That makes more sense - it's like networking vendors who sell switches that physically have 48 ports, but you've only paid for 24 and for an extra license you c

That makes more sense - it's like networking vendors who sell switches that physically have 48 ports, but you've only paid for 24 and for an extra license you can activate the remainder. It's easier for the vendor to manufacture and supply one single type of hardware, and it's more flexible for the consumer because if your needs evolve (you want to drive faster or have more ports) you can pay just for the upgrade and start using immediately, not a whole replacement. Paying a subscription for a feature that doesn't require any effort om the BMW side (e.g. not the continuously updated infotainment system) is what makes this different.