The leather in the Limited isn't especially kid glove-like, but it is richly surfaced. The front seats in the XT and above have fuller bolsters and better overall support; the lumbar adjustments at their least aggressive setting accommodate sensitive, surgically altered lower backs, while at the opposite extreme can brace a classic ramrod spine. Bottom cushions are deeper than many but lack the ultimate in thigh support achieved by the standard-setting BMW seats. The perforated leather insets in the XT Limited adds some grip that the smooth-finished leather lacks and allows the barest amount of air flow that's refreshing on hot and cold days.
The dash is topped with mildly textured, high quality, seamless vinyl, low-gloss to minimize reflected glare in the windshield. The instruments are rimmed in black in the 2.5i and XT, in chrome in the 3.0 R. Gauges are large and round, positioned directly in front of the driver and easy to scan through the three-spoke steering wheel. Cruise controls are contained in a stubby stalk attached to the steering wheel at about the 4 o'clock position.
In the upper half of the dash to the left of the gauges are two vents, one small for defogging the driver's window, the other large, with four-way directional vanes and a roller knob that varies the air flow from full to off. Below these are controls for dash light intensity, outside mirror adjustment and remote gas filler cover and a small storage bin. At the opposite end of the dash, matching vents fulfill the same functions.
Topping the center stack are two large, tall vents, again with four-way directional vanes but no air flow adjustments. Between these vents is a large storage bin with retracting cover. Directly below this is the trip computer display. Next down the C-stack is the stereo control head, and at the bottom is the climate control panel. With the exception of the stereo's tuner, all these features are managed by large, round knobs and intuitive, easy-to-use buttons and switches; tuning the stereo other than by way of the start-and-stop of seeking or scanning, though, requires pressing a lateral rocker switch and scrolling up or down through the frequencies until the desired one is reached. The C-stack and forward portion of the center console are covered in a metallic-look, matte-finish plastic with chrome-like accents. In models so equipped, seat heater controls are set in the center console directly forward of the slider covering the two front cup holders.
Inside door pulls are ergonomically designed, almost vertical and open, easily grasped. The opening lever is chrome, the accent surrounding the power window buttons and door pull, a metallic matte finish. Headliner has a soft nap, with assist grips over the doors. The sedan's trunk and trunk lid are finished, and the wagon's tailgate clears a six-footer when open and a pull-down spares hands contact with the exterior's collected road dirt and grime.
Forward visibility is above average, aided by the sloping hood. Side and rear vision is excellent in the wagon, which is no surprise, but better than expected, too, in the sedan, thanks to good-sized rear quarter windows and trim C-pillars.
The glove box is adequate, if not voluminous. Two rear seat occupants have their own cup holders and a place to store magazines on the back of the front seats. Both sedan and wagons have a compartmentalized storage tray hidden beneath the floor and on top of the spare tire. The wagons have two covered storage bins in the cargo area.
