Germany's BMW builds incomparable performance machines in an extensive line of sedans and coupes, station wagons and sport-utility vehicles, plus several convertibles. The fleet culminates with flagship 7 Series full-size sedans. New models for 2007 focus on the next generation of designs for compact-class 3 Series coupes, while the 5 Series sedans plus sleek 6 Series coupes and convertibles spin off ultra-performance M models equipped with massive powertrains.
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BMW
7 Series |
BMW's full-size 7 Series luxury/performance sedans offer two powerful engines. There's a V8 for 750i and stretched 750Li, or a V12 in the 760Li. The V8 employed by 750i and 750Li displaces 4.8 liters and delivers 360 hp. The 12-cylinder engine for 760Li is a 6.0-liter aluminum plant that makes 408 hp and features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. Both engines tie to a six-speed automatic with shift-by-wire technology. These line-topping 7 Series cars bring sophisticated electronics governing power production and vehicle stability, and dazzling interactive voice commands for operating navigation, climate and communication equipment.
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BMW
6 Series |
Mid-size 650i models -- a hardtop coupe or soft top convertible -- stock a 4.8-liter V8 which generates 360 hp with transmission choices including a ZF six-speed electronic automatic with Steptronic manual mode. High-tech hardware aboard includes Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) to reduce body roll and optional Active Steering Control (ASC) that can vary the steering ratio to match a driver's style and pavement conditions. A plush cockpit features articulated bucket seats and trimmings in leathers and hardwoods. There are luxurious appointments and power controls with memory settings, plus electronic tools like BMW's computerized iDrive controller.
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BMW 5 Series |
BMW's mid-size cars include rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. AWD sedans are labeled 525xi and 530xi and a five-door AWD sport wagon is the 530xi. RWD sedans include 525i, 530i and 550i. For 525i the in-line-six engine delivers 215 hp, but for 530i and 530xi output climbs to 255 hp. Deluxe 550i with BMW's 4.8-liter V8 makes 360 hp. All 5 Series cars incorporate an engine Start/Stop button and provide the spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to correct lateral skidding. BMW's Night Vision is also available. |
BMW 3 Series Sedans/Wagons |
The 3 Series string of compact cars from BMW also extends to four-door sedans and five-door sport wagons with RWD and AWD variations. For 2007, all versions gain powertrain upgrades matching the 3 Series coupes. Sedans include the 328i (RWD) and 328xi (AWD) plus 335i (RWD). Wagons are the 328xi (AWD) and new 328i (RWD). 328 models use a 3.0-liter six-in-line worth 230 hp, while 335i gets the twin-turbo issue for 300 hp. BMW's compacts also carry a load of sophisticated electronic vehicle controls such as DSC and the Head Protection System (HPS) air bags. [Read RTM's Full Review] |
BMW X Series |
This compact-class SUV goes by the alphanumeric tag of X3. Think of it as a raucous sports car with a wagon's boxy utility bay. For 2007 BMW upgrades the X3 with refreshed exterior styling including revised bumper and headlamps, a refined interior treatment with more luxurious appointments, and a new engine pumping more power. The name changes to reflect the engine upgrade -- to X3 3.0si. BMW's 3.0-liter six-in-line delivers 260 hp and links to a standard six-speed manual shifter or no-load six-speed Steptronic automatic. Options include a Sport Package with 19-inch wheels and sport suspension calibrations. |
BMW Z Series |
BMW's two-seat Z4 roadster spins off a new Z4 coupe, which comes together along with the drop-top at a BMW plant in South Carolina. The coupe, looking long and low and quick, features a curvy hardtop covering the cockpit and a spoiler integrated into the tail. For juice the new Z4 3.0si Coupe or Roadster draw from BMW's 3.0-liter in-line-six engine which delivers 255 hp with a six-speed Getrag manual stick or optional six-speed ZF Steptronic automatic. The roadster's Premium Package applies a power lid, automatic climate system, auto dimming for all mirrors and power controls for seats. |
BMW M Series |
The line of ultra-performance cars from BMW expands in 2007 with a new M5 sedan, plus M6 coupe and convertible, and Z4 M roadster and M coupe. All thrust for M5 stems from a 5.0-liter V10 that blows the doors off with 500 hp and massive torque fed through a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) which charts both automatic and manual shift programs. For M6 models, M5's V10 powertrain with SMG also works. With Z4 M roadster and M coupe, the plant is a 3.2-liter in-line-six which knocks down 343 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox. |