What could BMW do to catch Audi for best interiors?

[Yperion]

What could BMW do to catch Audi for best interiors in the mainstream luxury world?

I would be interested to know, what you all would recommend that BMW do in order to catch Audi so their interiors don't look so stark and feel so cheap when compared to Audi.

Honestly, if BMW fixed their interiors nobody would even come close to getting them.

BMW is a clear compromise due to the fact that although they handle extremely well, their interiors have never been class-leading when compared to respective offerings from Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

So what do we recommend for BMW's plan of action.....

Source: Autospies

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Autospies is a car website with zero reliability so that's the reason this story goes directly into the garbage bin.

 

[wltsm]

What a stupid discussion, there is nothing wrong with BMW interiors!

 

[Zafiro]

Why must BMw catch Audi in that area?

Redicilous topic.

 

[Tumbo]

I don't at all think this topic is ridiculous. In fact, this is exacly what they need. Their interiors are the most boring, out of the 3 top Germans. I don't find any BMW interior "Wow"ish. That's just my opinion, but I know many non-biased people think exactly the same. BMW's weekest thing is their interiors....

 

[Yperion]

No company can be the best in all aspects. It's just that BMW doesn't mainly focus on interiors like Audi does, they like to focus firstly on other things like handling,engines ect. so to them interior is not that important.

That said new X5 seems to have a top notch interior and i have seen some very nice 5 and 6 series interiors also.

 

[LaArtist]

BMW interiors are OKay..they are pretty nice..and thats it..and i guess BMW are happy with it..and so are ppl cause they sell like hell..
so whats the prob

 

[EnI]

so whats the prob

Obvoiusly some people are bothered with normal black plastic buttons - instead of shiny silver metal-looking plastic ones.

The only problem I see in BMW interior are the button designs: they are too ordinary, without special design. But BMW have other priorities than button designs ... Also the more angular design with edges gives interior "cheap" look - while rounded interior designs MB, Lexus & Audi are associated with "expensive". It's just a common (mis)perception ... People who buy BMW cars like the interior ... So, no problem at all.

Yet time changes, and with next generation cars also more sofisticated and more hi-tech looking interior will come in BMW vehicles- since competition is stiffer & customers more & more demanding ...

So with new F01 7er in 2 years expect astonishing interior with very expensive hi-tech look - that look will then creep into other new gen. BMW cars like 5er, 6er, X3, Z8 etc

Scottie explained it very well:

Overall controls such as switches, stalks, control knobs etc are being evaluated against modern technology: the soft touch keypads of laptops and high end mobile phones, ipods , plasma TVs etc in order to emulate a high quality "talking point" interior which will begin first with the F01 7er.

 

[Centurion]

I bleive that you should be a leader and not a follower. Although I don't like interior design of bimmers I do have respect for their unique style.

 

[siko]

I think all BMW has to do in order to be top is improve their materials.

Because in terms of layout and ergonomics they are on par or most of the time better than Audi or MB.

My 2 cents.

 

[Zafiro]

I don't at all think this topic is ridiculous. In fact, this is exacly what they need. Their interiors are the most boring, out of the 3 top Germans. I don't find any BMW interior "Wow"ish. That's just my opinion, but I know many non-biased people think exactly the same. BMW's weekest thing is their interiors....

BMW are selling more cars than audi and MB so obviously BMW dont need to focus on their interiors, at least not yet. but I must say that interiors of new X5 and 3er Coupe have been improved and now in same league as the other germans. so perhaps BMw have listen to some people here

 

[PanterroR]

I would only say that a little bit of quality improvement on all BMW interiors would help of course. But it doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Osnabrueck]

I think BMW do need to focus on their interiors, because it's the only area where the cars fail to wow. The new generation interiors have been very good conceptually, but definitely don't meet the level of decorum you'll find in an Audi interior. BMW charge a steep premium for their cars so there's nothing wrong with us wanting nothing less than the best.

But, judging by the E92 and the E70, BMW are already quite aware of their shortcomings and are making steps in the right directions.

So what could they do? Well, they could use more "high quality" fittings throughout their cabin. I put high quality in quotes, because often the sparkly shiny things that impress us are finished plastics.

New X5 is an ovbious example of good things to come. The interior definitely puts the screws to the Q7.

 

[LaArtist]

I think all BMW has to do in order to be top is improve their materials.

Because in terms of layout and ergonomics they are on par or most of the time better than Audi or MB.

My 2 cents.

Seriously they have problems with ergonomics..
my cousin has a 530 he had it for like 2 years now..
and a friend has the new 320i.. for like some months now..
they always complain about 1 thing.. and i know this is true..cause i noticed it myself..
the switch for opening the window is in a ****** upp position..in the 5er.. way to high and akward
and in the 3er the door handle is in the way.. so you have to reach beyond it.. and the space is to tight to go inside the handle..

that really sucks..

 

[PanterroR]

Seriously they have problems with ergonomics..
my cousin has a 530 he had it for like 2 years now..
and a friend has the new 320i.. for like some months now..
they always complain about 1 thing.. and i know this is true..cause i noticed it myself..
the switch for opening the window is in a ****** upp position..in the 5er.. way to high and akward
and in the 3er the door handle is in the way.. so you have to reach beyond it.. and the space is to tight to go inside the handle..

that really sucks..

Nothing that would make one say their interiors suck...

 

[LaArtist]

^ thats true.. they far from suck..
but as always..you can improve everything..

 

[Matt]

At least its in the right area: it should be renamed to the official Audi Fanboy thread! haha.

 

[Matt]

I actually do have an opinion. BMW's main issue on the interior is their software interface they use on I-drive. Other than that though, the interior is well made and good looking. The buttons are all in the right place and everything is in reach.

Mercedes on the other hand....

Why the hell does mercedes insist on putting the seat adjuster on the door panel. Its the most uncomfortable place to adjust the seat. How is that a natural position?

 

[Osnabrueck]

I drove the new S550 at the Taste of Lexus event last weekend and was underwhelmed by the "appliance-like" feel of the interior.

I was hoping that the ambiance and tactile experience would live up to my expectations, but I was left cold. Composition of the cabin was also more "loose" than I expected and reminded me of lesser Mercedes models.

Seat controls are a toss-up for me. They're not very attractive in the Benz, but they are easily deciphered. The BMW scheme is more attractive but is also located in a less than perfect spot.

On the upside, the neat-o "digilogue" speedometer looks very convincing. You'd never guess that it was a digital display at first glance. Of course, I can't speak much to how the UI and other gear operate, because I only spent 2 (really fun) minutes in the car.

 

[LaArtist]

LOL how the hell can you complain about that seat system..
its the greatest and most easy ever..move the part of the little seat that you want to get moved on the large seat your sitting in.. there is nothing better

have you ever been in the retarded 7er and tried to change seat position..
the damn button is located at your hip.. you have to press the part off the chair and then use the horrible low quality round plastic knob to move that one part.. and then go back and all that shit again for the next part of the seat..

that my friend is a far bigger **** up than the I drive

 

[Zafiro]

LOL how the hell can you complain about that seat system..
its the greatest and most easy ever..move the part of the little seat that you want to get moved on the large seat your sitting in.. there is nothing better

have you ever been in the retarded 7er and tried to change seat position..
the damn button is located at your hip.. you have to press the part off the chair and then use the horrible low quality round plastic knob to move that one part.. and then go back and all that shit again for the next part of the seat..

that my friend is a far bigger **** up than the I drive

Lots of nasty words there Artist. Hard time hearing negative stuff about your beloved S-class Not everyone find it perfect or are in love with the S