app-master,
We think BMW USA is ripping us off here, with bizarre and greedy option-package linking (e.g. Apple Car Play at US$300 can only be had with a US$1900 nav).
If I am reading you correctly, the difference in Oz between a topped up Stinger GT and a topped up BMW 340i Gran Coupe would be AU$ 30-40k (I recall your mentioning earlier that a 340i GC would be around AU$99k). That is a whopping difference! At this rate, only a BMW fanatic will buy a BMW. The difference in US between these cars would be about US$10k. I hope Kia marketing does their homework and price their cars accordingly both in Australia and here and blow out BMW. However, the cynical corner of my mind tells me Kia , given the enthusiasm it has generated with the Stinger, will price so that the difference will not be of the magnitude we are now hoping for.
BMW sales here is not doing well (9% down from last year). One strategy BMW should consider is allowing more custom building of cars and delinking of option bundles.
For example: I can now build a 230i:Xenon headlights, backup camera, M-Sport Package, heated seats, 6-MT or 8-AT- essentially a basic driver's car, for US$39k before taxes. For some reason, BMW USA allows a greater separation of choices for this one model. It is more likely that Kia will bundle the option packages and not give a lot of individual choices.