Rudy

As most of us know, the automotive press' constant trashing of iDrive after using it for a short time is unfair. I think those of us who've used the car for a longer period of time will agree that it's not very hard to operate and that this is the trend of the future. It's only a matter of time before this entire subject simply goes away because every car will have some similar interface. (Actually, they'll probably start evaluating the interfaces and execution of the systems in future magazines...)

Anyway, this week's AutoWeek has the following quote in it's "Autofile" section:
You may think that the above quote is still negative, and it is in some respects. What I found refreshing was that they're beginning to show a sign of acceptance. As I said, this acceptance should get stronger and stronger once these guys actually use a car with a system like iDrive for extended periods...

alohalc

it's a good sign . i've been waiting for the four seasons logbook from automobile magazine or similar article about e60 (or do i miss it? ). i want to see how much they love the car after a longer period of time.

Rudy

The problem with the four seasons tests is that it's still many evaluators with small slices of time with the car. They enter thoughts into the logbook as they have them.

If I'm using the car for a weekend and I'm a rookie with iDrive, I'm going to make an entry in the logbook early on venting any frustrations I might have. Later on, if I ever figure it out, am I going to go back and edit my entry or add positive comments, I doubt it. Something tells me that the long-term tests won't yield too much more information.

The press has a perception of iDrive that is simply going to take time to change. I think we can blame the 7-series launch and overly complex iDrive for this perception.

alohalc

agree. but i think one weekend is way more than enough for them to evaluate the car and the idrive. i'm sure things will get better. it'll be in most of the cars in the future. just look at all car makers now or should we say followers <_<.

Jimbo

what would be helpful is three or four macro buttons for the idrive.
they could be placed on the bottom part of the steering wheel below the other buttons.

Rudy

AutoWeek now has the article on their website.

It can be found by clicking here...

Oh, and one more thing...Pontiac Grand Prix??

JDN

Not to mention the low version of the Caddy and the Volvo. Sheesh. Why not Audi and Mercedes, that is where the competition is more likely.

alohalc

grand prix ? wtf ! i agree w/jdn, why not audi, mercedes, acura, lexus or even cadillac sts ?