Top Secret said:
Really? I personally think the difference between the E46 and the E90 is huge - they just don't look anything alike. The E36 and E46, to me, was an evolutionary change, but the jump up to the E90 is like comparing apples and oranges in terms of exterior design.
But, I'm drifting off topic.
Therefore, my question still stands.
"Why is the E70 X5 such an evolutionary design?"
E90 design is an evolutionary approach.
Why some cars are radical and some are not. BMW AG main target is making profit. They can play with low-volume cars like Z4, 7er, 6er, X6 but some cars are just to important and can not be too radical (3er, X5, X3, 1er) because the risk is too high.
1er / 2er is a bit special case since it's aimed for younger buyers so the design is a bit more dynamic despite being a high-volume car.
3er, X5 & X3 are the benchmarks in their segments so the evolutionary approach is more suitable. Do not expect some radical changes in design of these series. Also the compact sedan & SUV markets are the most conservative markets!
The only car where BMW really have taken the risk was 5er. It's a high-volume car, and the design is radical. This executive sedan segment is the thoughest segment where the fight is the hardest between MB, Audi & BMW. BMW do not want 5er to be "me too" car, so they made E60 radical. They took a risk to capitalize more sales (and profit).
If scott is right (I'll check his news), BMW are now aiming to make 5er even more radical in shape: making it even more coupeish, while the skin styling will be evolutionary (evolved flame surfacing). So the new 5er will be attacking both E-class & CLS simultaniously.