BMW‘s design boss has recently had a go at defending their latest philosophy. And, to be honest, he made some interesting points, one of which in particular stood out: how Chris Bangle‘s E60 was panned at launch but is adored today.

What is it about design that offends us one moment and delights us the next? How do some companies produce cars that grow into their looks, while others look great at launch, but then age more unpredictably than a ripening avocado?

One school of thought is that our minds are conditioned by every new car on the road. Generally speaking, modern vehicles have to conform to a strict set of criteria, mostly mandated by safety regulations — hence why you see softer edges and thicker A-pillars across the board.

The thinking is that as this more uniform wave of design washes over us, we gradually become accustomed to “uglier” cars, and our perception of beauty changes. Suddenly the design that started the trend looks less “different.”

In the case of the E60, it wasn’t long before other marques started experimenting with “flame surfacing.” But none quite embraced it in the same way — not even subsequent BMWs (F10 snoozefest anyone?). Whatever the reason, it’s a phenomenon that continues to happen.

So, what cars have initially been deemed downright offensive stylistically, only for you to soften up a few years down the line? Let’s get started with a few ugly ducklings turned sort-of-swans below.

Porsche Panamera

When the Panamera was first launched, it was considered grotesque in so many ways. It looked like it had swallowed, and was digesting, a 911 like some kind of boa constrictor. But nowadays, if you see the first generation on the road, it looks mellow, subdued, perhaps a little portly, but by no means horrendous.

McLaren MP4-12C

No one was ever going to argue the technical prowess of McLaren’s long-awaited return to road cars. But in the company of Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Macca looked sterile, dull, and unimaginative. Looking back at one today, where McLaren seems to be churning out yet another new car every five minutes, the tediously-named MP4-12C seems almost timeless, with an understated charm.

Isuzu Vehicross

The Vehicross from Isuzu has some loyal followers, no doubt. But as marmite, as it is to most, there’s no denying that it was a concept ahead of its time, and one that looks less silly in the cold, harsh light of modern jack of all, master of none crossovers. Perhaps the key is character — something that the plucky Isuzu still has in spades, even decades later.

What else can you think of? Have at it in the comments section below.