carcounsel.com |HID|

Right about now, the Internet is ablaze with reactions to the BMW XM.

Offensive, and not just up front. An affront to all they were and promised to never be.

And yet… I’m not bothered by it so much.

Because offensive, and affront have been core BMW selling points since the Bangle era. The XM is just the most extreme case yet, and their current goal is to shock us as much as possible, when possible.

And besides, let’s consider it for what it is: a car designed with Chinese tastes and sensibilities in mind. Which to our tastes and minds might seem senselessly tasteless. But we aren’t the ones writing the checks for these.

Also consider we felt like this when BMW released the X5 in 1999. “An affront! Offensive!” some cried then too. And I was tempted to until I drove one, and realized they’d not only created a category but a singular experience too.

Those who cried offensive affront upon gazing at the iX for the first time saw the light once they drove it. Same was true of the i3. And others.

So put down your pitchforks, and take comfort in knowing that even if it’s not a car for you and me, at least BMW has some mojo and attitude and has come out swinging again.

I wish I had better memory. Or better organizational skills. And was less of a procrastinator, and perfectionist.

Because over the years I’ve lost count of how many times my supporters – that’s the best name for you all – have asked me, “Do you have a blog?”

“I used to” I tell them. And then promise them – and myself – that I’ll start again.

I started writing about cars in the late 80s, blogging about them just before Y2K.

When I did I was offered an NPR show. To be represented by the same PR firm that represented the artist formerly known as… Opportunity after opportunity came and I said, “Nah – it’s just a hobby.”

I pride myself now as I did then: on being impartial. Then when I was pulled headlong into the car industry I decided it was unethical to have opinions now that I had picked a team to play for. So in 2007 I shuttered the blog.

14+ years later, here we are.

I’m not sure I’ll take it any more seriously. And you probably shouldn’t either.

It’s once again a journal of sorts. A place to place my thoughts. And for discussion, so please share your own whether in agreement or not.

Just try to keep it respectful, please.