2011 BMW 5 Series Review
There it is. BMW chiefdesigner Adrian van Hooydonk is standing on stage near the 2011 BMW5-series, looking self-confident. He believes that this time around BMWwon't disappoint the aficionados. "I believe that we achieved theperfect business sedan, a tailored suit," says the Dutch designer, thelongtime number two to departed design head Chris Bangle. Indeed, youcan take comfort in the fact that the 2011 BMW 5-series looks like thelatest 7-series, but it is more tight, dynamic, and alert. The oversizedkidney grille is there, and so is the hard cut on the side, giving the5-series a wedge shape. The famous and much-copied Hofmeister kink ismore pronounced than ever. The new 5 does a nice job of masking itssize and massafter all, the wheelbase has grown by three inches andtotal length by 1.5 inches. Compared with its predecessor, the excessiveself-confidence is gone; the new car looks more sleek and, to be blunt,less nonsensical. Plus, to quote van Hooydonk once more: "The 5-seriesis designed to express autobahn speed even when standing still."

Options
The adjustable settings work well, and theyre just one example of themany electronic assistance systems available in the 5-series. Scan theoptions list, and you'll see just about everything an engineer coulddream up to relieve you of the chore of driving: adaptive cruise controlwith a stop-and-go function, a collision-warning system, adaptivelighting, lane-departure warning, parking assist, and a 360-degree viewsystem. We are impressed but would like to submit that puttingfunctional layers between driver and car wasnt something BMW tried to begood at in the past. The 2011 5-series is also about 100 pounds heavierthan its predecessor, which BMW justifies as a result of tighteningcrash requirements. The predecessor's aluminum front end is gone. "Oursuppliers came up with lighter, stronger, and less costly steel grades,"says project leader Josef Wst.

Summary
The BMW 5-Series offers high-performance driving capabilities in a sedanthat can carry five adults in comfort and luxury. The latest 5-Serieswill offer one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder gas engine options.Two diesel six-cylinder models will also be available in certainEurope, with the most fuel efficient version being the 47 mpg (U.S.)520d. The 258 horsepower 528i will be the entry-level model in the U.S.The range-topping 550i model comes packing a 407 hp version of BMW'sturbocharged V8. As expected, BMW's 306 hp turbocharged inline-six willbe available in the 535i model. A 530d model is also available --featuring a 245 hp diesel engine.

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2011 BMW X6 Review
The X6, one of BMW's recentforays into SUV territory, is a tallish fastback that the companycalls a sports activity coupe. With seating for four, it's basicallya midsize SUV with four doors, extroverted styling and a choice oftwo powerful engines. The X6 competes roughly with the PorscheCayenne and Mercedes M -Class. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive isstandard, and the X6 comes in two trim levels: the xDrive35i andxDrive50i. Both models seat four, and the xDrive50i's V-8 willpropel the SUV from zero to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Walkaround
A new eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on the 2011models and replaces a six -speed automatic. The xDrive35i has BMW'snew single-turbo 3.0 -liter inline six-cylinder (replacing atwin-turbo). Tapping technology normally found in hybrids, the 2011X6 gets regenerative braking that charges the battery only whenthe car is braking, coasting or decelerating. BMW says this improvesfuel economy up to 3 percent. If you took BMW's Z4, raised it upand lengthened the rear quarters to add two more doors, you wouldget something of the X6's profile. The scalloped headlights, twinkidney grilles and stacked tail are classic BMW.The four-seatinterior incorporates a shelved dashboard that houses thenavigation display without adding an extra hump in the center, asmany BMW dashboards do. Metallic rings grace the dual-zone climatecontrols, and BMW's iDrive system operates the navigation andentertainment systems.

Summary
Bothengines incorporate direct fuel injection and turbocharging. ThexDrive35i uses a new 3.0-liter inline- six-cylinder with oneturbocharger, while the xDrive50i uses a 4.4-liter V-8 with two.Power ratings are unchanged on the new six- cylinder, but BMW says itis more efficient. BMW says both engines promise minimal turbolag and a flat torque curve that begins under 2,000 rpm.

        

2011 BMW 7 Series Review
As BMW's flagship, the 7Series represents the pinnacle of the company's automotive know-how. It boasts a handsome, spacious interior and superior comfort, with supple leather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highly adjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The7 also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as night-vision camera and side-view cameras. Some may still find the microelectronics interface system a bit complicated, but with use over time,we think the improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavy dashboard.

