[Mavus]

Originally Posted by EWL5

The article also failed to mention BMW's "monolithic design" direction. To me, they're making the newer cars look more like a Japanese/Korean car!

monolithic design is marketing bs. I see a soap bar. There is nothing monolithic there. They smoothed xm panels and put them on G01 chassis and drivetrain with few tweaks here and there. The car is g01 with baby xm body and bunch of cost cutting to delete parts and simplify manufacturing. It also appears the car is 200lbs heavier.

[330inner]

No matter how good it is, just no…

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by EWL5

That's surprising if the Asia sales are true. Wasn't the exterior design and minimalistic interior supposed to appeal to China (their biggest market)?

I wouldn’t believe him one bit unless he posts something to back up his claim

People spit out all kinds of baseless information with zero data to substantiate it

[Bimmerfun82]

Article feels like BMW is desperate to convince you the exterior and interior downgrades are worth 4 mpg

[dZine]

Look up pictures of a capybara and you'll see a very strong resemblance.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

Article feels like BMW is desperate to convince you the exterior and interior downgrades are worth 4 mpg

For many folks, that is enough! It'll create an even bigger divide against gas guzzlers like the RDX w/SHAWD!

The G45 checks a lot of boxes, especially for folks leasing:

- BMW badge
- great fuel economy
- only live w/the interior/exterior for 3 years and then decide if it has "grown" on you
- maintenance is included for life of lease

I'm very hopeful that a lot of the early criticism is addressed by the time the LCI rolls out!

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by EWL5

For many folks, that is enough! It'll create an even bigger divide against gas guzzlers like the RDX w/SHAWD!

The G45 checks a lot of boxes, especially for folks leasing:

- BMW badge
- great fuel economy
- only live w/the interior/exterior for 3 years and then decide if it has "grown" on you
- maintenance is included for life of lease

I'm very hopeful that a lot of the early criticism is addressed by the time the LCI rolls out!

Very true. One other thing I learned from the article was all X3 models are x-drive. That’s a plus. When we bought our X3 in 2014 it was snowing outside, and we got all kinds of bad weather and even off road use out of it.

My main issue with the X3 is the lack of ruggedness that was inherent in the initial purposeful design. But you’re right, the vast majority of buyers use them as grocery getters and carpool.

I was worried BMW made a big mistake with this new gen. But with Porsche and Audi going the wrong direction I could see sales increasing significantly - at least in the US.

[arunr55]

The review feels like written after reading the press rerelease. All the info they have written is based on BMW specs, there is nothing really about the actual feel of the car. I doubt if they even test drove the car😆.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by arunr55

The review feels like written after reading the press rerelease. All the info they have written is based on BMW specs, there is nothing really about the actual feel of the car. I doubt if they even test drove the car😆.

They said they drove it in SC and that it was very smooth. That in and of itself means they're totally lying.

[EWL5]

I forgot to mention in the initial post that there was no comment by the reviewer on the non-moving pano roof! Reviews are supposed to help folks make a decision and this exclusion definitely has the feeling that BMW didn't want the article to be overly critical of the new G45!

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by Mavus

There is nothing monolithic there.

Here's a monolith. Which looks better?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by arunr55

The review feels like written after reading the press rerelease. All the info they have written is based on BMW specs, there is nothing really about the actual feel of the car. I doubt if they even test drove the car😆.

That’s the fine line any publication which depends on advertising dollars has no choice but to honor. C&D has always been a fan of 3-series and for many good reasons. The new X3 is likely to be a short lived enigma supported only by consumers who prefer to lease.

[drjoe66]

Not a review at all, just restating of the fact sheet.

[RussB]

I like the exterior design. It seems like I’m in the minority, at least on this forum.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by RussB

I like the exterior design. It seems like I’m in the minority, at least on this forum.

Have you seen Reditt?!!

[BMWbiker]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

learning today that there’s a segment of the population that prefers runflats. incredible stuff happening in the X3 forums…

Runflats made the difference several times with my F31 between driving to the tire store with a flat tire, vs. either having to install a spare tire or being stranded.

[BMWbiker]

I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment.

It’s intriguing how many people spend so much time hating on the looks of the G45.

BMWs have been known as driver’s cars for the last half century.

I haven’t driven one yet, just seen and sat in one, but the reviews are saying that it’s faster (other than the missing X3M), smoother, thriftier, more comfortable, better handling, better ride, with more standard features and up-to-date tech.

But everyone fusses so much about the grille, or the ambient lighting, or the plastic door handles?

What about driving it?

[Devil’s Advocate mode turned off.]

[avi66]

Originally Posted by BMWbiker

I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment.

It’s intriguing how many people spend so much time hating on the looks of the G45.

BMWs have been known as driver’s cars for the last half century.

I haven’t driven one yet, just seen and sat in one, but the reviews are saying that it’s faster (other than the missing X3M), smoother, thriftier, more comfortable, better handling, better ride, with more standard features and up-to-date tech.

But everyone fusses so much about the grille, or the ambient lighting, or the plastic door handles?

What about driving it?

[Devil’s Advocate mode turned off.]

It's about compromise, the X3 isn't the best driving car in the world, so if the best driving car is the top priority, look elsewhere.

I don't want a great driving car that to me looks cheap on the inside, with a bland/odd exterior look. Equally, I don't want a car that to me looks high quality inside, with good exterior design, but is a poor driving experience.

What we are prepared to compromise is a personal choice.

[MidnightLight]

I'm more than happy with my G45 M50. Being in product development myself (albeit for a completely different industry), I know that every product design has to make some trade-offs based on business and practical constraints. I personally feel that the trade-offs BMW has made are aligned with my own priorities. But I also acknowledge that others may feel differently and are entitled to express their frustrations over that.

There's more than enough room for everyone to co-exist on this forum. Live and let live.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by BMWbiker

I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment.

It’s intriguing how many people spend so much time hating on the looks of the G45.

BMWs have been known as driver’s cars for the last half century.

I haven’t driven one yet, just seen and sat in one, but the reviews are saying that it’s faster (other than the missing X3M), smoother, thriftier, more comfortable, better handling, better ride, with more standard features and up-to-date tech.

But everyone fusses so much about the grille, or the ambient lighting, or the plastic door handles?

What about driving it?

[Devil’s Advocate mode turned off.]

If I can’t look at circus interior, never mind sitting in it, and have basic functions available via switchgear I am not driving it. I don’t care if they put a jet engine in it.

Once upon a time they bult drivers cars with cockpit that was an excellent human-machine environment unlike this one.

Why is it ok to play with screens at 100mph to adjust temp but is illegal to play with your cell phone?? How about doing that in snow storm?

Why do I need to deactivate stupid ass every time I start it?

The list goes on …

[JoeyO]

That chunk of monolith metal is sexy. Put four wheels on it, and I’d drive it!

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Mavus

Why is it ok to play with screens at 100mph to adjust temp but is illegal to play with your cell phone?? How about doing that in snow storm?

You know what’s crazy? My car telling me I’m distracted while I’m trying to adjust the A/C. It’s insane. Another example is when I begin hands free DAPP the screen has a warning that I have to tap on. And it’s not just BMW- the new Porsche 911 now will freeze the screen if you change the radio station too many times in rapid succession and make you wait or tap the screen to say you’re the passenger. Someone said it well- we now judge a new car by how quickly we can turn off all the assistants.