In the hierarchy of its crossovers, the 2012 BMW X6 BMW calls a Sports Activity Coupe. With a sloping roofline, standard seating for four, and a luxurious interior is designed around the driver, it’s not hard to see why.

This vehicle was never designed to be your football shuttle offers standard 19-inch wheels, traction tires and catered to in a performance focus. Only this year, BMW finally saw fit to fifth option to sit in the passenger crossover can offer.

With a capacity choices come through a 300 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine or an available 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 capable of 400 horsepower, the 2012 BMW X6 hustles with a lively acceleration in either configuration. If 400 horsepower is just not enough, however, will sell you a BMW X6 M with 555 hp and a recalibrated suspension, making it all but the most powerful sports cars in embarrassment. The BMW X6 defies conventionality. Whether your goal is to understand, it works somehow, wearing as much as a performance that defines BMW. 

Body: Crossover SUV
Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8
Transmissions: eight-speed automatic, six-speed automatic
Models: 35i, 50i, M

The X6 ActiveHybrid, unloved model leaves the stage left this year, not join the rest of the 2012 BMW X6 series on the U.S. market. In addition, the 2012 BMW X6 finally offer the possibility of a middle-passenger seat in the back row – the first time since the launch vehicle as a late-2008 model. An iPod adapter, BMW Assist, auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats and lighting are all included as standard equipment among other options. Heated rear seats are added to the cold weather package. Otherwise, the BMW Individual customization program are added to the options included the X6.

If the vehicle crossover coupe segment began, the 2012 BMW X6 is still the most uniquely identifiable. With a pitched roof back, wide tires on large wheels, and a crouched position, the BMW X6 looks like an X5 for the most part until you reach the back half of the vehicle. Like it or not, the polarizing styling is an attention-grabber. With two rear doors is more a matter of convenience than a necessity, because the more practical X5 BMW lineup is in almost the same price with little compromise in the roofline.

As the only crossover SUV in the lineup BMWs with paddle shifts behind the wheel outside of the ultra-fast X5 M, it is clear that the intent of the 2012 BMW X6 was the line between car and crossover offerings blur in BMW‘s portfolio . Accented in aluminum and covered with leather, the BMW X6 offers a wonderful atmosphere for the driver and passengers. Options in the X6 include a Headup display and a tech package with a high-beam adjustment and side-view cameras. A (much needed) rearview camera, navigation system, four-zone climate control, rear sunshades and other features available in premium BMW package.

Handling more like a big 3-series than you would ever expect a 5000-pound SUV to the 2012 BMW X6 is a pleasure to drive if you do not have to look through the small rear window. Acceleration is brisk with the inline six. With the V-8 model 50i, it is downright fast. And the BMW X6 M 555 horsepower, it is enough to terrify your passengers in the best possible way, hitting 60 mph in about 4 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 155 mph. It is much faster than any sane person would be a high-riding crossover, but BMW did his homework by getting the suspension setup right so the car would feel stable at speed.

Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, traction control, stability control and all-wheel drive are all standard on the 2012 BMW X6. 

35i: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
50i: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M: 12 mpg highway city/17mpg

xDrive35i Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $59,300
M Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $90,000
xDrive50i Sport Utility
Sticker Price: $69,900

Source: AutoKedabra

It is an exercise, Concept cars, but the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision Concept is a study in the future of mobile networks, so it is unlike the average concept. In recent years concept cars were all structural design, exotic materials, crazy looks and unprecedented power numbers. More recently, concept cars are a lower CO2 emissions and economy.

Future cars, according to BMW ideology, will post them, and expanding on our current obsession with communication. Look no further than the HUD ConnectedDrive. Heads Up Display or HUD, has been a while, but BMW's system extends the idea to show "point of interest" icons along with the path information. Sounds like a virtual iPad, it is placed in the field of vision. Sounds interesting, but the first thing that comes to mind, and I'm sure you think alike, is, what about security? While BMW does not explain how they mention that the system is completely set by the pilot, uh, driver.

