Comments on “BMW Shooting Brake Previewed...”
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That gaping front end is just atrocious. That’s what a BMW would look like after a lengthy diet of supersized fast food and a bar fight. Yuck.
The front end reminds me of the new Lancer. I followed the link over to MA and looked at the 3 series pics they posted (the 2012 model) and that was the first thing I thought of.
The nose looks like it got pressed up against a wall! Yuck. If BMW wants to expand its product line and get more sales, why not just offer smaller, cheaper, more efficient engines?
The idea of a 3 series sized shooting brake really appeals to me. I actually like the styling of this as well, although the rear is a little challenged… If they keep the weight down I would be in the market for the M version.
I actually think this looks good. It’s like the result of a menage a trois between a 3-series BMW,VW Scirocco, and Mitsu Lancer. A mean, fast love child that can carry a filing cabinet.
This design is nothing unprecedented… have any of you seen the large Citroën and REnault models?
Take a gander at the Citroën C4-hatch and C6… and the Renault Vel Satis… the BMW is conservative by comparison.
The BMW likely will remain a Euro model… thank Gawd.
That said, the modern French should stick to designning white flags, not cars. As for the old French cars, nevermind… I’d sell a kidney to have a pre-war Saoutchik bodied Talbot Lago… but I fear the amount realized might not even allow the purchase of a Chapron bodied DS convertible… Maybe a Facel Vega it shall be.
Oh dear God, who gave Bangle access to the 3-series sketches again?
I like it. The somewhat flattened front end proportions add to the car’s presence.
I like it quite a bit – the headlights do a nice job of drawing your eyes away from the gaping intake holes… If this is the basis for the next 3 series, I would definitely buy it.
I like it
The all new BMW Scirocco?
I too am somewhat intrigued by the styling. It’s certainly different in that “concept car” sense and adds a very strong presence to the vehicle. If this is where 3 series styling is headed I’d say go for it.