Since its official reveal last month, the BMW 2 Series has sparked controversy and debate among many for its rather left-field design. Commenting on this shift in language is ex-BMW designer Frank Stephenson who featured the car on his YouTube channel this weekend.
Stephenson, who led the charge for the E53 X5 design, says that he first saw the car in the skin at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and reported that the display made him extremely sad as a BMW lover. “The stand when I walked by to see this car was the loneliest place I’ve ever seen in such a context. Nobody was there to represent the car, nobody was on the stand, no viewers were looking at the car, nobody stopping and looking at the car from afar. And that, my friends, for somebody with an affinity for BMW and for a huge love for BMW, hurt me, actually made me very sad to see.” He says.
So what’s so off about the new sports compact coupe’s design? Based on Stephenson’s analysis, apart from the front grille, the car wouldn’t be recognised as a BMW due to strange headlamps that are totally different in language and how they compare to the lower air intakes beneath them as well as the kidney grilles, lower grille and bonnet. Overall, he says that the face of the new 2 Series lacks any kind of intention.
Where the car scores points is above the beltline, where the A-pillar, roof and C-pillar form a smooth transition from the bonnet to the boot to create a traditionally BMW coupe line. It loses points again for boasting a bonnet too long that throws the proportions of its silhouette off. Stephenson also notes that a peculiar Z-formation has been applied to the front fender and door.
Watch the full video here to get a clear idea of his thoughts on the latest fighter from the Bavarian manufacturer.