Speaking of safety, and comfort are the other two areas of study with this concept. According to BMW, a light bathes the screen vehicle information on the status of each category.While BMW noted the design of idealism behind this exercise, current information about how it works or what powers it was not so much speculation.

If you only look at the ConnectedDrive concept could be forgiven for missing Mr Chris Bangles work. Unfortunately, the cool, Knight Rider-style incandescent bulbs that travel around the panel gaps are not enough to save the car. Perhaps it is not so bad, well no, it is. The profile looks like a sperm whale, the chairs are impossible and fancy BMW asymmetry is best for their motor division.

BMW has a rich history and brilliant concept of the real cars, and of course their street cars are some of the most desirable in existence. They are enthusiastic about keeping their name "Ultimate Driving Machine" material, and brilliant as their current line-up, and up-coming cars are not an indication that hard. As a design exercise, the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision sounds interesting, but there does not seem to matter much, except for a strange shell. Concerning the powers of technology, which powers the car? This is about the ConnectedDrive, but as a realistic infotainment concept and technology are the goal, the Saab PhoeniX is more of a case. The ConnectedDrive is interesting, but it needs more content to make some sense. Nice wheels do.

2012 BMW M3 Overview
Long considered one of the best sports sedans on the market, the 2012 BMW M3 is the ultimate iteration of the 3 Series: A sample track with all the luxury amenities and technology BMW could put in its compact offerings. At the heart of the BMW M3 is a high-revving 4.0-liter V-8 engine that belts out a screaming 414 horsepower. That power is transmitted to the rear wheels via BMW's six-speed manual or a DCT seven-speed sequential automatic.

Styling is more aggressive than the standard coupe and convertible with wide fenders, a "power dome" hood, and vents that allow warm air from the engine compartment. The car also has computer programs to select and gas suspension settings to optimize for the road or the racetrack.

What the 2012 BMW M3 has always a treat, but not the all-out performance, but rather the balance and equilibrium that one of the best all-arounders out there. It is as practical as a daily driver because it is a track-day toy, though we imagine that it would be fun to be an open raceway.

2012 BMW M3 The Range
Body Styles: coupe, convertible
Engines: 4.0-liter V-8
Transmissions: six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Models: M3 (coupe, convertible)

2012 BMW M3 What's new
Loved by enthusiasts with families, but undervalued in the market, the M3 sedan production ended in October 2011 and will not be produced as a 2012 model. However, smart phone and MP3 player jack are standard on the 2012 BMW M3, along with floor mats and BMW Assist. The navigation system is now a stand-alone option, and options packages are consolidated. For the first time, it offers customizable BMW BMW Individual package with the 2012 BMW M3, enabling customers to selected limited edition paint, leather, and a piano black interior trim.

2012 BMW M3 Outside
Blistered fenders and a wide mouth front air dam, the 2012 BMW M3 looks as close to a race car like BMW could make. A carbon fiber roof on the coupe replaces the standard steel roof, so the weight shaving the top of the car and lower the center of gravity for improved handling-twisty. At the rear, a small diffuser around the M3 four exhaust pipes. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard with 19-inch rims available as optional equipment.

2012 BMW M3 Interior
Although most of the interior is standard-rate 3-series, BMW uses two thick reinforced bucket seats to hold passengers in place that are unique to the 2012 BMW M3. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel stitched in BMW Motorsports' signature red, blue, purple and replaces the standard wheel and Alcantara roof lines. A 9000-rpm tachometer, 200 mph speedometer, and the optional carbon-look finish complete the interior differentiation.

2012 BMW M3 Performance & Handling
The 2012 BMW M3's stupid-fast performance leaves much to be desired, posting a 0 to 60 mph time is nearly four seconds on the way to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed. The treatment capacity is no less impressive, posting numbers similar to dedicated sports cars despite its weight and true four-seater. For most of its performance from its small displacement V-8, the engine must remain high in the rev range, which are given on the daily commute.

