I have to agree that the hand gestures seem like a bizarre and slightly pointless idea. A weird party trick to show someone else in the car (when they actually work well) but I can't imagine ever using them regularly.
There is obviously a good reason BMW is releasing the new 7 series in China first, and why they now sell over 30% of their vehicles there (I don't know what % of the 7 series, but I bet it is even higher). While a lot of their new technology and luxury features don't overwhelm many of us, in China they are very powerful selling points for those wanting to impress others and show off their wealth or status. I think among the big luxury auto manufacturers there is an arms race to equip their flagship models with the greatest amount of the most unique and "impressive" features just to cater to a group of buyers that all of that stuff still wows. Right now Tesla simply can't compete in the same way and for that reason will continue to struggle in that market.
There is obviously a good reason BMW is releasing the new 7 series in China first, and why they now sell over 30% of their vehicles there (I don't know what % of the 7 series, but I bet it is even higher). While a lot of their new technology and luxury features don't overwhelm many of us, in China they are very powerful selling points for those wanting to impress others and show off their wealth or status. I think among the big luxury auto manufacturers there is an arms race to equip their flagship models with the greatest amount of the most unique and "impressive" features just to cater to a group of buyers that all of that stuff still wows. Right now Tesla simply can't compete in the same way and for that reason will continue to struggle in that market.