Maybe not a conventionally pretty car, but it is a uniquely BMW look. It simply cannot belong to any other brand.
When BMW decided they needed a small car of their own, Chris Bangle said he perfectly set up the hatchback to build on the coupe later on. It was also a soft hommage to the 2002 with the hard shoulder line running all around the car.
The front fender vents that were supposed to be punched out like the rear bumper vents, but cancelled due to cost / timing is an eyesore. The interior hasn't aged well either. But the general shape and stance is pure BMW.
The M2 is a prettier car, but it lost some hardcore BMW cues of the 1M imo. Replace the grill and badges on the M2, and it would be possible to convince someone that it is from a different brand. Maybe thats why they need massive grilles these days.
Proof: When Chevrolet showed the Code 130R Concept in 2012, people pointed out it looked exactly like a 1M!!
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