2012 BMW M3 Key Safety
The 2012 BMW M3 has all the same safety features as the rest of the 3-Series range, including two-stage adaptive brake lights, which intensified during a complete stop ABS, driver and passenger front airbags, and front side impact and front and rear head curtain bags. Traction and stability control are standard.

2012 BMW M3 EPA Fuel Economy
M3: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M3 Convertible: 13 to 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway

2012 BMW M3 Prices
Base Coupe
Sticker Price: $59,900
Base Convertible
Sticker Price: $68,550

2012 BMW 7-Series Overview
Offered in more variations than a model outside of the 3-series, the 2012 BMW 7-Series BMW was the biggest raid in personalization for the discerning car buyer. Then again, as the brand's flagship luxury sedan, it should be. Throwing every bit of technology available for BMW's luxury builders in the large sedan, the 7-series is a vehicle that is designed to be customized, not picked up from the party. It's a car that as much as the people who buy varies.

With two available wheelbases, four engine options (except the ActiveHybrid 7), a number of customized features and available all-wheel drive, does the 2012 BMW 7 Series does not make it easy for buyers to one that is suitable for pick them. But half the fun has to choose between the most affordable basic inline-6 ​​powered BMW 740i which offers little in the way of the V-8 stablemates, the V-8 powered, ultra-fast BMW 750i, sporting and low production Alpina B7, or the over-the-top V-12 BMW 760Li with a Vibrant 535 hp.

BMWs have always focused on driving performance on a wafting driving experience, but the BMW 7-series somehow combines the two attributes in perfect harmony, sliding on roads with royal aplomb. The 2012 BMW 7-series is almost always feels like a smaller car than it is, that's a good thing because of its massive size. There are two exceptions to this. Parking in a tight parking can be difficult due to the size of the car, but BMW has radar-based parking sensors and front and rear cameras to facilitate the process. The other may be the by-special-request-only 7 Series High Security model that outfits the car with hundreds of pounds of ballistic-resistant armor, including 2.5-inch-thick glass windows and an optional air blower.

2012 BMW 7-Series The Range
Body: Sedan
Engines: 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8, 6.0-liter turbocharged V-12
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Models: 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, Alpina B7 Alpina B7 long wheelbase


2012 BMW 7-Series What's new
Now in its third year on the sale, the 2012 BMW 7-series pretty much perfected, at least in one sense BMW. An iPod / USB adapter, steering wheel and rear view camera are included with all models as standard equipment. Eight-cylinder models now feature standard 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and a premium stereo. Otherwise, some options are shuffled around, but the BMW 7-series remains unchanged.


2012 BMW 7-Series Outside
Unlike the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series, the 2012 BMW 7-Series' styling is more evolution than revolution. With a tall, upright grille and long bonnet, the car looks like a 5-series that has been pulled out in all respects. On the front wings are large chrome housings for LED turn signal assemblies. Stretched wheelbase models have a unique roofline, which makes the car look more consistent appearance than the outgoing car, which stretched back-door styling looked like an afterthought. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the six-cylinder models with 19s standard on V-8 and V-12 cars. Alpina 7-Series models have a unique 21-inch 20-spoke wheels, custom paint colors, and a body kit on their appearance from other 7-series.


2012 BMW 7-Series Interior
Expect a cavernous, comprehensive luxury experience with the 2012 BMW 7 Series does not matter which model you choose. Legroom in the short wheelbase model is adequate, but the long wheelbase cars, adding nearly 6 inches between the wheels, allowing rear seat legroom, plenty, even for those Andre the Giant-sized. Wood and leather cover almost every surface in the interior, and a large 10.2-inch iDrive infotainment system dominates the center console in the interior. Options include rear-seat fans, active cruise control, lane departure warning, and a long list of other features. The 760Li models even have a rear-seat refrigerator available. Standard features include a moonroof, navigation system with voice, and a 80-gigabyte hard drive that stored data for the GPS in addition to a few thousand customers to upload songs.


