> 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?

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.

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

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!

> 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.

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.

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.

Lol, what nonsense. Look at Warren Buffett.

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

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