Quote:
Originally Posted by ndukyh
I hear you but also believe you're way too focused on the negatives. Every company has a strategy and Porsche's strategy, just like Apple, Bang & Olufsen, etc, and, alas, BMW, is to create some products that appeal to their core, while others help them achieve true growth in sales and profitability needed for sustainability.
For Apple, they make big ugly Plus-sized iPhones even after they claimed for years that they would never do it as it compromises single-handed use, but here we are because it makes money. For Porsche, they make Cayenne's and Macan's to sell to the masses and hold back the 718s from what they could be so that they can make more money on the higher margin 911. BMW is doing no different.
For BMW, in my opinion, you need to look beyond the noise (X2, 2 Series Active Tourer, etc) to see the gems. For me the gems are still ever present and perhaps this sentiment is because I don't try and actively compare BMW to the "good ol days" when they had 5 models. Times have changed. What do I think are the gems and how are they appealing to enthusiasts?
- M235i and M2, nuff said
- F80 M3 is lighter, faster than predecessor and the only car in its class that comfortably fits 5 with a 6MT offered
- F10 M5 offered with a manual even while Porsche phased it out on their GT3 (only to bring it back later)
- M Track Days offered at $250 - purely a nod to enthusiasts
- Free track day offered with M car purchase at Performance Center
- Not to mention all of the BMW Ultimate Drive events going on year round
- First company to invest in a motorsports oriented electric vehicle (i8) and keep it true to concept
- M135i is apparently brilliant and practical although I've never driven it
- 1M a few years ago was purely a nod to enthusiasts
- Active investment in and actual use of lightweight materials (CFRP) in mass production vehicles
I'm sure list goes on. Your username suggests an interest in Benz, so it's super interesting to hear this from you considering what MB is doing with 43/53 AMG models and proliferating the AMG brand across SUVs, sedans, trucks, etc that don't deserve the association at all. At least we could agree that BMW does that to a much lesser extent. It's easy to criticize but we can also appreciate that there are signs BMW is still there and looking out for us despite needing to keep the lights on with some mass market products. I'm excited for what the future holds and still value the company and look forward to what they offer next.
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You bring up some excellent points and I personally do not think BMW has completely lost their way as some believe. Let’s just hope they take a bit more of there cues from Porsche (with return to manuals) with M cars than follow the lead of Audi and Benz.