2012 BMW 7-Series Performance & Handling
Driving Dynamics Control is standard on all 2012 BMW 7-series model, allowing drivers to choose from four different comfort or sport modes. Or choose the basic BMW 740i, BMW 750Li powerful 500 hp Alpina models, or the ultra-quiet BMW 760Li, you can be sure no model is slow when it comes to getting up to speed and providing the experience a car that apparently shrinks around you with the speed. It is a characteristic of the BMW 7-series always has been able to deliver, showing drivers with ample performance despite the enormous size of the car.

2012 BMW 7-Series Key Safety
The 2012 BMW 7-Series comes standard with front and side seat-mounted airbags. Side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, driver and passenger knee airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, active head restraints, traction and stability control are all standard. A side-view camera system for seeing the way up before the long nose 7-series is available in addition to front and rear parking sensors, and a lane-departure warning system.

2012 BMW 7-Series EPA Fuel Economy
740i: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
740Li: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
750i: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
750Li: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway
750i xDrive: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
750Li xDrive: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
760Li: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Alpina B7: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (xDrive)
Alpina B7 long wheelbase: 14 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway (xDrive)

Although it was redesigned for the 2011 model year, the improvements will continue for the 2012 BMW 5-series. Downsizing the basis of an atmospheric engine inline six-cylinder in small, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, BMW was able to not only the basic car faster, but also to provide an EPA highway fuel economy of 32 mpg. A turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 standard-issue rounds of the 5-series' engine options before you to the exotic M5 range-topper.

If you're a fan of the drive BMW cars, the unfortunate news that the automaker no longer the 5-series wagon in the U.S. However, its role to complete offers, BMW created a high-roof hatchback version of the 2012 BMW 5 - series called the Gran Turismo. Practical and state, the bulky, somewhat controversial styling separates it from the more conventional 5-series range.

Each model has four-wheel drive and can be loaded with a seemingly endless list of options. Although no longer available in the base BMW 528i and the all-wheel-drive 528i models, a unique feature that the 2012 BMW 5-series much of its class apart is the availability of a six-speed gearbox in the 535i and 550i sedans. All other non-M 5-Series features BMW's new eight-speed automatic. In the spring of 2012, BMW plans to offer a 5 Series ActiveHybrid with the 535i's turbocharged engine and an electric motor 335 hp grids and deliver significantly better fuel economy.

2012 BMW 5-Series The Range
Body Styles: Sedan, four-door hatchback
Engines: 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 ​​with electric motor, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8
Transmissions: eight-speed automatic, six-speed manual
Models: 528i, 535i, ActiveHybrid 5, 550i, 535i Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 550i

2012 BMW 5-Series What's new
For the 2012 BMW 5-Series, BMW introduced its TwinPower turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine of the atmospheric 3.0-liter inline-six used to represent the name 528i replaced. While paying upwards of $ 46,000 for a mid-sized luxury sedan with a four-cylinder engine may seem a big leap to take the new engine delivers the same power as the outgoing engine has more power lower down the rev range quicker to accelerate and reach 32 mpg on the highway - a 5 mpg improvement over the old engine. An automatic start-stop function for the engine is now standard on all models 528i and 535i to save fuel at traffic lights, and all-wheel drive is now available for the 528i sedan.

In addition, the ActiveHybrid 5 start spring 2012 with a 55 horsepower electric motor coupled with turbocharged 3.0-liter BMW inline-6. Together, the net effect is improved fuel economy, acceleration and a host of innovative technical solutions for everyone who need environmentally friendly gadgets.

2012 BMW 5-Series Outside
The 2012 BMW 5-Series' styling is a more conservative direction than the 2004-2010 models to replace. That's not a bad thing, though. With a very traditional, upright look with the wheels pushed to the corners, the 5-Series has an elegant, unmistakable BMW look to it. It's a welcome sight after years of off-putting lines, "flame surface" (BMW speak for folding into the body), and one largely designed incohesive that defined BMW in the mid 2000s.

