Beware of what you are asking - you will get it. :thumbup:
First, we are talking about technological choices, why are you hiding behind BS marketing stuff? There are zero technical reason to restrict to entry-lux marketing BS. Unless you are afraid of something, aren't you? :bigpimp:
The one that you conveniently left out is the one that hurts the N20 the most. It actually annihilates the whole BS theory behind the N20.
I am talking about the Lexus ES350 that definitely belongs to the entry-level class. Similar width (0.4") and weight. Very old engine and even older transmission.
Lexus ES350 (Camry V6)
V6 3.5L 268HP
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Street start, 5***8211;60 mph: 6.1 sec
Top gear, 30***8211;50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50***8211;70 mph: 3.7 sec
EPA fuel annual cost 2050$
BMW 328i
4-cyl. turbo 2.0L 240HP
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rolling start, 5***8211;60 mph: 6.5 sec
Top gear, 30***8211;50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50***8211;70 mph: 3.9 sec
EPA fuel annual cost 2050$
It is absolutely nonsense why BMW went crazy with the N20 and can't even beat a competitor with an old engine (2005), no direct injection and 6-sp. We keep hearing that BMW had no choice going this way. Yeah sure. We have this case but I also referred earlier to the Accord and Altima.
Accord 2013
V6 3.5L 271 HP
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Rolling start, 5***8211;60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top gear, 30***8211;50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top gear, 50***8211;70 mph: 4.1 sec
EPA fuel annual cost 1950$
Altima 2013
V6 3.5 L 270HP
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Rolling start, 5***8211;60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top gear, 30***8211;50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top gear, 50***8211;70 mph: 3.9 sec
EPA fuel annual cost 1950$
Before your little demagogy kicks in once again, *no* I won't buy one of these.
As all of this clearly shows, there was no compelling reason for BMW to go with the N20. We are getting it for the wrong reasons. Fashion and stupid displacement rules in Europe that bears no relevance here. It is amazing that competitors enjoy great technical results relying on NA V6 (without direct-injection and with basic 6-sp. transmission) while BMW's basic position is 'can't be done'. *Wrong.*