Quote:
Originally Posted by kyrix1st
This is a very short sighted comment and of oxymoron.
There are lots of fast, luxury cars out there. People choose M3/4 because it is 1. a BMW and 2. an M car. They like the characteristics, history and prestige behind it. If BMW stops making cars of motorsport nature of which made the subbrand M, they are lost in identity and eventually will perish.
I would understand if BMW wanted to charge more for the same DCT/MT package and there will be lots of current owners including myself who are willing to pay extra for keeping the iconic sports sedan longer in the shrinking market, but it seems instead they are forcing majority of avid drivers altogether to make an inferior purchase to what was offered 6 years ago. M cars were never directed at people who wanted S-class equivalent ride; it was for people who wanted 911 feel and performance while retaining practicality.
These are very emotional purchases and any change that brings the car closer to mainstream cars that offer comfort, efficient, and luxurious ride instead of keeping its uniqueness will act adversely on the M division sales.
Maybe it's BMW group's plan to ultimately fade out motorsport division. They have always been pussycats to put R&D into motorsport since F1 days.
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The inevitable move to hybrids and EVs got to be a challenge for a brand which Motorsport fame is closely connected to brilliant and powerful ICEs. How do you keep that alive with engines types (electric) having little to no character difference and likely 3rd party sourced? If BMW was forced of one reason or another to source a new DCT the time to recoup the investment would maybe only be one model taking the coming of hybrids. Not an easy request to get through the bean counters.