Most Controversial Car Models in Europe (2025)

Europe’s automotive industry offers a wide range of models, but not all of them impress with design. While aesthetic tastes are subjective, some vehicles have managed to polarize public opinion with controversial design choices or unconventional proportions. Here is an objective analysis of the most criticized models available on the European market in 2025.

From Hyundai Kona to Audi Q8, these cars provoke strong reactions yet continue to sell, thanks to technical strengths that can offset styling flaws depending on a buyer’s priorities.

Hyundai Kona – The compact SUV with a fragmented design

Design issues

– The taillights look arbitrarily applied to the bodywork – The rear lines are predominantly flat, lacking character – The assembly gives an impression of an unfinished design

Positive aspects

– Decently built cabin for its segment – Available in hybrid and electric versions – Competitive price for the Romanian market (€25,000–€28,000)

The rear-end design with taillights that seem tacked-on makes this small SUV appear incomplete and visually confusing.

BMW X2 – Coupe crossver with controversial proportions

The new generation BMW X2, launched in 2024, keeps the controversial concept of a “coupe SUV” in compact dimensions. The Bavarian maker tried to combine the agility of a crossover with the elegance of a coupe, resulting in an unconventional set of proportions.

Design issues

– Low-slung SUV form with irregular car body volume – Rear lines do not resolve proportion issues – Bulky profile that affects overall aesthetic perception – Asymmetric design creates visual confusion

Technical strengths

– BMW-specific interior quality – Range of gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains – Availability in Romania with prices from €44,000

Unusual proportions and the front-to-rear SUV coupe design create a controversial and ostentatious look.

Land Rover Discovery – Unfinished rear design

The L462 generation of the Discovery, in production since 2017, marked a major departure from Land Rover’s traditional design. While it preserves the brand’s legendary off-road capabilities, the exterior redesign did not convince with design coherence.

Design issues

– Rear end appears unfinished, with incomplete lines – Headlight positions and contours do not form a coherent whole – License plate positioned very low – The straight line of the tailgate creates an impression of an aesthetic void

Technical strengths

– Quality materials in the cabin (though not at absolute premium level) – Modern digital systems in the instrument cluster – Available in diesel, gasoline and mild-hybrid variants – Proven off-road capabilities

The rugged SUV design with sharp corners and a simple line clashes awkwardly at the rear, giving the impression of an unfinished volume.

Hyundai Santa Fe – Unbalanced proportions

The TM generation of Santa Fe (2018–present) introduced substantial design shifts inspired by premium SUV trends. However, the large proportions were hard to balance aesthetically, especially at the rear.

Design issues

– Tail lights positioned too low relative to the overall design – Large difference between the roof and the tailgate edge – Flat rear end, lacking personality – Massive front grille, described by MotorTrend as lantern-like in appearance

Strengths

– Well-equipped and spacious cabin – Available in hybrid versions (including PHEV) – Modern safety and comfort features – Active in the Romanian market

A massive grille and a high stance, combined with a very low tailgate, give the car a heavy yet somewhat unbalanced visual presence.

Jeep Renegade – A toy-like SUV

Renegade, produced between 2014–2023 but still available new in hybrid versions, was designed to bring Jeep’s adventurous spirit to the compact segment. The result is a polarizing design that recalls a toy-sized vehicle more than a serious off-roader.

Design features

– Rounded front with a narrow grille and large headlights – Overall proportions look disproportionate – Compact profile with large wheels creates a caricature-like effect – Black cladding on the sills emphasizes the toy SUV look

Practical aspects

– Modular interior finishes – Medium-grade plastics – Available in the 4xe PHEV version – Affordable price in Romania (from about €24,000)

Jeep Renegade: the suitcase-on-wheels look and large headlights make it seem cute, but the proportions do not fit classic beauty standards.

Audi Q8 – Aggressively controversial luxury

The Q8 represents the flagship of Audi’s SUV lineup, yet its design has sparked strong reactions in automotive press. While it offers luxury and top-tier performance, its massive proportions and oversized grille drew harsh criticism.

Critically noted elements

– Oversized front grille – Massive proportions creating a brutal look – Coupe-like roofline with a short rear – Overall appearance described by Jalopnik as terribly ugly

Undeniable strengths

– Audi-grade luxury interior – Cutting-edge technology across domains – Top-tier performance and comfort – Active in Europe with prices above €80,000

The massive proportions, coupe-like roofline and imposing grille have drawn sharp criticism – Jalopnik even called it terribly ugly.

Conclusions

Automotive design remains one of the most subjective aspects when choosing a vehicle. These models, though criticized for certain aesthetic choices, continue to find buyers and sell on the European market. The important thing is that each offers technical and practical advantages that can offset controversial styling, depending on each buyer’s priorities.