BMW prides itself on its ergonomics (everything in its proper place for ease of use), and justifiably so. The sound system, though, is a bit complicated - too many small buttons and a really inefficient system for controlling fade/balance and bass/treble. Simply terrible.

The few gauges are large and easy to read. There is a digital systems-check feature. A trip computer is optional.

There is no console storage and no cupholders - the Germans still have not come to grips with the American penchant for driving and drinking coffee or soda pop at the same time.

The hand brake is on the driver's side of the console, where it should be. A drop-down armrest for each front bucket is a nice feature.

Also available is the industry's (heck, the world's) only dual sliding sunroof(s). A front panel and a rear panel can be opened and closed independently or in tandem by a single control.

Important note: Read the instruction manual before trying to operate the sunroofs. Our test driver figured he didn't need any coaching. Fifteen minutes later he finally got both panels closed at the same time.

The interior is comfortable and quite roomy for four. Having three in the backseat is a bit chummy. We were surprised to find the limited amount of cargo space compared with other makes.

Anyone seated in the BMW 525i Touring is surrounded by one of the most impressive arrays of standard comfort and convenience features in the business.

Settle in while we run through a portion of the list: Walnut trim, velour carpeting, time-delay courtesy lights with actuation from the driver's exterior door handle, map lights, tinted glass, power windows with key-off operation, one-touch lowering of all windows and one-touch lowering of driver's window only, two-stage rear defroster, microfiltered ventilation, air conditioning with left/right separate controls, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, illuminated vanity mirrors, rechargeable flashlight in the glove box, and a cargo cover.

As would be expected, the Touring has the edge in quality and luxury over its lower-priced competitors. Only the more-expensive Mercedes-Benz is its equal.