2012 BMW 5-Series Interior
Rebuilt around the driver, the 2012 BMW 5-series has a simple, elegant layout for ease of use. Although it is more intuitive with each iteration, can with BMW's iDrive control unit for the stereo, navigation system (if any), and climate control system still think its fair share of critics for its interface. It is standard on all 5 Series models. Otherwise, the interior is still on the stricter side of the midsize five-passenger sedan spectrum, but it is able to seat adult-sized man in any position without much hassle. In the redesign, BMW gave an inch more rear-passenger knee room.

2012 BMW 5-Series Performance & Handling
No engine in the 2012 BMW 5-series can be regarded as a slow, even when charged with moving more than two tons of car but the 535i and 550i are the real gems of the 5-Series lineup. Coupled with either a manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic, both cars seem relatively quick and agile for their size. There is no escaping the gravity of each car, despite the suspension electric BMWs AIDS, but that does not mean they do not handle their class. Though the feel of the electric power steering is a bit numb, still gives a responsive and rewarding experience for the driver on twisty roads.

2012 BMW 5-Series Key Safety
All 2012 BMW 5-Series come standard with dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and curtain airbags that stretch front to rear for head protection. The power tilt and telescoping steering column has a deformation section, improving the driver's ability to protect against structural intrusion into the cabin.

2012 BMW 5-Series EPA Fuel Economy
528i: 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway, all-wheel drive model was not tested
535i: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic), 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (manual), 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
5 ActiveHybrid: Not yet rated
550i: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (automatic), 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (manual), 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
535i GT: 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (all-wheel drive)
550i GT: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (rear wheel drive and four wheel drive)

 2012 BMW 6-Series Overview

The muscle car of BMW's lineup, the2012 BMW 6-series is nothing like anything else in the fleet of the German automaker's. Sized as a 5-series sedan but lower, longer and wider, all-new BMW 6-series is the third generation of personal luxury coupe with the name. Unlike the last model, which ran from 2003 to 2010, the new vehicle alerts the controversial styling and snubbed rear end of the final model for a smooth, flowing lines from front to back.

Powering the 2012 BMW 6-series, a new 315-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 ​​borrowed from the BMW 535i is the 640i. It comes with a start-stop-start system as standard equipment that automatically turn off the car at rest to conserve fuel. Moving the series, buyers of the 400-horsepower V-8 BMW 650i to get in either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual at no additional cost. The BMW 650i is also available with xDrive all-wheel drive with the automatic.

Both faster and more efficient than its predecessor, the 2012 BMW 6-Series is a leap forward with a blend of sportiness, luxury and style. While BMW had the V-10 engine found in the discontinued M6 sports coupe, BMW expects will follow after the 560-hp turbo V-8-powered M5 super sedan with a new M6 of similar output and performance.

2012 BMW 6-Series The Range
Body Styles: coupe, convertible
Engines: 3.0-liter inline-6 ​​turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 turbo
Transmissions: Six-speed, eight-speed automatic
Models: 640i (coupe, convertible), 650i (coupe, convertible), 650i xDrive (coupe, convertible)

2012 BMW 6-Series What's new
Although the 2012 BMW 6-series is still new, BMW has already begun to improve the vehicle. The biggest change is the cheaper 640i coupe and convertible with a 315-hp version of the venerable turbocharged inline-6 ​​BMW's. The 6-series adds an M-Sport package, available full-LED headlights, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. For the first time in the history of the 6-Series, xDrive all-wheel drive is available on the 650i models.

2012 BMW 6-Series Outside
With a new "shark nose" grille forward sloping and deep, flat-bodied, the 2012 BMW 6-series looks sleek with clean body and an elegant design. Joint design of BMW signals - double headlights, taillights divided into two parts, and the famous "Hoffmeister" kink in the rear pillar sheet metal - are present, but the design is stretched and not as upright as most BMWs. On convertible models, buttresses flank of the small, flat rear window. A great feature of what is in place is that the rear window can stay without the top, making it as a wind buffering without having to be installed in a place that cuts back the interior space.

