--- title: "BMW’s Design Is About To Become Calmer and “Way More Subtle:” TDS" date: "2025-09-23" modified: "2025-09-23" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmws-design-is-about-to-become-calmer-and-way-more-subtle-tds" categories: - "News" - "The Downshift" --- # BMW’s Design Is About To Become Calmer and “Way More Subtle:” TDS ![BMW iX3]() *The 2026 BMW iX3. \BMW\* Good morning and welcome to *The Downshift*, or *TDS* for short. Tight, light, and right, *TDS* takes the latest automotive news from around the globe and groups it in one spot. Each story is summarized in a single sentence accompanied by a link for those seeking more information. Pair *TDS* with a Pop-Tart and cup of coffee. The first cup of coffee is gone, so let's get into it. 🚘 What I’m driving: The 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum left and has been replaced by a 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic All-Terrain, which is to say the latest E-Class wagon, and it's pretty quick with the turbo-6. ✍️ Senior BMW designer Oliver Helimer [said that times are changing]() and "everything is becoming more calm" noting that designs don't "have to be too in-your-face" and "can be way more subtle," marking a dramatic shift from the current M3 with its huge upright kidney grilles. 🔋 After just one year on sale the [Volvo EX90 receives massive hardware updates for 2026]() including a new 800-volt electrical architecture enabling faster charging, new safety and collision avoidance features, and upgraded NVIDIA DIRVE AGE Orin-based core computer system. ⛽️ Bentley will follow Porsche's lead with the current lineup of Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga all [receiving updates with gas-powered engines]() rather than moving on into the electric future as originally planned. 🏭 Volvo's [investing again into its U.S. plant just outside Charleston, South Carolina]() with the addition of its XC60 both in mild- and plug-in hybrid variants along with another plug-in hybrid model. 💜 Jeep [brought back the purple Reign color]() option for the 2026 Wrangler and Gladiator, which was last seen in 2023 and first introduced in 2018. 🪫 California Governor Gavin Newsom [walked back the idea of replacing the expiring U.S. EV tax credit]() in California and said that GM CEO Mary Barra "sold us out." *Have feedback on the formatting of TDS? Send us a note: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()