Regardless of whether I am techy (or should I say Trekky) enough to grow into iDrive, the 545i interior provides splendid
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| Regardless of the difficulties presented by the iDrive system, the 545i interior provides splendid comfort, security and ambience. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
comfort, security and ambience. The materials used to construct this vault of solidity are first-rate in the touchy-feely tactile world, and the leather upholstery covering the to-die-for front seats is butter-soft. The heated power front seats adjust for seat angle, headrest position, backrest angle, seat height, seat depth, lumbar support and side bolstering. These sensitive cradles of comfort will hug you tight when no one else will. Ventilated front seats are optional.
While seated in the driver's office the two primary gauges - tachometer and speedometer - are perfectly visible through the upper portion of the steering wheel. Set into the lower portion of the tachometer dial is a fuel
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| BMW applied its minimalist approach to the gauge cluster as well as the dashboard. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
consumption meter, (which I would rather conceal with a piece of tape to relieve my Eco-guilt). Situated similarly in the neighboring speedo is a fuel gauge. Clearly, BMW applied its minimalist approach to the gauge cluster as well as the dashboard. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing an extra couple of gauges displaying readouts such as engine temperature and oil pressure. Given the cost of a 545i engine replacement, I'd rather know what's happening before an idiot light tells me I am one.
The new 5-Series offers optional heads-up display as well, projecting speed and navigation details on the windscreen. My tester had this option, unfortunately my Polaroid sunglasses wiped out the image during daytime driving. Otherwise, I found the screen-show useful.
