Audi taking a bite into MB and BMW's market share
11-04-09 | 12:30 PM
#31
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,698
Likes: 68
From: MA
BMw are not known for interiors. Audi and Lexus are. BMW is known for their sport. I much prefer the older drivers oriented interiors but that is a personal preference. BMW went to the "living room" interiors to cut costs as they are easier to manipulate for different markets (LHD/RHD). I have never felt a BMW interior though wasn't solid or well built, I always respected how the door closed with a solid thunk.
11-04-09 | 12:39 PM
#33
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,246
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From: FL
bmw just dont have that wow factor with interior...650 is one of my favorite car but the interior is so plain...with luxury cars i want people to be wow when they get inside the car not say its okay...i understand bmw likes it clean but maybe too clean
11-04-09 | 01:28 PM
#34
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
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From: A better place
How easy is it for example to access some of the I-Drive features at night? While on the highway? IMHO compared to some of the competition, I found using I-Drive while driving somewhat of a hassle.
The basis of my assessment is my opinion while driving several BMWs.
Last time I checked, the RX330 cupholders do not pop out annoyingly right against your knee, if you are a passenger for example.
11-04-09 | 01:44 PM
#35
I-Drive? Yes I have been behind the wheel of a BMW, several actually. If I said all the features and options were easy and convenient to access I would be lying.
How easy is it for example to access some of the I-Drive features at night? While on the highway? IMHO compared to some of the competition, I found using I-Drive while driving somewhat of a hassle.
The basis of my assessment is my opinion while driving several BMWs.
How easy is it for example to access some of the I-Drive features at night? While on the highway? IMHO compared to some of the competition, I found using I-Drive while driving somewhat of a hassle.
The basis of my assessment is my opinion while driving several BMWs.
11-04-09 | 01:48 PM
#36
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,698
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From: MA
11-04-09 | 01:49 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
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From: A better place
Thus, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the BMW voice command is, or how it compares to the competition.
11-04-09 | 01:55 PM
#38
Truthfully, I personally rarely use voice command. Yes, I know of it's convenience, but even on Lexus vehicles I've driven I seldom use voice command. I am just not a big fan of voice command.
Thus, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the BMW voice command is, or how it compares to the competition.
Thus, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the BMW voice command is, or how it compares to the competition.
11-04-09 | 01:58 PM
#40
I am not going to prolong this thread by arguing semantics.. I own the vehicles & live with them every day. The voice command system in the new i-drive equipped vehicles is fantastic.
11-04-09 | 02:01 PM
#41
Truthfully, I personally rarely use voice command. Yes, I know of it's convenience, but even on Lexus vehicles I've driven I seldom use voice command. I am just not a big fan of voice command.
Thus, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the BMW voice command is, or how it compares to the competition.
Thus, I cannot tell you how effective or ineffective the BMW voice command is, or how it compares to the competition.
I have not encountered any problems with its use.
11-04-09 | 02:06 PM
#42
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,698
Likes: 68
From: MA
I think it has improved in a way that it accepts natural speech, such as saying " I am hungry " and it will bring up a list of the restaurants. As far as the recognition part itself, it’s still hit or miss. I find the Acura voice command to be the best among cars that I have owned. I haven’t try the new Ford Sync system yet.
I am sorry but not everyone speaks like the guy in the Lexus commericals and I am sure my Boston accent dont help 
Last edited by The G Man; 11-04-09 at 02:09 PM.
11-04-09 | 02:43 PM
#43
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,279
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From: CA
I just think that BMW has a different philosophy than other companies when it comes to interior design. The dash is flat and somewhat un-inviting as it doesn't really curve around the driver or passenger, but rather curves away.
Lexus is relatively traditional with wood, leather, soft touch surfaces, pleasing waterfall center stack, inviting dash.
Audi is high tech and somewhat cold and industrial, but well built with great details.
Mercedes is a mix of things as awful as the C and GLK but as nice as the S (though I can't stand the dash) so I am really not sure where they stand.
BMW is first and foremost a performance brand so that is why, IMO, there are less "frills" than something like a Lexus. It's functional and simple, but really not much more. I think the problem for most people is that when dishing out $5-$15K more than a comparable Lexus we are often expecting the interior to be even more luxurious and lavish, but that is not what BMW is about.
Even with that said I do think that BMW could do something to spice up their interiors a bit, and the 5GT seems to be a step in the right direction. I personally don't like the somewhat cold and austere feel that a Bimmer interior typically gives but that is just my preference. It's all about what the buyer is looking for.
There is, for one thing, a lot more wood in the new 5 GT than other Bimmers.
Lexus is relatively traditional with wood, leather, soft touch surfaces, pleasing waterfall center stack, inviting dash.
Audi is high tech and somewhat cold and industrial, but well built with great details.
Mercedes is a mix of things as awful as the C and GLK but as nice as the S (though I can't stand the dash) so I am really not sure where they stand.
BMW is first and foremost a performance brand so that is why, IMO, there are less "frills" than something like a Lexus. It's functional and simple, but really not much more. I think the problem for most people is that when dishing out $5-$15K more than a comparable Lexus we are often expecting the interior to be even more luxurious and lavish, but that is not what BMW is about.
Even with that said I do think that BMW could do something to spice up their interiors a bit, and the 5GT seems to be a step in the right direction. I personally don't like the somewhat cold and austere feel that a Bimmer interior typically gives but that is just my preference. It's all about what the buyer is looking for.
There is, for one thing, a lot more wood in the new 5 GT than other Bimmers.
Also, can somebody explain to me why Toyota throws in a digital clock from the Corolla on every Lexus model? I
