[cache_miss]

As a former BMW fanboy, here's my take:

1) Over the past decade, BMW has snuffed the enthusiast/semi-enthusiast crowd to cater to mainstream luxury buyers.

2) Anecdotally, I've noticed that the Tesla buyers of today were the BMW/Audi buyers of yesterday.

Who's still interested in new BMWs?

[LeonM]

> Who's still interested in new BMWs?

This. Exactly this.

I've overheard potential buyers (not just at BMW, but all car dealerships) asking questions like:

- Can I get this car in an all-electric version? > No

- Can I get this car with AWD (dual motor) > No

- Can I get this car with autopilot > No

- Will this car receive updates over the air? > No

- Does the base model come with 300+ HP? > No

- Can I control this car using an app? > No

- Can I fuel/charge for free? > No

Then why pay 80k for a 5-series, if you can also get a tesla for that price?

[cache_miss]

Not to mention resale. A 2013 Model S still sells for 40k. A 2013 BMW 5-series sells for about 15k. All BMW has left is its badge.

[hcg]

They should really just have anyone who asks if they can control the car using an app tossed out.

[LeonM]

Being able to pre-heat the cabin, or checking the charge status on a phone is a reason to be 'tossed out' of the dealership? Boy, you'd be a good car salesman!

[mtgx]

> 1) Over the past decade, BMW has snuffed the enthusiast/semi-enthusiast crowd to cater to mainstream luxury buyers

Interesting you say that, as I feel Apple is committing the exact same mistake lately.

[abledon]

Tesla is the new status symbol. Tech is in today. If you are an elite business man and don't have the highend flagship phone, either pixel 3 or iphone XR etc... you are not respected. Similarly if you don't have the coolest and most high tech car (Tesla), you are not respected.

[gamblor956]

Interesting. I work in LA, and Tesla's are already passe in the entertainment, music, and sports industries. If you still drive a Tesla, it means you weren't on the waitlist for the Jaguar i-PACE. Executives are already bragging about preordering the Porsche Taycan.

Having ridden in every model Tesla and test-driven an i-PACE, Tesla should be terrified. The i-PACE doesn't have the range or acceleration of a Tesla, but everything else about the car--including, most importantly, ride comfort (this is LA, after all...0 to 60 speed is irrelevant in rush hour traffic)--is miles ahead of what Tesla can muster.

[muro]

Lol, what nonsense. Look at Warren Buffett.

[abledon]

Warren Buffet has his head on straight. Most wall street guys are just about money power and __status__!

[dplgk]

I bought a 2013 hard top convertible with 40k miles for $20k. Couldn't be happier. Console has real knobs, too.