BMW Z4 (sDrive30i, sDrive35i)

BMW launched a redesigned version of its Z4 Roadster at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new model represents the first complete redesign since the Z4 badge was introduced in 2002. The new Z4 is offered in sDrive30i and sDrive35i guise, mirroring the power trains used in the automaker's 3-Series range. In addition to a new 3.0-liter engine, the new Z4 boasts a number of mechanical improvements, including the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Featuring a folding two-piece aluminum roof, the car takes some inspiration from the BMW Z8's elongated profile. The new 7-Series' front face is also evident, as are 6-Series-inspired taillights.

Most attention has been paid to the Z4's exterior -- and with good reason. Many of the polarizing features of the previous Z4's design have been toned-down, amounting to a much more elegant look. BMW's radical design revolution hasn't always been aesthetically successful, at least in the eyes of the BMW faithful. But BMW styling now seems to be hitting its stride, recapturing some of its former pleasing proportions. It appears that the steady hand of BMW designer Adrian van Hooydonk is getting the beloved Bimmers back where they need to be.

The new interior is more visually pleasing, and includes a slew of comfort and usability improvements. Notably, the traditional hand brake is gone in favor of an electronic setup. BMW's latest automatic gearshift is present, and iDrive is available for the first time in a Z4. The system is built around an 8.8-inch LCD screen, featuring a 1280 x 480 pixel resolution, and an 80GB hard drive, with up to 15GB of music storage. A 650-watt 14-speaker sound system rounds out the list of high-tech features.

The new BMW Z4 is offered with the choice of two inline-6 engines displacing 3.0 liters. The engine in the sDrive30i develops maximum output of 255 horsepower from 3.0 liters capacity at an engine speed of 6,600 rpm. Maximum torque of 220 pound-feet comes at just 2,600 rpm. The car accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The more powerful twin-turbo sDrive35i has a maximum output of 300 horsepower, arriving at 5,800 rpm. The engine achieves peak torque of 300 pound-feet throughout a broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000 rpm. The sprint to 60 mph takes just 5.0 seconds.

BMW says the motor is the first inline-six to come with twin turbochargers, High Precision Injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. Weighing just 355 pounds, the motor owes its light weight to its composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase, cylinder head cover made of a special synthetic material and lightweight camshafts with aluminum VANOS control unit.

Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package).

While both models are available with a manual six-speed gearbox, the Z4 sDrive35i is also available with a dual-clutch automated transmission featuring seven gears. A six-speed sport automatic is available on the Z4 sDrive30i. Both the automatic and the dual-clutch transmissions feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Disappearing in just 20 seconds, the Z4's new roof promises better temperature and noise insulation than its canvas predecessor. It also boasts increased visibility and aesthetics.

Compared with the former model, the side windows are 40 percent larger, the see-through area in the rear window 52 percent larger, and all-round visibility increased 14 percent over the previous generation.

BMW X6 M

The X6 M is a high-performance variant of BMW's controversial head-turning crossover. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show in 2009, the X6 M uses a potent version of BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Output is pegged at 555 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and peak torque is 501 pound-feet, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to the automaker.

The hotrod SUV, which goes head-to-head with Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S is priced from $88,900, making the M $9,000 cheaper than the Turbo -- which is likely the intended competitor -- and $35,000 less than the Turbo S, which has a similar horsepower rating.

The X6 M and X5 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the "M" badge. Coupled with special "M" air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance 'ute promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an "M" six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.

Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.

BMW is referring to the new 4.4-liter motor as its "M TwinPower Turbo" unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.

Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle's handling to the limit. There's also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience.

BMW X6 (xDrive35i, xDrive50i)

Based very closely on the popular X6 Concept, BMW launched the X6 coupe-crossover for the 2009 model year, calling it a "Sport Activity Coupe." Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs in the coming years.

BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles. Land Rover, for example, recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept.

Compared with the concept, very little has changed. In fact, you'll have a hard time noticing any differences at all. The only obvious design tweak was made to the crossover's side windows. On the concept, the B- and C-pillars are not visible, but on the production car they clearly divide up the glass.

Even the X6's complex front fender design made it to production. Each front quarter panel surrounds the entire headlamp, creating a very seamless appearance. The X6's aggressive front fascia is also carried over from the concept, with its large air intakes and stylish fog lamps.

Daring design

As the photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 is longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it gains in performance.

Compared to the X5, the X6 has almost an inch of additional wheelbase length, and two inches of added width. The overall height of the X6 is a whopping 3.3 inches lower than that of the X5.