2012 BMW 6-Series Interior
Optimized for operator comfort, the 2012 BMW 6-series controls are within easy reach and easy to browse. The only exception is BMW's iDrive entertainment and multitasking diagnostic system in the dashboard that runs through a 10.2-inch monitor. Although BMW has tweaked progressively more intuitive, users still have some difficulty quickly scroll between audio and climate controls, for example. Otherwise, the interior is a sumptuous blend of wood, leather and aluminum. It is filled with technology such as a head-up display and night cameras.

2012 BMW 6-Series Performance & Handling
The 2012 BMW 6-series is a great car, but it is also one of the major sporting BMW's vehicles. Expect to be treated as a smaller, more versatile vehicle than it is. With 315 horsepower in the base engine, it's a fast runner to 60 mph from rest in 5.5 seconds. 650i coupe with xDrive, the extra traction of having the power guided by both the front and rear wheels push the car to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the rear-wheel-drive model. BMW's acceleration estimates are often very conservative, though. New Integral Active Steering with rear wheel drive control should help to improve performance even more.

2012 BMW 6-Series Key Safety
The 2012 BMW 6-Series comes standard with stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes, and front-seat side airbags. Coupe models feature standard side airbags for head protection, and convertible bonds have pop-up roll hoops at the rear in the event of a rollover. Parking sensors front and rear sensors are available in addition to a rear view camera, side cameras, and active roll stabilization that keeps the car flat under hard turning.

2012 BMW 6-Series EPA Fuel Economy
640i: Not yet rated
650i: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway (automatic), 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway (manual)
650i xDrive: Not yet rated

2012 BMW 6-Series Prices 
650I Convertible
Sticker Price: $90,500

Still the car that best embodies BMW's premium sport sedan image, the 3 Series provides car buyers with one of the purest, most sporty driving on the road that few other car makers have become. Available in coupe, sedan, convertible, station wagon and configurations, the BMW 3-Series offers a convincing all-round package that melds sporty character a practical line-up of the luxury people-movers.

Available with naturally aspirated and turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines in addition to a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel six-cylinder engine, the 3-series lineup consists of fast, faster, and economical. At the top of the range is the world-beating 4.0-liter V-8 M3, elsewhere in our vehicle listings to find.

Most models, including 328i station wagon, can be taken a six-speed gearbox in addition to the automatic or dual clutch transmission depending on the engine configuration. All-wheel drive is also available on most models, allowing the BMW 3-Series is one of the most complete top-to-bottom line-ups of a car sold today.

Bodystyles: Coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible

Engines: 3.0-liter inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, 3.0-liter diesel inline-6

Transmissions: six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual

Models: 328i, 328ix (coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon), 335i (coupe, sedan, convertible), 335d (sedan)

Heading into what is its last model year before a full redesign, the BMW 3 Series receives little in the way of new features. For 2012, the once-optional automatic transmission is now a no-cost option on all models except for the 335d on which it already came standard. On the 335is coupe and convertible, the DCT transmission option has been lowered in price. Seventeen-inch wheels with all-season tires now come standard on all all-wheel-drive models. And on coupes and convertibles, the sports package has been replaced with the M Sport package as optional equipment.

The 3 Series has always been a little boxy and upright, conservative, and tasteful. In this generation, which debuted for the 2006 model year, the coupe and convertible took on a sleeker look that differentiated themselves from the sedan and wagon. With unfussy styling and classic good looks plus a light facelift in 2010, the 3 Series has managed to avoid looking dated many years into its model run.