OPTIONS
There are three models available. The 750i and the long-wheelbase 750Li share the same4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feetof torque. A six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard,while all-wheel drive is optional and denoted with the moniker xDrive.The third model, the 760Li, features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It is rear-drive only, and an eight-speed automatic is standard. Valvetronic technology by BMW allows engine breathing to be controlled entirely by the valves, determining how fa reach of the engines 16 intake valves is lifted, how much air/fuel mixture the engine breathes, and how much power it produces. This technology makes the traditional throttle method seem outmoded. Whats more, it ensures drivers the smoothest ride on the road today. The 7Series provides limo like interior room -- especially in Li form -- yetstill remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess. The "Dynamic Driving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring four different settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car.It's complicated and we'd bet good money most folks will leave it on"Normal," but it should reward an owner who likes to customize their carto their own driving tastes.

        

2011 BMW X5 REVIEW
As is typical for a BMW, the X5smid-cycle styling update is so subtle as to require a side-by-sidecomparison for most people to tell the difference. So you dont have toopen any more browser windows, here are the 2011 changes in a nutshell:The hood and grille are carry-over, but the plastic front fenders nowmeet a full-width and painted front bumper skin containing largerapertures and a scuff-plate-look metallic lower trim piece. Newheadlamps feature LED rings (a.k.a. angel eyes) and the fog lamps areset higher and more inboard. In back, the bumper cap has been reshapedto match the look of the one up front, complete with the faux scuffplate. Chrome-trimmed taillamps also now adopt the bitchin LED lightbanks now found on the rumps of most BMW models. Toss in new exhausttips, and the transformation is basically complete.

OPTIONS
For 2011, the X5 xDrive35i will be available inwhats this?three trimlevels (yes, trim levels on a BMW!). The lineup starts with theessential X5 xDrive35i, which will be available for $1800 less than lastyears base model, at $46,675. The X5 xDrive35i Premium brings 19-inchwheels, USB and iPod integration, privacy glass, leather seats, and a$52,475 price tag, as well as access to several options such as theConvenience package, Active Ventilated Seat package, Cold Weatherpackage, Technology package, and third-row jump seats. At the top of thexDrive35i range sits the $54,975 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity, whichfeatures 20-inch wheels, sport seats, and darkened trim on the headlinerand around the windows. The M Sport package becomes available on thistrim, adding performance tires, BMWs Adaptive Drive system, slightaero-inspired styling tweaks, and sundry M-branded interior bits.

SUMMARY
BMWs refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in theluxury crossover/SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrainimprovements that continue to keep the Sport Activity Vehicle, orwhatever they want to call it, relevant in an extremely competitivesegment. If your bottom line is healthy, our bottom line says itsdefinitely a ute worthy of your consideration.

        

2011 BMW X5 M REVIEW
As is typical for a BMW, theX5s mid-cycle styling update is so subtle as to require a side-by-sidecomparison for most people to tell the difference. So you dont have toopen any more browser windows, here are the 2011 changes in a nutshell:The hood and grille are carry-over, but the plastic front fenders nowmeet a full-width and painted front bumper skin containing largerapertures and a scuff-plate-look metallic lower trim piece. Newheadlamps feature LED rings (a.k.a. angel eyes) and the fog lamps areset higher and more inboard. In back, the bumper cap has been reshapedto match the look of the one up front, complete with the faux scuffplate. Chrome-trimmed taillamps also now adopt the bitchin LED lightbanks now found on the rumps of most BMW models. Toss in new exhausttips, and the transformation is basically complete.

OPTIONS
For 2011, the X5 xDrive35i will be available inwhats this?three trimlevels (yes, trim levels on a BMW!). The lineup starts with theessential X5 xDrive35i, which will be available for $1800 less than lastyears base model, at $46,675. The X5 xDrive35i Premium brings 19-inchwheels, USB and iPod integration, privacy glass, leather seats, and a$52,475 price tag, as well as access to several options such as theConvenience package, Active Ventilated Seat package, Cold Weatherpackage, Technology package, and third-row jump seats. At the top of thexDrive35i range sits the $54,975 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity, whichfeatures 20-inch wheels, sport seats, and darkened trim on the headlinerand around the windows. The M Sport package becomes available on thistrim, adding performance tires, BMWs Adaptive Drive system, slightaero-inspired styling tweaks, and sundry M-branded interior bits.

