Neue Klasse AMA

[hb]

Originally Posted by R N M

Well they better rethink those plans asap because people want ICE cars especially in US market. BMW will be in a world of hurt once the $7,500 credit can’t be applied to i4 and iX.

I know we all think that plans can be changed that fast, but it takes YEARS to reverse course on something.

So far, they are in a good spot and the best part is that they have the CLAR platform which can always be used to extend products or create new ones.

[GuyOh]

When can we see models with zero domagoj dukec’s design influences?

Has bmw acknowledged the recent downgrade in interior quality looking and feeling cheap such as the new bmw x3 and new 5 series?

Has bmw acknowledged and simply just ignoring the masses of bmw customers wanting physical buttons instead of all touchscreens.

Are they going to keep phasing out the iconic signature bmw “holfmeister kink” and the “angel eyes”

[Erebor]

Originally Posted by GuyOh

When can we see models with zero domagoj dukec’s design influences?

Has bmw acknowledged the recent downgrade in interior quality looking and feeling cheap such as the new bmw x3 and new 5 series?

Has bmw acknowledged and simply just ignoring the masses of bmw customers wanting physical buttons instead of all touchscreens.

1. Around 2030 the Domagoj Designs are through

2. Yes, they have started to improve certain criticised elements.

3. If by "majority" you mean the absolute minority that is the online enthusiast community, then yes, BMW has aknowledged, that the majority of ppl uses touchscreens.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by Erebor

1. Around 2030 the Domagoj Designs are through

2. Yes, they have started to improve certain criticised elements.

3. If by "majority" you mean the absolute minority that is the online enthusiast community, then yes, BMW has aknowledged, that the majority of ppl uses touchscreens.

Hmmm. Anecdata, admittedly, but I speak to lots of people who are definitely not car enthusiasts that express a pretty strong dislike for everything being put behind a touchscreen. I think people like touchscreens, but it doesn't necessarily follow that they like all controls hidden behind those touchscreens. I think a lot of people conflate "touchscreen" with "CarPlay" or whatever.

[sahajesh]

Let’s be honest - whatever is asked that goes against their current thinking, they will say their market research and focus groups are strongly in favour.

In addition, the negative feedback (such as it is) is mitigated as they have dramatically improved voice control.

Ask the questions by all means, but we won’t get serious answers.

[hb]

Originally Posted by sahajesh

Let’s be honest - whatever is asked that goes against their current thinking, they will say their market research and focus groups are strongly in favour.

In addition, the negative feedback (such as it is) is mitigated as they have dramatically improved voice control.

Ask the questions by all means, but we won’t get serious answers.

These interviews are very controlled and rehearsed. Unless they know you, or they slip, you rarely get anything. There is a reason why they do media training before.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

VW admitted going all touch and no physical buttons was a mistake. We need more backtracking from others, and design the sensible ways.

Imagine if airplanes also suddenly went touchscreen only in the cockpit, many people will die. Just saying 🫣

I have a MK VIII Golf R, and the blowback for the buttons on the steering wheel hasn’t ever bothered me much.

But….having to hit three different buttons on a screen to max out the AC and four more to turn on Drift mode….it just sucks. Each and every time you turn the car off you’ve gotta go through all that crap again. It can take a couple of minutes, especially if it’s really hot or really cold outside.

I really like the car, but that part of the experience is not good. I much prefer the “get going quickly” experience in my Spyder RS. One physical button to turn on max AC, one more for sportier shifts by the PDK. Takes 5 seconds.

The G87 we test drove seemed even worse than our Golf R from this standpoint, so I wholeheartedly agree with you. Especially in the M cars - less of this nonsense is better.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Phillies8008

Hmmm. Anecdata, admittedly, but I speak to lots of people who are definitely not car enthusiasts that express a pretty strong dislike for everything being put behind a touchscreen. I think people like touchscreens, but it doesn't necessarily follow that they like all controls hidden behind those touchscreens. I think a lot of people conflate "touchscreen" with "CarPlay" or whatever.

Agreed. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot. They’ll figure that out. When new tech comes out (or newish tech becomes widely accessible), the world overreacts.

[mockngbrd]

Thanks again everyone! I don't think I can get all questions out (as it will be shared time with 2 other journos) but let's see what happens. Flying up tonight. Long way to go.

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by mockngbrd

Thanks again everyone! I don't think I can get all questions out (as it will be shared time with 2 other journos) but let's see what happens. Flying up tonight. Long way to go.

Have a great time. Sounds like a blast and a great opportunity. We look forward to hearing what your learn. Thanks for polling some questions from our little community.

[vt100]

Originally Posted by bavarianboar

VW admitted going all touch and no physical buttons was a mistake. We need more backtracking from others, and design the sensible ways.

I think I also was reading a year or two ago that they admitted the mistake.
But! Look at the current GTI/R - it's horrendous. They could be admitting it, but they've fixed nothing and actually made it even worse
Same for the modern Porsches - the previous gen was much better, the current generation has touch-"buttons" everywhere

[P_W]

Originally Posted by bigdnno98

I loved the idrive knob and touchscreen are terrible and distracting. So valid question.

Agreed. There's nothing more dangerous than having to hunt for onscreen options while driving. VW makes crappy cars (IMO), but they're going back to physical buttons for many functions.

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/03/vw...hazard-lights/

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by P_W

Agreed. There's nothing more dangerous than having to hunt for onscreen options while driving. VW makes crappy cars (IMO), but they're going back to physical buttons for many functions.

https://www.carscoops.com/2025/03/vw...hazard-lights/

Losing the iDrive knob really bums me out – it's been one of my favorite features for years, and I feel like losing it is a regression. So much better than going 80mph and trying to jab at a too-small touch target on a screen.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by ix3driver

My questions would be:

People who buy BMWs don't want to sit on recycled PET bottles but on genuine leather instead...

Thank you.

Ha. People have been buying BMWs with plastic seats for decades.

Not sure why suddenly folks get triggered when plastics are made slightly more sustainably.