Quote:
Originally Posted by Year's_End
I'm doubting the sales staff that told you this. The 'S' badge is a textbook example of effective marketing; it leads people to believe that you're buying into a much higher tier of models relative to the competition. Throw in some minor bespoke detailing, like aluminum highlights, bolder fascias, and quad tailpipes and people will think its competing at a higher level than it actually is.
Comparisons by tier are as follows:
Base: A4 vs 328i
Mid/upgraded: S4 vs 335i (M-Sport if you want the frivolous bespoke items)
High/Motorsport: RS4 vs M3 (large replacement of powertrain, drivetrain, body panels, etc)
What BMW lack(ed) in their lineup was a badge that could be marketed effectively against the S brand. In comes their M-XXXi/d "M-performance" lineup.
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I would agree, it may be better for BMW to differentiate 328's and 335's as that would compare closer to Audi not in performance but in advertising, marketing, and making the two cars more comparable to the S4. That's just me but there's always the plus of not changing and staying with the way it always has been.
On topic though, at my age, with what I like, I would say an RS4 or a C63 AMG sedan