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BMW's big "SAV", the X5 has just received a makeover, moving the vehicle up and out in size and capabilities – and utility. The X5 has grown in length and width, allowing BMW to now offer an optional third row of seats; yet to look at the X5 casually it doesn't appear that much different from the original model. My tester had the 3.0 liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 260-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, with BMW's Valvetronic and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. It's rated at 260 horses at 6600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2750. more... BMW 3 Series Coupe - a Turbocharged Turn-on It's been a while since anyone referred to a BMW as being drop-dead gorgeous, but one look at the 335i coupe shows the German automaker hasn't lost its ability to design a real looker. BMW has taken its share of abuse over the past few years for the overall "rumpiness" of its current generation 7 and 5 series sedans; even the otherwise lovely 3 series sedan's weakest link is its rear end, though it's the best of the bunch. But this new sedan is even better: it's low, long, sleek, and just plain beautiful from stem to stern and beam to beam. Even its bum! And, even more important, it's an exhilarating car to drive! more... BMW 5 Series Wagon – Hauling more than Your Stuff BMW doesn't appear prone to the "middle child blues." And that's good news for drivers! Middle children, according to popular myth, are often the most unhappy of a family's siblings. They struggle for recognition, overshadowed by the eldest child's maturity and experience, while competing for attention from parents forced to concentrate on the youngest child's often more pressing needs. Not so for BMW's middle child sedan, however. more... Lots
of "Whee" from BMW's 3 BMW's 3 series is living proof that the company's slogan "the ultimate driving machine" isn't just hype. Not only that but, except for its tail light design, the newest version of the 3 has managed to avoid the controversial dumpy rumpiness of recent BMW exteriors, as exemplified by the current 5 series sedan and the first iteration of the current 7. For what more could anyone ask? more... BMW 750Li BMW took its share of abuse from some reviewers when it unveiled its current generation 7 series a few years back. The car, which in its previous “in-car-nation” had been quite a handsome set of wheels, suddenly became dumpy and awkward-looking, with a face and a butt only its designer could love. And inside, its new iDrive system integrated far too many functions into an ultra high tech but ultimately frustrating interface. Since then BMW has worked to make the car more attractive and, at least as far as the exterior is concerned, has succeeded very well. And the iDrive system is apparently much better than it was originally – though if my experience during a week of driving the big Bimmer is indicative, it may be best if the company would go back to traditional buttons and knobs. more... MINI
COOPER S It may be called a Mini, but the driving pleasure is nothing short of Maxi. This flatulent little road rocket provided the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel in quite a while, is cute as a bug’s ear and can actually seat four people in a pinch – no pun intended. When BMW brought back the long dead Austin Mini a few years ago, they weren’t just joining the retro car fad; they were exhuming an innovative little car that started a revolution with its transversely-mounted engine and front wheel drive configuration. Its low weight, low center of gravity and delightful power to weight ratio made it a favorite at race tracks and rallies, as well as in the daily commute. The new Mini takes that revered base and builds it into a modern car that brings the joy of the old Mini back and is surprisingly practical if you aren’t hauling sheets of plywood. more....
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