LexFather

^^uhhh BMW grills are like 10 times bigger than before.. A pic of a 3 series is not accurate since it will have a proportionately smaller grill. Try a new X5 or 7 series.


Smh

SW17LS

I think the 7 series grills are way too big...

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

it can't end without some really strange design due to euro regs.

they have no choice.

mmarshall

For the most part, I don't agree. Chips will definitely show up, big-time, on the chrome-coated plastic. That's partly because the plastic itself is not as strong as metal....though, granted, it doesn't corrode like the old real chrome-plating over steel.

That's why, if possible, I strongly recommend avoiding roads covered with winter-abrasives or newly-paved areas where small black stones are still lying on the road.. They are kicked up by the tires from traffic in front of you, and can pit your whole front end. A bra, of course, will help some, but they can cause other damage with abrading and trapped moisture.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Liked this picture from the manufacturer's website, looks elegant.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

^^^ car has a very long wheelbase

Lexuslvr91

It really does. It's the same wheel base length as the Ghibli at 118.5 in and even 1.6 in longer than the LS SWB.

dseag2

I can't remember when I've seen rock chip damage in the grill of one of my cars, but I've sure seen lots in the bumper/front end. The paint is a lot more vulnerable than the material used in the grills.

hlee12

it was a disgrace. till this day, i try not to stare at this abomination on the road when it is coming towards me.

i can't wait till the new 7 series. hope they stay true to that sleek concept.

lexmenow

Saw one the other day in person. CAR LOOKS NICE!!!

LexFather

Actually passed one today thought it was an Avalon due to unfamiliarity. Looked over and a very elderly gentleman was in it. Looked really long but with clear RWD proportions. Looked good. With a drop and wheels it could look nice but most owners don't mod it. Maybe we can figure Somethjng out for SEMA .


The 7 series looks great. That is a poor angle and a non M-Sport.

Fizzboy7

I'm not saying chrome doesn't chip or show damage. I'm saying the majority of grille surface area is black plastic. So the % of what's going to make contact with rocks is going to be the black plastic more than anything else. The chrome is usually just trim around the edges of the grille, only making up a small portion of what's exposed (there are some exceptions of course). So in the end, these large grilles aren't going to show much damage due to all the black plastic making up the majority of the face.

SW17LS

I think that's more than a little over the top. It's a beautiful car, the grille is just proportionally too. It IMHO.

Tantrix

looks like dealers dropping about 3g below msrp on these new genny's. Not exactly Lexus ES GS status off the bat.

TangoRed

Meh. I'm seeing $1k bonus cash from Hyundai on some of them when using cars.com. I hope you aren't looking at incentives on 2014 models like you were in another thread...