The iDrive system features a big knob mounted on the center console that controls navigation, the audio system, climate controls, and other secondary functions. Various functions can be selected by sliding the big knob left or right, forward or aft, then turning it like a knob to work through menus displayed on a monitor on the center stack, and pressing down on the knob to select options. The big knob doesn't move diagonally as in the 7 Series cars, which may simplify things, but we recommend sitting in the driveway with the owner's manual to master this system.
The head-up display projects speed, navigational information, cruise control status and other data onto the windshield.
The trunk is relatively large and can hold two sets of golf clubs. The BMW badge on the rear serves as the latch for the trunk. The trunk lid pops open fully when the button on the remote key fob is pressed, handy when running through the rain with an armload of groceries; a lot of trunk lids don't pop up like this, an advantage of gooseneck hinges; the hinges are shielded from the inside cargo bay, eliminating concerns of crushing things. The coupe has a larger trunk (13 cubic feet) than the convertible (12.4 cubic feet).
The convertible is remarkably quiet with the top up, nearly as quiet as the coupe. As mentioned, the power rear windscreen can be lowered even when the top is up, though we didn't find it significantly added to air circulation. Conversely, the rear glass can be raised when the top is down to act as a windblocker, but turbulance with the top down was minimal, and raising and lowering the glass didn't seem to make a big difference. In short, this is a neat feature but one of dubious merit.
