The cabin gets the biggest change with the upgrade to the latest iDrive 8.0 system which gets new hardware in the form of a huge curved pane of glass that houses two independent screens. A 12.3in instrument cluster and a 14.9in infotainment display, both perfectly spaced out so the steering wheel doesn’t block any pixels.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and the CarPlay display takes up the entire screen, barring the virtual climate controls and it makes for quite a sight. Especially while using Google Maps or even just trying to hit any of the apps while driving, the large, chunky icons make it much easier to access. As an alternative, BMW still persists with the iDrive controller in the centre console that works well after all these years and makes more sense to use while driving rather than trying to aim your fingertips at a moving target.
As expected, wireless charging spaciois enough to hold the largest phones (with a case) is well placed in the centre console under the damped lid. USB-C ports all around, subtle ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system that is entertaining enough to spend time in the car even after you’ve arrived at your destination means that the cabin is a fine place to be in. One glaring omission is seat ventilation or lumbar adjustment even! Having said that, the M-steering wheel and the seating position reek of intent. The seats themselves are on the firmer side, but if you dealing with more hairpin bends than speedbreakers, you won’t complain.