All-new twin-turbocharged V8

The range-topping X6 xDrive50i is propelled by an all-new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit producing 407 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 446 pound-feet of torque between 1750 rpm and 4500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 5.4 seconds and fuel economy is estimated at around 19 mpg (U.S. gallons).

The engine is designed as a replacement to the company's current 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It is expected to filter into other models like the 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series in the near future.

The engine seems to represent the second stage in a shift at BMW from high-displacement naturally-aspirated motors to slightly smaller turbocharged powerplants. BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that powers the 335i and 135i has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and it appears BMW is hoping for similar results with its new V8.

The X6's other engine is also a twin-turbo setup. The xDrive35i comes with the aforementioned 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i, producing 306 horsepower.

A diesel model is offered in Europe, but it is unlike to come to America in the near future.

BMW X5 M

Like the X6 M, BMW's X5 M features a high-output V8 under its hood. But unlike the X6, this Autobahn cruiser has a decidedly traditional SUV shape. Priced from $85,400, this performance 'ute significantly undercuts the X5 M's nearest rival, the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, which is

$5,000 more expensive.
Prior to its New York Auto Show debut in 2009, BMW put the M through extreme durability testing in the southwestern part of the United States, taking advantage of the hot temperatures, miles of desert roadways, and mountains with steep grades.

Slightly more conventional than its X6 M sibling, the M offers the same utility as the regular X5, with the addition of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 555 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and peak torque is 501 pound-feet, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. The crossover can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to the automaker.

The X6 M and X5 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the "M" badge. Coupled with special "M" air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance 'ute promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an "M" six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.

Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.

BMW is referring to the new 4.4-liter motor as its "M TwinPower Turbo" unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.

Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle's handling to the limit. There's also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience.

BMW X5-Series

Crossovers -- which handle like sedans but have the ground clearance and all-wheel drive of an SUV -- are now common, but BMW had one of the first entrants to the segment with the X5 in 2000. The second generation X5, introduced in 2007, added more cargo space without compromising handling, and is offered with an inline-6 or a V8 engine. With a cabin trimmed like a luxury sedan, it isn't intended to compete for off-road honors, but will look great at an upscale ski resort.

BMW offers the X5 in two models. The basic 3.0i is fitted with BMW's 3-liter inline-6, shared with the X3, which produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. The upscale 4.8i with lots of luxury upgrades is equipped with BMW's 4.8-liter V8, which produces 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque and is capable of towing a 6000-pound trailer. All X5s are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission. Independent tests indicate fuel efficiency of 17-18 mpg.

BMW restyled the X5 in 2007, keeping the sleek lines, but lengthening it by seven inches to add a little more rear legroom and more cargo room and offer an optional third-row seat. Height and width also were increased by two inches. Weight increased by 400 pounds, to 5000 pounds, but BMW has still managed to preserve the supple sports-sedan handling of this rig, which matches the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and beats the Volvo XC90.

Though the all-wheel drive is capable of handling on-road rain and snow, but with less-than-SUV clearance, the vehicle is more suited for dirt roads than rock climbing. BMW prefers to call it a 'sport activity vehicle' (SAV) than a sport-utility in any case, and with the additional cargo room (11 cubic feet larger than a Volvo XC90 though, surprisingly, less than the BMW X3) it can easily handle off-road bikes or camping equipment.

The interior is much more like a BMW 7-Series than a sport-utility, as well, All materials are top quality, and the perforated upholstery is soft and comfortable. Second row seating is spacious, but the third-row seats are best left to the children. Climate and audio can be controlled independently, as well as by that iDrive single-knob computer-screen system (standard on both models) which has been the object of much criticism, but does make the navigation system easy to operate.

In addition to the larger engine, the 4.8i is equipped with steering-linked headlamps and multi-adjustable front seats. An lengthy list of options is available on both models, including satellite navigation, rear seat entertainment system, back-up camera, full-roof sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat massage, front and rear climate zones, and many others. A Sport Package includes anti-roll stability control and run-flat tires.

Safety equipment includes two-stage dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact air bags, antilock brakes with electronic traction control, adaptive headlights, and cornering lights.

BMW X3-Series

BMW calls it a 'sport activity vehicle' or SAV rather than a sport-utility, a suitable description for a vehicle that can carve the curves on a dry backroad as easily as it can haul four skiers and their equipment to a snowed-in ski resort.

The 3-liter BMW inline 6-cylinder engine, introduced in 2007, is the only one available on the X3, and produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, capable of moving the vehicle to sixty mph in under 8 seconds. Fuel efficiency is rated at 17 city and 24 highway.

