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BMW Overview:
Known for its high-performance lineup of vehicles, BMW looks forward to 2012 with a few exciting developments including a redesign of its 6-series of sporty coupes/convertibles and the return of the M5 high-performance sedan.
The 1-Series of sporty coupes/convertibles are the smallest cars in BMW’s lineup and include the 128 and 135. The 128 is the entry level BMW and comes with a 230-hp I-6, while the 135 gets a more powerful 300-hp engine under the hood. For 2012, both cars get updated headlights and fog lights, as well as a few aerodynamic improvements.
BMW sells more 3-series than any of its other cars and with the sheer variety of styles that you can choose from, it’s easy to see why. Both the 328 and 335 are available as a coupe, sedan, or convertible, and the 328 even adds a sport wagon to the mix. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while an xDrive all-wheel drive system is available on certain models.
The 5-series of sedans was redesigned last year and got brand new styling and powertrains, as well as improved efficiency. In all there are three sedan versions of the 5-series: the 528, 535, and 550, each of which gets different engines. The 528 gets a new power plant for 2012, a 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder and now gets the xDrive system as an option. Both the 535 and 550 are also available in “hatchback” form as the 535 Gran Turismo and 550 Gran Turismo respectively.
As previously mentioned, the sporty 6-series coupes and convertibles got a full makeover for 2012. The new 6-series sits lower and wider than its predecessor, giving it an even more low-slung and aggressive stance. The 640 gets a new 315-hp, turbocharged inline-six while the 650 harbors a 400-hp, turbocharged V-8. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system comes standard, as is a backup camera. An around-view set of cameras is also available for even safer maneuvering in tight spaces.
Topping out BMW’s lineup of passenger cars is the 7-series of flagship sedans. Representing the pinnacle of BMW luxury while still maintaining a performance edge, the 7-series offers four variants to choose from: the 740, 750, 760, and the green ActiveHybrid 750. The different variations again refer to the different available engines, a V-6 for the 740, a V-8 for the 750, and an enormous V-12 for the 760. Under its hood, the ActiveHybrid 750 has the same engine as a normal 750 but adds a lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that helps with acceleration and bumps up fuel economy by 2-3 mpg both in the city and on the highway.
BMW also makes a roadster in the form of the Z4 convertible and its standard folding hardtop.
Rounding out BMW’s offerings are a trio of crossovers, each with different sizes and aims, although all of them come with xDrive all-wheel drive standard. The diminutive X3 compact crossover is the smallest among them and was redesigned in 2011, getting a bit larger and also acquiring a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Moving up, the midsize X5 crossover was the first crossover offered by BMW and adds a handful of new standard for 2012 including a BMW Assist emergency communication system, USB connectivity, a power liftgate, and heated front seats. The X6 combines the styling and performance of a coupe in the body of a crossover and is one of the most uniquely styled cars on the road today and BMW actually refers to the X6 as a “sport activity coupe.” Two available engines output 300- and 400-hp respectively, while for those who want a greener alternative the ActiveHybrid X6 is also available.
Perhaps the most visible part of BMW is its M division, which produces cars that put a premium on performance based on the other cars in the BMW lineup.
Last year they debuted the 1 Series M, which was one of the most exciting driver’s cars of 2011. Also returning is the M3 coupe/convertible (no more sedan, sorry folks) and its 414-hp V-8.
The M5 high-performance sedan is back for 2012 and although its engine loses two-cylinders, it’s more powerful thanks to the addition of two turbos which ensure that this latest iteration of the M5 is the most powerful and best performing M5 ever – at least until the next one comes out.
There are even M-versions of two of BMW’s crossovers – the X5 M and the X6 M.
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