BMW M850i Interior: Vive La Resistance

SUVs may be forcing coupes off the road, but if you’re looking for a car capable of leading the resistance, the BMW M850i could be it.

The German luxury brand’s flagship 2-door model, named to the 2019 Wards 10 Best Interiors list, is an in-the-metal reminder of why many of us would rather our “sport” came served in a coupe, and not a utility, package.

From the minute you slip behind the car’s muscular steering wheel and settle into its performance-oriented cockpit, the M850i’s ultimate-driving-machine intentions are clear.

All the key performance-technology controls are close at hand on the center console, allowing for quick changes between sport, comfort, eco and custom suspension and powertrain settings. The crystalline gear selector for the manu-matic transmission is the type not seen often in high-end vehicles any more: a beefy pistol grip that feels so good in your hand you’ll insist on slamming through the gears manually.

BMW m850i crystal shift

Of course, today, even performance-oriented automobiles are required to offer a large dose of infotainment and connectivity technology – another area where the M850i excels. The virtual gauge package offers sharp graphics and scores of data-display options.

That’s complemented by an information-packed HUD and a generous 10.25-in. (26-cm) center touchscreen, where drivers will find a variety of apps, various system controls and a host of performance data, plus a detailed virtual owner’s manual.

There are numerous ways to access it all, from the continuously improving iDrive system now operated through a sleek, low-profile console dial, to gesture controls and a spot-on voice-activation system.

Our $119,295 all-wheel-drive tester came with an abundance of luxury touches, starting with the striking brown and black leather upholstery with accent stitching; well-tailored, woven headliner; eye-catching textured aluminum on the center console; stylized Harman Kardon speaker grilles; tastefully applied multi-colored interior lighting; and generous brushed-aluminum accents, including a trimmed-out dead pedal. The inner door panels are so artistically sculpted, they could be suitable for framing.

“The mega coupe concept is fading in popularity, but, man, it fits me like a glove and all the details are gorgeous,” one judge notes on his scoresheet.

“Sweet interior, beautiful lines and killer dynamics,” sums up another.

Vive la resistance.