I havent spent enough time in one to evaluate that aspect, but I am sure you are right. I have always liked the exterior of the V, but the interior is a joke.
Even though the V isnt what its german counterparts are, they are still nice. I dont think the improved road feel is enough to make them great though. The Audi and Merc dont have the steering and feel of BMW, but still sell better, and drive much better than the V. I think it will take all of the things stated by you and me to make the V a serious M/S/AMG contender. The new V needs to be stellar, since all 3 German manufacturers are coming out with a new series. The E92 M3, Mercedes C63 and B8 Audi S4/S5 and RS5 and the current RS4.