More suspension travel was a must. No more mushrooming strut towers. - that's a plus. I'd put money that the front end will look less 'mentally challenged' next year.

 

I also agree that MINI will modify the front end of the S on the next refresh- it may be sooner if there is enough negative feedback on the look. BMW has been good about fixing design elements that got negative feedback, such as the awful hump on the first go round of the last generation 7 series, and the rear tail lights of the last gen 3. Both were fixed in the mid cycle refresh. Myself, Im waiting for the 8 speed auto to be introduced.

 

Additional reviews of the F56: