Interior

In keeping with toddler terminology, I’d say the 128i is more spacious than a crib but nothing like a queen-sized bed. Based on space alone, it’d fall nicely into the toddler or convertible bed category, but the lack of wiggle room didn’t make my family uncomfortable, and I’m learning that I like smaller cars. They give me a snug, tailored-suit feeling, plus I can usually reach everything easily.

The sport seats in the comfy 128i reinforce this sense of security with bolsters to hold your body and booty in place. When you’re testing its performance capabilities, these built-in pillows will keep you from sliding all over the place; imagine driving with an adult-sized Boppy and you’ll get the picture.

The controls are easy to spot and use. I especially enjoyed the soothing tangerine-colored glow of the instrument panel when it’s illuminated at night. It’s so relaxing, it reminded me of the nightlight we use at home.

Unlike other cars, the 128i has a gas usage display that’s in constant motion, right down to the second you stop driving. I found this frustrating because I like to track my mpgs but don’t do well with math of any kind, however simple it might be. 

I’m undecided as to whether there were one or two cupholders for the front seat; this wasn’t a fear-of-numbers or counting issue. There are, in fact, two cupholders, but one becomes useless if the center armrest is down. Since I truly don’t believe anyone drives with the armrest up, I’m going to say that there’s one usable cupholder for the front seat and none for the back — sorry, kids.

The 128i is lacking when it comes to what I will call “counter-space” (yes, whether you like it or not I’m bringing a kitchen term into the car). You don’t have places to set stuff. My sunglasses and BlackBerry often sought refuge in the 1.5 cupholders, where they bounced around so much I feared they would jump right out of the cupholders. I could have placed these items in the center compartment, but I didn’t want to dig around in there while I was driving. That’s way too much activity while the car’s moving.

One thing I can’t leave out is that the cabin of the 128i was peacefully quiet at all times. The 128i has a rumbly-racer sound to it, but you’re only going to hear it if you’re outside the car.

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