The last thing I would want to do, is to buy a $90k vehicle and then having to replace key components like the front bumper/grill, that houses a whole lot of electronics than just the grill alone. Either it comes like that from the factory, or I will personally pass.

 

Its likely due to being a PHEV model. I haven’t watched the video, but they’ve been using the E400e as a press car. The PHEV’s required in the past to depressurize the gas tank for some reason, hence the switch.

 

Bingo that must be it, thanks!

 

As one who have swapped out my stock grille for the AMG variant, it is pretty straightforward to swap MB grilles. Auto shops with expertise in car tuning and customization do this routinely. No worries… and yes it is the luxury trim of the new W214 that interests me most, so if I do get one (unlikely for now) I will definitely swap the grill to the lux trim, since this may not come to the US anytime soon.

 

Does not the “luxury” trim of the W214, also have a hood ornament, which is an integral part of its appearance ? Now does that mean replacing the hood too, or is it drilling into the existing hood to fit the hood ornament ? Bottom line, I doubt the typical shopper of a brand-new $93K E-class (like say mine), intends to do radical surgery on their car for a “look”, when it came from the factory differently.

 

Any MB model with the star in the opening portion of the hood can be swapped out for a stand up star.

 

On cars that have the option of the luxury pkg, there is a hole on the inside of the hood to allow for installation of the stand up star

 

I agree with you that the typical W214 owner will be content with whichever grille came with theirs, but some of us are not typical 😜 owners…. It is a disease with no known cure…

 

and for some owners, they rather the bigger the star and to them it is better.

 

Even though they are wrong!

 

You don't say

 

There’s a point beyond which oversized stuff will repel people. The huge BMW kidney grill, was of course universally panned, even though in theory, bigger was better…..I think they have now reverted to their normal sized kidney grill, in their latest offerings.

 

Their argument is for the 5-series they want to be "more elegant" and "mature" compared to the sportier nature of the 4-series etc. Although, the 7-series went the completely opposite direction as you already know but you also know that they were aiming for a Rolls-Royce look (sort of) and you also know this generation 7-series was announced before the new 5-series.

 

Audi started this big oversized grille concept 20 years ago and pull it off, other manufacturers had varying degree of success copying it. BMW’s kidney grille do not look good when oversized, then again, BMW has always had poor designs exterior and interior wise.

 

I wouldn’t say always. BMW’s of the late 90’s to early 2000’s are some of the most beautiful cars designed. The E46 3er, E39 5er, and E38 7er will always be a golden era of design. I’d also say the period of 2010-2017 F-Chassis cars were very good looking, especially the 6er Gran Coupe.

 

I agree, those Beamers have a smaller kidney grille, they had the classic BMW front end design. BMW also tried the wider kidney grille and it was also widely accepted. It is the most recent trend of the BMW grille design which extends into the lower front end that looks awful.
The grand coupe will look good in any grille in my opinion, such a sleek design.

 

I'm gonna disagree with the last part. Even the new Gran Coupes don't look as good as the old ones sadly.

 

I hate beaver teeth on any vehicle. BMW current front end designs are atrocious.

 

According to a source on Instagram the S214 Touring is to be unveiled on June 20th, as a new page was posted then removed to MB's Media site.

 

Car design is very subjective. Personally I like the above car. My last Bimmer was in 2008, so I am not knowledgeable of the brand today, but I certainly enjoyed the two BMW's I have owned in the past. On the other hand my wife has also had two BMW's and did not like them.

 

I think the only thing making the grilles here look somewhat appealing is the license plate breaking them up.

Take away the license plate and it looks like two massive commercial aircraft windows.

 

Did Lexus got its inspiration from audi then?

 

Hmmm from that same instagramer, CLE is rumoured to be revealed in July.

 

Does the M3 CSL grille make you feel a little better? Like a little bit?

 

Here is that instagram feed: