I'm not too impressed with the interiorif that IS the finished product... it looks like they kind of went TOO crazy with the modern/futuristic tone... It looks like something out of Star Trek! I'm glad I'm getting an '06 for many reasons, but the interior is definately one of the main reasons.

 

I don't like that they're basically prohibiting you from being able to put in a new head unit. They should stick to a standard size for something like that.

 

Hey, I found a "hidden Mickey"!!

 

I like it. It's very modern while being retro. Obviously I want to see the finished product but as it stands now I really like the entire car. Maybe I'll be the only R56 owner =)
Mike

 

Fugly! Looks like the lower body is trying to outgrow the top...and the big central pod on the dash makes me want to drive a fist through it. A fist in a glove, that is.

 

BMW has proven its ability to take something perfect and screw it up. Just about every BMW from 2000 onward has been screwed up. First iDrive and the Dame Edna 5 series, then the 3 series. Have you seen the wagon version of the 5 and 3 series? Then the Z4 was a major dissappointment after the Z3. The The SUV's X5 and X3. It is just a matter of time untill they screw up the MINI.

From what I have seen, the 07 still looks good, Though not as good as my 06!

 

Anyone notice the one less toggle switch? I wonder what got booted? Center door locking switch?

 

Forget the mickey. I was gonna say something about the looks of the stick between the cupholders, but my internal censors won't let it come out.

 

Lord knows what this will look like when it is finally unveilled...

In general a Mini is a "classic" with nothing similar. The interior shots look a tad too "hi tech" for my taste. VERY subjective opinions here.

I'm sure at some point, BMW will take it too far away from it's history, but we as owners are just a little too biased.

I would expect production pix to be coming along pretty darn soon if they are to go into production in the next 6 mo or so.

 

+1 ... I think Mr. Bangle with his "flame surfacing design" is killing what once was a highly desirable brand all over the planet.. prove of that is the Z4 ad all others listed above

 

not a big fan of the new styling of the new car , inside or out. makes me more happy that i went with the supercharged 05 S.

the outside of the new ones makes it look too standardized, less aggressive, and that interior is just PUKE. oh well i like my car as is

 

Speaking of puking...

your sig... that shark....


now THAT makes me want to puke.

 

I never could get those 3d thingies to work.

 

Its interesting to see the evolution of the MINI being compared to the newer BMWs.

As a MINI owner that loves the styling of my car, I have to say, I also love everything Chris Bangle has done to BMW. I never thought BMWs were that great looking...they were kinda boxy and plain...until Bangle came along and started pumping some life into the brand. Cars like the Z4 are not only fun to drive, but fun to look at it. While the design is a bit over the top, that's what I love about it. I also think the new 3, 5 and 7 Series are three of the best looking sedans on the road. I am one of the few that thinks the 7 Series looks awesome...

 

I agree Kyle.....older BMWs were so predictable---square, 4 headlights, kidney grilles, over and over and over. I like the new looks.


But all I think about that new MINI interior is that it looks like a narrower center stack which means MORE KNEE ROOM!

 

I like it, and this is just a wild guess, but I'll bet within a month after it's released most of the people who currently hate it will be trying to figure out how to get one.

 

I don't know about that, but those of us who may not get a new '06 in time certainly have to consider it as one option.

 

i like it

 

That picture in Motortrend is hideous. I sure hope that isn't the finished design. I cannot believe that it is.

 

B....B....B....Barffffffffffffffffffff!

That just makes my smile bigger every time I get in my '03.

 

Yet how every single one of the series has been selling better then before. the new series, from the 3 to the 5 to the Z are beautiful imho. I love the Z4 and Z4M even better. My moms 5 series (05) is to drool for. car is a beast and wait till you drive it So personally, i love where they are going. BTW, iDrive is ever so superb. Give it some time and learn and its easy as hell and very functional. Im gonna go ahead and guess you dont own any of the newer series and are just going on by the general online community conensus.

As to these pics. Arent they old as hell? Hadent we seen these months ago? and I love how people are just jumping the gun when half the interior is ripped out. Oh how I love thee MINI community

 

I cannot agree with you more Most other car companies make me wanna puke. From the cheap ToyoLux's to the M45 (way to have a creative name infinity) to the Caddy, no thanks. But when you see any of the new series from BMW roll by, they stand out. Even in LA where all you see is Benz, Porsche, BMW, Jag, the BMW's all have a beautiful grace and good god, just drive one of these suckers!

 

I have no doubt that the new BMWs drive like the wind - I just wish they didn't blow in the looks department.

There's something about the way the lines on the 3, 5 and 6 come together that suggest they weren't *quite* finished with the designs. Look at the little dog-leg the fender makes near the A-piller, or the victorian buttresses on the 6's cabrio. Beautiful cars - tons of room for improvement.

 

 

Is the Z4 selling better than its predecessor? I was under the impression that it is not...