[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by machman767

It's a great colour, really suits the car, would like to see one with the chrome grille for comparison.

My dealer had a 320d M-sport in the blue with chrome grilles, when I was there a couple of weeks back. IMO, the chrome surround looks far better than 'all black' grilles. To my eye, 'all black' does not do anything for these grilles at all. If anything, it cheapens the look and emphasises a grille that is too big already.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

My dealer had a 320d M-sport in the blue with chrome grilles, when I was there a couple of weeks back. IMO, the chrome surround looks far better than 'all black' grilles. To my eye, 'all black' does not do anything for these grilles at all. If anything, it cheapens the look and emphasises a grille that is too big already.

They look good on a black car though:

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/c1KJQGWt/3-A03-...-D14-EDAA3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/wBf6m0bk/6-B31-...-F1-D7-C51.jpg[/img]

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by teaston

They look good on a black car though:

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/c1KJQGWt/3-A03-...-D14-EDAA3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/wBf6m0bk/6-B31-...-F1-D7-C51.jpg[/img]

Personally I don't think black grilles look good on any colour, but on black paint do hide the oversize proportions of the grilles. If that can be said to look good, I see your point.

For me, some models in previous generations could be set off with black grilles, but find the bigger the grilles, black can do the opposite. G30 models are very colour sensitive to black grilles (IMO). The G20, just seems all wrong in black. Not seen one G20 with black grilles that improves the look over the chrome surrounds. After looking at and studying the design of the G20 320d front, for a few minutes, I came to the conclusion even the chrome surround is too thick, to look tasteful. Proportions are just not balanced.

BTW, I came away from looking closely at the G20 M-sport and must say I was more impressed with it, than looking at any amount of pictures. There is a lot of mixed design language, but it "sort of works".

Makes looking at the 'Bangled' E60, when it first came out, much less of a challenging and 'head scratching' experience.

[330XDave]

Very much personal preference, I much prefer the black grilles myself.

[RobUK]

Step 1 to improving the G20.

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Step 1 to improving the G20.

Much better. You could be a car design guru...

[Manivxr]

I think your take on design is much better than the current bmw designers.

[machman767]

RobUK, why does that remind me of the bad robot Maximilian in the film The Black Hole?!

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by teaston

They look good on a black car though:

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/c1KJQGWt/3-A03-...-D14-EDAA3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/wBf6m0bk/6-B31-...-F1-D7-C51.jpg[/img]

That's cos you can't see them!!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

That's cos you can't see them!!

Yep, pretty much!

[Carjack]

Have had my 330i M-Sport in Portimao Blue for 5 weeks now and much to my surprise I really like the big glossy black grill!
Originally I was definitely going to change to chrome but it’s not going to happen.
The anti-black grill feeling was the same as when the E-90 appeared. Like; how could they do it!

The black is a contrast against the blue, just like a ‘bluesie’ Rolex Submariner!
Blue against the black!
It’s great! It’s different! Nothing else like it!
Just like the G20: fullstop!

[JD6]

Originally Posted by Carjack

Have had my 330i M-Sport in Portimao Blue for 5 weeks now and much to my surprise I really like the big glossy black grill!
Originally I was definitely going to change to chrome but it’s not going to happen.
The anti-black grill feeling was the same as when the E-90 appeared. Like; how could they do it!

The black is a contrast against the blue, just like a ‘bluesie’ Rolex Submariner!
Blue against the black!
It’s great! It’s different! Nothing else like it!
Just like the G20: fullstop!

I really liked the 320d G20 loan car I had for a day, so I can understand the car's appeal, particularly in 330i form.

I don't understand liking the grille though - I assume that the car plays subliminal messages through the stereo to brainwash you into liking the grille

To test this, can I ask whether you preferred Leslie Ash before or after botox?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Carjack

The anti-black grill feeling was the same as when the E-90 appeared. Like; how could they do it!

I'm not anti-black grilles, it is just the way they look, compared to earlier models where black could look good. Not simply amplify oversized grilles, as in the G20. If something looks wrong in design, it most likely is. Time and familiarity doesn't always forgive some oddities, particularly when something is in your face.

I never got to like the 'eyelids' on the E90/91 grilles. Yes I lived with them for over 6-years on my E91, but never changed my view that they were a step too far. Even BMW knew that, as they removed them from the range, never introduced them to the E92. BMW can get things wrong.

Personally I believe part of the issue with black grilles (besides the size) on current models, is the fact the grilles merge with the light assemblies. To my eyes, black works best where there is some paint colour contrast 'around' the grilles and a separation from the lights.

[Savageenterprise]

The color is really nice but the more I see the G20 the less I see myself getting one after my current lease is up. Not only is it a bit wonky looking but only automatic available....I feel like if I’m gonna be forced to drive an automatic I may as well just get a big body 4dr like a 7 series or Audi A8.

Blah