Automotive Facelifts - For Better or Worse

[Pupik]

I'm really not a fan of crossovers and the 4x4ification of every car platform but with that said, the Bentley Bentayga looked much better pre-facelift in my opinion.

Before:

View attachment 1427259

After:

View attachment 1427258

It's the "now more likely to get lost in a parking lot" effect.

 

[TrdScionxB2]

The 2nd generation of the Scion xB.

2008-2010

2011-2015

Also, here is one of the Japanese versions.

 

[Pupik]

I think I'm the only one who thinks the JDM versions of the xB (bB) and xD (ist) are more derivative in appearance, due to extra tack-on exterior trim compared to their USDM counterparts.

 

[TrdScionxB2]

I think I'm the only one who thinks the JDM versions of the xB (bB) and xD (ist) are more derivative in appearance, due to extra tack-on exterior trim compared to their USDM counterparts.

The 2008 to 2010 xBs did have a lot of body kits though.

I made this video a while back.

 

[MedigoFlame]

The recent GT7 update reminded me how much better the pre-facelift (or in BMW speak, pre-LCI) first generation Z4 looked. Something about the facelift/LCI on the E85 Z4 made it look more...bland?

Pre-Facelift/LCI:

Facelift/LCI:

 

[05XR8]

I guess the facelift looks happier with its upward smile.

 

[Tornado]

Being honest I never had any idea the Z4 was facelifted in the first place. Bit of tinkering in the margins there for a car that is already so ugly; but I think the foglights are cool on the facelift.

 

[INEEDNAWZZZ]

Original:

Facelift:

The headlights and front bumper just seem more fussy on the later models, as though they were changed just for the sake of it, rather than improving or modernising the design. The headlights in particular also don’t age well, as they almost always go hazy compared the earlier units. The rear also received some adjustments in its bumper and lights, though I don’t find them quite as egregious.

I am in the market for one currently, and it’s likely I’d end up with a facelift model (newer, more of them out there, 6-speed, chassis improvements); I don’t completely hate the way it looks, and I reckon I could get used to it, but man, the early cars look far more resolved to me.

 

[GTvsForza]

I've always liked the thirteenth gen F-150 look, I even bought my grandparents' truck last year.

 

[05XR8]

Original:

View attachment 1469203

Facelift:

View attachment 1469204

The headlights and front bumper just seem more fussy on the later models, as though they were changed just for the sake of it, rather than improving or modernising the design. The headlights in particular also don’t age well, as they almost always go hazy compared the earlier units. The rear also received some adjustments in its bumper and lights, though I don’t find them quite as egregious.

I am in the market for one currently, and it’s likely I’d end up with a facelift model (newer, more of them out there, 6-speed, chassis improvements); I don’t completely hate the way it looks, and I reckon I could get used to it, but man, the early cars look far more resolved to me.

Always loved the simplicity of the original. I should have bought one.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Bringing this thread back, because I just thought of another facelift to bring up. The one for the 90s Nissan Stagea.

The earlier design.

and the facelift that was given to it around August 1998.

Honestly, I think I like both designs with a slight preference towards maybe the earlier design.

 

[05XR8]

I like the driving lights in the grille and lights in the bumper of the facelift. However, I do like the round lights in the original.

 

[FT-1]

For better - Renault Megane E-Tech

The original model looked pretty good, I thought it was one of the better-looking cars in its segment, even four years on

But the facelift was unveiled today, taking things up a notch with a sharper look and design cues that feel hot hatch inspired:

 

[MedigoFlame]

For better - Renault Megane E-Tech

The original model looked pretty good, I thought it was one of the better-looking cars in its segment, even four years on
View attachment 1546190
View attachment 1546191

But the facelift was unveiled today, taking things up a notch with a sharper look and design cues that feel hot hatch inspired:
View attachment 1546192
View attachment 1546193

I kind of like it a little more now that the DRLs aren't "drooping" down into the bumper. Looks cleaner and more sorted than the random bit of gold thrown in.

Bringing this thread back, because I just thought of another facelift to bring up. The one for the 90s Nissan Stagea.

The earlier design.View attachment 1515517

and the facelift that was given to it around August 1998.
View attachment 1515518

Honestly, I think I like both designs with a slight preference towards maybe the earlier design.

Might be a bit biased, but I find the facelift to at least give the first generation Stagea something...somewhat unique? I like 90s "generic" looks of the pre-facelift, but I think the added driving lights stand out a bit more. And, I'll admit that I prefer the clear turn signals of the taillights. Biased due to the fact that my brother recently bought a facelifted Stagea.

The current generation Chrysler Pacifica minivan has gone through...some interesting facelift with it's second one for the 2027 model year.

Pre-facelift (2017 - 2020):

1st Facelift (2021 - 2026): Rear end was updated with the "trendy" heckblende taillights as well. Funny that it was still sold alongside the pre-facelift.

And finally the 2nd (2027+) facelift: New front end does not suit the rest of the ~10 year old platform/body.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

I just thought of the Maserati Quattroporte and its 5th generation. This I think had a great facelift that I like more than the earlier models. The changes around the bumper, grill, and headlights I think improved its styling quite a bit.