8.27.2011

What If You Could Not Drive a BMW

Thankfully, we live in a world where there are literally dozens and dozens of BMW’s to choose from, new and old. You can go out and buy a E12 5er or a brand new X6, a F01 740i or an E38 740i, a 2002tii or, if you can find one, a 1 M Coupe. Without these sorts of choices the automotive landscape would very sad, desolate place. For many, the automobile is an extension of ourselves, something that is as much about emotion as it is the utilitarian need for a daily driver.
The emotional side of car enthusiasts in many cases finds the brand that most aligns with the principles and abilities they demand out of a car with the result, in some
instances, being sitesbrands have their own core group of enthusiasts as demonstrated by sitesHardcore enthusiastsand we can attest to thisare a fierce bunch that will defend their brand to the bitter end and this sense of loyalty can lead to lifelong dedication to a brand with the feelings that dare not be trifled with or questioned lest a car maker lose its way.
Recently, while examining some of the styling trends of our favorite Bavarian Motor Works group team got into an interesting philosophical discussion about car brands and their impact on their core enthusiast groups. With some of the recent styling developments within BMW, some of the team feel that the exteriors of current and forthcoming BMW models, competent driver’s cars and a gorgeous arraytechnology under the skin, don’t necessarily exude the same beauty through its styling This raised the idea that perhaps other manufacturers – which shan’t be named – are making more attractive and interesting cars if only from the standpoint of exterior design.
As a result, we began to as a group ponder the interesting idea of “what do you drive if you couldn’t drive BMW?” The obvious answer is that there are numerous car manufacturers for buyers to choose from. Would a 335iS driver switch to a sporting Nissan 370Z – part of a legacy of successful sports cars? Does Audi present enough rear-wheel-drive-type performance via its newer torque-vectoring differentials in cars like the S4 to win over buyers? Is a Hyundai Equus luxurious enough to supersede the ventilated seats of a 7?
We pose the question not as a lack of enthusiasm about BMW the brand but – and it’s a big but – if BMW was not the company as you know it, past, present and future; and you had to choose another manufacturer who’s products and ideals aligned with your tastes and needs – which would it be?
We’ve listed a few comments below from a handful  – but first and foremost we want to hear from you in the comments below!

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