SUMMARY
BMWs refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in theluxury crossover/SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrainimprovements that continue to keep the Sport Activity Vehicle, orwhatever they want to call it, relevant in an extremely competitivesegment. If your bottom line is healthy, our bottom line says itsdefinitely a ute worthy of your consideration.

        

2011 BMW X5 M REVIEW
As is typical for a BMW, theX5s mid-cycle styling update is so subtle as to require a side-by-sidecomparison for most people to tell the difference. So you dont have toopen any more browser windows, here are the 2011 changes in a nutshell:The hood and grille are carry-over, but the plastic front fenders nowmeet a full-width and painted front bumper skin containing largerapertures and a scuff-plate-look metallic lower trim piece. Newheadlamps feature LED rings (a.k.a. angel eyes) and the fog lamps areset higher and more inboard. In back, the bumper cap has been reshapedto match the look of the one up front, complete with the faux scuffplate. Chrome-trimmed taillamps also now adopt the bitchin LED lightbanks now found on the rumps of most BMW models. Toss in new exhausttips, and the transformation is basically complete.

OPTIONS
For 2011, the X5 xDrive35i will be available inwhats this?three trimlevels (yes, trim levels on a BMW!). The lineup starts with theessential X5 xDrive35i, which will be available for $1800 less than lastyears base model, at $46,675. The X5 xDrive35i Premium brings 19-inchwheels, USB and iPod integration, privacy glass, leather seats, and a$52,475 price tag, as well as access to several options such as theConvenience package, Active Ventilated Seat package, Cold Weatherpackage, Technology package, and third-row jump seats. At the top of thexDrive35i range sits the $54,975 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity, whichfeatures 20-inch wheels, sport seats, and darkened trim on the headlinerand around the windows. The M Sport package becomes available on thistrim, adding performance tires, BMWs Adaptive Drive system, slightaero-inspired styling tweaks, and sundry M-branded interior bits.

SUMMARY
BMWs refreshed X5 continues in its quest for total perfection in theluxury crossover/SUV realm by incorporating engine and drivetrainimprovements that continue to keep the Sport Activity Vehicle, orwhatever they want to call it, relevant in an extremely competitivesegment. If your bottom line is healthy, our bottom line says itsdefinitely a ute worthy of your consideration.

        

2011 BMW 7 Series Review
As BMW's flagship, the 7Series represents the pinnacle of the company's automotive know-how. Itboasts a handsome, spacious interior and superior comfort, with suppleleather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highlyadjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The7 also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as anight-vision camera and sideview cameras. Some may still find the iDriveelectronics interface system a bit complicated, but with use over time,we think the improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavydashboard.

OPTIONS
There are three modelsavailable. The 750i and the long-wheelbase 750Li share the same4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feetof torque. A six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard,while all-wheel drive is optional and denoted with the moniker xDrive.The third model, the 760Li, features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It is rear-drive only, and an eight-speedautomatic is standard. Valvetronic technology by BMW allows enginebreathing to be controlled entirely by the valves, determining how fareach of the engines 16 intake valves is lifted, how much air/fuelmixture the engine breathes, and how much power it produces. Thistechnology makes the traditional throttle method seem outmoded. Whatsmore, it ensures drivers the smoothest ride on the road today. The 7Series provides limolike interior room -- especially in Li form -- yetstill remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess. The "DynamicDriving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring fourdifferent settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car.It's complicated and we'd bet good money most folks will leave it on"Normal," but it should reward an owner who likes to customize their carto their own driving tastes.

        

2011 BMW Z4 REVIEW
For Z4 fans, 2011 promises to bea banner model year. Although BMW put the kibosh on the M model of theZ4 that many expected for 2011, the automaker will more than make up forit with a revised engine, the introduction of the high-performancesDrive35is trim, and an optional M Sports Package. Buyers can expect the2011 BMW Z4 lineup to debut in the spring of 2010. Read on for ourinitial car review of the 2011 Z4.