Reflecting the sporty side of the vehicle, the X3 is available with both the BMW six-speed manual transmission and the six-speed automatic with Steptronic gearing control. For safety, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard, which powers the rear wheels at all times, directing power to the front wheels as needed for traction and is modulated by dynamic traction control as part of the dynamic stability control system.

Exterior styling was reworked in 2007. Xenon adaptive headlamps with LED daytime running lights are standard, with optional cornering lights available. Standard body panels have protective wheelarch and rocker panels in contrasting color and finish. The Sport Package vehicles have a lowered bumper, body-colored wheel arches, and distinctive rocker panel trim.

On the interior, BMW's luxury heritage is apparent in quality of assembly and materials. Leatherette is standard but leather upholstery is available. The carpetted luggage and cargo area can carry up to 71 cubic feet, more than adequate for camping and sports equipment. Tire and engine noise is nicely muted on the interior, an unusual attribute in a cross-over.

Two different trim and equipment packages are available, a Sport Package, with sport suspension, bolstered sports seats, sport steering wheel, fully-adjustable front seats, wider 18-inch wheels and the sportier exterior trim, and a Sport Activity package with privacy glass, Shadowline exterior trim, running boards, and 18-inch styled-alloy wheels.

Other options include a cold-weather package, leather upholstery, comfort seats, 19-inch wheels and tires, rear-seat side impact airbags, navigation system, upgraded stereo, satellite and high-definition radio, iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth capability.

Safety systems include two-level dual front airbags, side-curtain air bags, GPS-equipped BMW Assist with access to a service bureau for assistance and automatic collision notification. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated the X3 'good' in its fs full series of crash tests

BMW M6 Coupe

The BMW M6 Coupe offers track-quality performance in the company's most attractive body style. Designed in 2006, it melds the upscale four-passenger luxury of the 6-Series coupe with BMW's race-developed 500 horsepower V10 engine, high-tech suspension, and the same extensive list of innovations as available on the 6-Series.

The only drawbacks identified by reviewers are inherent in that technology. In particular, the seven-speed sequential gearbox (SMG) with electronically-operated clutches, introduced in 2006, doesn't appeal to everyone. Starting in 2008, BMW's regular six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost alternative, which may better suit some enthusiasts. For ultimate performance, however, the SMG winds hands down, making it suited to track use.

The styling of the 6-Series is thought by many to be the best in the BMW line-up, with the smooth coupe lines making the rear-end styling look much more graceful than on the sedans. To set the M6 apart from the standard 6-Series, as well as to improve aerodynamics and road grip, the car is fitted with a distinctive front air dam that channels air flow to the engine and brakes, a rear air diffuser flanked by four tail pipes, sculpted rocker panels and side gills in the front fenders.

Though not obvious, the roof of the M6 is made of carbon fiber, keeping the car's weight to just under 4000 pounds. Though the high-revving engine is more than capable of moving that much weight in a spirited manner, gas mileage is rated at only 11 mpg city and 17 highway.

Track performance is improved with the intelligent electronic M differential and dynamic stability control with selective M Dynamic mode that allows a higher degree of wheel slip before engaging to permit some rear end drift in spirited driving. Electronic damping control also allows the driver to change shock absorber settings to suit driving conditions and intentions. Large brake rotors, nearly 15 inches in diameter are standard.

On the interior, front seat space is quite comfortable and the supportive sports seats are a good choice for spirited driving, but rear seats, though quite comfortable, are fairly limited for taller adults. Trunk space is about average for mid-sized coupes and sedans.

Most luxury features are standard on the M6, including park distance control, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio system, auto-dimming mirrors, xenon adaptive headlamps, and moonroof. The optional Sport Package upgrades the seats, wheels and tires for the more performance-oriented owner. Cutting-edge options include BMW's innovative heads-up windshield display with special M display, radar-managed cruise control, a night-vision screen, navigation, satellite and high-definition radio, and heated front seats.

An important aspect of all this technology is that everything, from audio to ventilation is controlled by the single-knob BMW iDrive system. Opinions differ widely on this system, even with recent improvements. Younger, more computer-savvy, reviewers find no problem mastering the system, while more traditional critics complain about the five or six separate actions required to do a simple task like change a radio channel.

As with all other BMWs in the current line-up, safety features are extensive, including multi-stage front airbags, front-seat mounted side-impact airbags, curtain-style head protection, ABS with brake assist and brake-force distribution, tire-pressure monitors, and the fully-equipped first-aid kit that has always been packed in BMW trunks. BMW's Assist telematics system with automatic collision notification and SOS button.