I think it looks great. It reminds me a lot of the Volvo XC70 dash with the aluminum outer edges and the slope of the center console:
I suspect many of the haters will appreciate it more once it is seen in other colors with various wood grain trims. That is, unless you think a tv screen makes the best car interior.
I personally like the move towards more physical buttons. The way they are lined up on this 8er almost makes it look like an airplane or race car cockpit. Considering this is a road car that was designed
after the M8 GTE race car that came before it, this is a pretty sweet touch IMO. I also just like the functionality, convenience, and safety of using buttons instead of digging through touch screen menus.