Calmer designs and classic proportions are making a comeback as executives affirm the global relevance of sedans and wagons. by Stephen Rivers BMW plans to maintain its sedans and wagons in response to strong U.S. demand and dedicated customers. The Neue Klasse design emphasizes understated surfaces and smaller kidney grilles. M models will remain vibrant but will adopt a more timeless and refined styling. For the past twenty years, BMW has faced ongoing discussions about its design approach, with few models receiving universal acclaim. The innovative i3 and sleek i8 stand out as notable exceptions. However, their clean and well-balanced looks have not widely influenced the overall lineup. Instead, the brand has heavily embraced oversized, toothy grilles and bold surfaces on prominent models such as the 4 Series and M3. It appears that this trend is finally coming to an end. As the second-generation iX3 arrives with its Neue Klasse foundation, BMW’s design chiefs are steering towards a more restrained aesthetic. They seem to be welcoming a return to wagons, sedans, and a subtle elegance that had previously characterized the brand. A Change in Design In an interview with GoAuto, Oliver Heilmer, BMW’s head of design for compact cars, Neue Klasse models, Mini, and BMW M, stated, “Everything is becoming more calm. It doesn’t need to be overly expressive. It can be much more subtle. This might be the direction we are heading from a BMW perspective.” He mentioned that while the kidney grille will remain a signature element, future models will experiment with size and proportions in a less conspicuous manner. “If we believe a model will require a larger kidney grille for presence, we will adjust accordingly,” he noted. “However, the essence of the brand, like the iX3 and i3, aligns closer to the aesthetic we embraced in the '60s, where it didn’t need to be so ‘loud’ for this type of car.” The Endurance of the Wagon and Sedan Equally important, Heilmer indicated that BMW is not planning to phase out sedans and wagons. He referred to the wagon as the “core of the brand” and mentioned a resurgence of interest in wagons in the U.S. We can therefore anticipate new touring versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, i3, and M5 PHEV. “A few years ago, it seemed like sedans might fade away,” he reflected. “But they have proven to be quite stable. Now we are making a statement: BMW stands for sedans. A compact, sporty, elegant midsized sedan is central to the (BMW) brand.” When asked about BMW’s commitment to introduce 40 new models by 2027, Heilmer acknowledged that a significant portion will be SUVs. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the lineup will also include numerous lower-slung cars, catering to both loyal customers and younger drivers who may be ready to transition from larger crossovers. “It varies by market,” Heilmer explained to the Australian outlet. “Different markets respond differently to proportions. We continually experiment with various shapes. (BMW) is always investigating shifts in customer preferences. For instance, we’ve observed a growing popularity of station wagons in the United States. We are responding accordingly.” M Division Calms Down As Well BMW’s M division will also adopt the more subdued Neue Klasse aesthetic, although design chief Adrian van Hooydonk maintains they will keep an expressive edge. “There will be a certain restraint in the designs we started years ago with the i3 and i8,” he stated to Top Gear, adding that cleaner designs “are likely to endure longer. This is beneficial for resale value and extends the lifecycle of our products.” For all those who called for BMW to refine its design language, it seems the brand is receptive to feedback.

      The draft regulation proposes that all external door handles must include a mechanical release and continue to function after an accident.

      China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has suggested new safety regulations for door handles that are expected to become compulsory.

      Automakers may be required to incorporate external handles with mechanical release capabilities.

      These proposed modifications could influence global designs, particularly as China takes the lead in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

      China is set to transform how manufacturers design something as fundamental yet vital as a door handle. A recent draft regulation from the MIIT is now available for public commentary, establishing a framework for significant changes that may affect not only local models but also vehicles sold internationally.

      Should this draft be enacted into law, it may prompt a drastic shift away from the fully concealed, electrically-operated handles that have become a defining feature of modern EVs. Automakers both in China and elsewhere might need to rethink their designs to comply, impacting global markets, as door handles are a standard feature across the same models sold in China and other regions.

      More: Electric Door Handles Under Global Scrutiny Following Fatal EV Crashes

      The draft, entitled "Technical Requirements for Safety of Automobile Door Handles," has a deadline for public comments set for November 22, 2025. The collected feedback will be utilized to refine and finalize the new national standards.

      As reported by Car News China, the key requirements include:

      - Each door (excluding trunk lids) must have an external handle that features mechanical release functionality.

      - Non-collision side doors must be operable through external handles without tools in the event of battery thermal incidents.

      - External door handles must provide sufficient hand operation space measuring at least 60 x 20 x 25mm (2.4 x 0.8 x 1 inches), irrespective of handle placement.

      - All doors must have internal handles with mechanical release capabilities that can be operated without tools.

      - If electric internal handles are used, mechanical backup handles must also be included.

      - Internal handles must be easily recognizable, clearly visible, located within 300 mm (11.8 inches) of the door edges, and positioned within specific zones related to seating arrangements.

      According to Rong Hui, Deputy Director of the China Automotive Standardization Research Institute, the proposal is based on comprehensive research. He shared with Weixin that the team assessed over 230 vehicles and conducted crash tests on 20 models, in addition to consulting experts from over 100 domestic and international organizations. The primary objective is to ensure that door handles will work even during a power outage and to standardize their placement both inside and outside the vehicle.

      Regulators aim to guarantee that door handles function during power failures and that their placement is uniform inside and out.

      Global Debate Surrounding Pop-Out Handles

      These draft regulations arrive amidst increasing global scrutiny of flush or pop-out door handles. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating their safety in light of several serious accidents.

      More: Crash Victim Trapped In Burning Tesla Sues Over Door Handles

      Tesla, among the first to implement flush door handles in production vehicles, is reassessing its approach following repeated incidents of passenger entrapment, some involving children. However, Tesla's proposed update seems to retain the flush exterior while altering the underlying mechanism. The redesigned handles are intended to be more intuitive in emergencies by integrating both electronic and mechanical release systems into a single operation.

      Similar instances of entrapment have occurred in vehicles from other manufacturers, where occupants found themselves unable to exit after an unexpected loss of power. Some situations ended tragically when drivers and passengers could not escape burning EVs after a crash. Critically, malfunctioning door handles also impede first responders, who often require specialized tools to access the cabin.

      Contributing to the discussion, Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schafer recently condemned flush door handles as “terrible to operate.” He announced that forthcoming models from the brand will feature traditional designs, a decision largely influenced by customer feedback.