The 3 Series' interior has always looked Spartan next to many of its rivals with its pumpkin-orange interior glow and modest appearance. Yet, with a variety of wood and aluminum trims on the dash and a choice of either leatherette or Dakota leather, the 3 Series has plenty of luxury on which to build a strong foundation. In addition, BMW offers many optional packages that can quickly bulk of the price of the 3 Series to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars if you're not careful.

Whether choosing the 230-horsepower naturally aspirated inline six, the 300-horsepower turbocharged variant, or the 265-horsepower turbocharged diesel, the 3 Series has plenty of power to offer brisk acceleration. And with BMW's 50-50 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 3 Series is able to tackle roads with ease when they start to bend. The BMW 3 Series has long been considered a benchmark for the entry-luxury class, and the current model is no exception to that.

The 3 Series' two-stage adaptive brake lights increase in intensity during a full ABS stop. Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with frontal side impact and front and rear head curtain bags. Traction and Stability Control are standard.

328i: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

328i convertible: 17-18 mpg city/33 mpg highway

328i sports wagon: 17-18 mpg city/26-27 mpg highway

328i sports wagon xDrive: 17 mpg city/25mpg highway

335i: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway

335i: convertible 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway

335d: 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway

Filling out the bottom of BMW's performance lineup, the 1-series as one of the biggest stars in the portfolio of the automaker, which like the car of the purest driver within the range of BMW exterior of the much more expensive M3. Smaller and more agile than the 3-series, the 1-Series also uses the same high-performance engines and transmissions as its big brother.

While the capacity for four passengers, the snub-nosed series' biggest difference between her and the 3-series can be found in the rear car is almost worthless. Certainly, real people are behind, but it's probably best reserved for your least favorite friends. Otherwise, passenger room is pleasant with a long, upright roof evocative of the first sports coupe BMWs, the 2002, which gives excellent headroom.

In the spirit of keeping things simple, the BMW 1 Series is equipped with two engines - naturally aspirated and turbo variants of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder - and kept the cars without too many frills, such as electronic found belt extenders in the 3-series. Rather than a luxury car that happen to deal with, such as the 3-series, we prefer to think of the 1-series as a sports coupe with a nice interior.

Bodystyles: Coupe, Convertible

Engines: 3.0-liter inline-6, 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, electric motor

Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual, continuously variable automatic

Models: 128i, 128i convertible, 135i, 135i convertible, ActiveE

The biggest news this year is that the limited edition super coupe 1 Series M has come and gone in just one model year. If you do not get your 2011 model, can be out of luck. Filling its niche role in the lineup for the lease-only ActiveE coupe, a fully electric version with a 100-mile range. As for the rest of the lineup, all 1-Series models now have USB connection for MP3 players and iPods as standard equipment. Power seats are standard on all models 135i and the automatic transmission is a no-cost option on 128i models. Additionally, each model receives revised wheel options, and BMW has changed some of the optional paint and leather colors.

With short overhangs, upright styling and an aggressive look, the 1-series looks like a throwback to the boxy BMWs of yore, while wearing the "flame surface" look of the modern automaker's lineup. It is long and narrow, but with wheels pushed to the corners and flared wheel arches, it looks hunkered down for what the road throws.

Although simpler in layout than the larger, more expensive 3-series, the 1-Series gives up little in the functions and features. Seating surfaces are standard leatherette or optional Boston leather. Coupes have 60/40 split folding rear seat, while convertibles have a pass-through, which made standard for 2012. All models are equipped with floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity as standard now - welcome additions to hundreds of dollars added to the bottom line in recent years.

BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was optional on the 135i the first time last year, replacing the traditional six-speed automatic. The result is a faster car with better fuel economy. Given that the 1-series is very much like a smaller 3-series, the treatment is superb with a go-kart-like reflexes.

Driver and front passenger airbags are standard along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags. OnStar Automatic Crash Response is also standard. Dynamic safety features are standard traction control and stability control.

128i manual: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i manual cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i automatic/DCT: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

128i automatic/DCT cabrio: 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway

135i manual: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway

135i DCT: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway

ActiveE: Not yet tested