> Direct-drive, wheel-hub motors are not well-regarded right now, specifically because they increase unsprung weight

It will always be lighter to not have the motor in the wheel.

> So instead we backport a bunch of the mechanical infrastructure that transfers power from a traditional ICE engine to the four wheels.

No, we do it because it's smart and efficient for freeway-capable vehicles.

Wheels get banged up in use. They're easy to replace for different applications. They're exposed to 200 kph salt spray at hundreds of RPM. They are not a great place for motors.