OPTIONS
The 2011 sDrive35is will also come with the M Sports Package asstandard equipment, which includes M Aerodynamics and the adaptive MSuspension. Additional exterior highlights of the M Sports Package,optional on all other trims, include matte-aluminum outer air intakes, atwo-piece diffuser, and a revised rear bumper with accentuatedsurrounds on the exhaust pipes. The 35is trim and all other Z4sequipped with the M Sports Package will feature aluminum carbon trim,floor mats with colored piping, a thick-rimmed leather M steering wheelwith gearshift paddles, sport seats, and an M footrest for the driver.The instrument dials will sport gray faces, and the package includes Mdoor-sill strips as well. Speaking of the DCT, BMW claims both thetransmission and the automaker's electric power steering system haveboth been optimized to further enhance the sporting character of thecar. In addition, the exhaust system of the Z4 sDrive35is has beenfitted with new mufflers and baffles designed to give it a deeper rumbleespecially under hard acceleration. The M treatment continues on theinside, with numerous enhancements including the awesome, thick-rimmed Msteering wheel, sport seats and other model specific touches includingBMW's new Aluminum Carbon interior trim. The sDrive35is also marks thedebut of a new leather color called Kansas Walnut, and the car will beavailable in six colors including Melbourne Red metallic, a new hue forthe Z4.

SUMMARY
While we'd prefer they'dcall it Z4 M (it's a lot easier to pronounce, for one), we're not goingto argue with the upgrades to the automaker's twin-turbo 3.0-liter I-6.Mainly through changes to the turbocharger system, the engine nowoutputs 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque - a healthy increase overthe 300-hp, 300 lb-ft output in the Z4 sDrive35i. In addition, there'salso a controlled overboost function that briefly increases torque byanother 37 lb-ft.

        

        

BMW 3 SERIES REVIEW
Here we stand at the middle of the life cycle of the current-generation BMW 3 Series theE90/E91/E92/E93, as BMW geeks know this car in its various guises.Something is needed to fan the embers of excitement to ensure that they burn bright for three or so more years, so BMW has undertaken an improvement program, even though not much has really needed to be improved. The sedan and wagon models underwent mid-cycle refreshes for2009, getting off easy with just a tasteful cosmetic nip/tuck and nearly no other changes. Now BMW has released images and info on the face-lifted 2011 3-series coupe and convertible, which involve not just new looks, but also the 335i swapping its awesome twin-turbo motor forgone with just one turbo.

OPTIONS
As with the 328i, the 2011 335i will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. (Sadly, BMW wont offer the3er with an N55/eight-speed automatic combo, as is planned for the upcoming 535i GT.) But BMW will continue to make xDrive all-wheel drive available on all 3-series coupes. No matter the transmission or to how many wheels the power is delivered, every 335i promises to be plenty quick: BMW estimates that the manual-equipped rear-wheel-drive 335icoupe can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, with the drop to requiring 5.5 seconds. Add another 0.2 second to each time for the automatics. Even quicker is the xDrive-equipped 335i coupe, which overcomes all-wheel drives inherent weight penalty and hustles to 60 in acclaimed 5.2 seconds in manual form and 5.3 with the auto. Those stats seem conservative to us, as we've repeatedly seen high fours from 335icoupes in the past. We expect to squeeze similar numbers from the 2011model.

SUMMARY
Expect the freshened 2011BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible to land in the U.S. and Canada just as the 335is disembarks, which should be late April. Pricing is just under$1,000 more per car over the outgoing edition, the surcharge for the convertible remaining around $8,500 above the equivalently equipped coupe. The 3 Series represents 37 percent of BMW sales worldwide annually and competition gets heated with the Audi A5/S5, Infiniti G37and Mercedes C-Class range, among others. Some adjustment and nuance to the lineup like this can never hurt.

Acura |Audi |BMW | Buick | Cadillac | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Dodge | Ford |GMC | Honda  | Hummer  | Hyundai 
Infiniti  | Jaguar  | Jeep |Kia Land Rover |  Lexus | Lincoln | Mazda |Mercedes-Benz| Mercury | Mini 
Nissan | Pontiac | Porsche | Saab | Saturn | Scion  | Smart  | Subaru  Suzuki | Toyota | Volvo 
Volkswagen  | AstonMartin| Bentley | Rolls Royce | Lamborghini | Maybach