Best Cars and New Cars: May 2010

BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept

To do this the power electronics from the start evaluate data indicating a possible change in exterior conditions or the driver's wishes and prepare the components in the drivetrain as well as the car's electronic system for a possible change in requirements. A further unique feature of energy management in the BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept is the car's ability to adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. A high level of all-round networking allows the power electronics to provide intelligent energy management, thus optimising the operating strategy of the entire vehicle under all conditions.

The range and diversity of parameters taken into account by the system is indeed quite unique in the automobile, just as the number of functions controlled in this way. At the same time the power electronics also control the operation of the car's ancillary units and comfort functions, again in the interest of maximum efficiency. Taking additional factors into account, the interaction of the two drive units in the BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept is tailored to the driver's requirements and current driving conditions with maximum precision. As an example, the energy contained in the fuel and provided by the high-voltage battery may now be used even more specifically and efficiently to provide that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW. The BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept once again raises the range of functions provided by such power electronics to an even higher standard.

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

The BMW 5-Series Gran To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury, finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option. The rear seats may be adjusted individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the backrest angle. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured arrangement of the controls, BMW's new iDrive with its Control Display up to 10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give the driver maximum supremacy at all times. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury performance class.

The sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance the impression of supreme generosity. The sheer space and the inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment.

Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment.

BMW 7-Series High Security

The BMW 7-Series High Security are distinguished by particularly harmonious driving characteristics. Both the comfort and the active security features of both models correspond to the premium quality standards that are typical of the BMW 7-Series. The innovative and in part exclusive BMW driver assistance systems ensure that potentially dangerous traffic situations can be foreseen and avoided, thus allowing for confident motoring.

BMW 760Li

BMW 7-Series offers all the qualities required to enjoy a truly incomparable driving experience with a new twelve-cylinder power unit of a standard never seen before. Both the new BMW 760i and the new BMW 760Li come as standard with Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control operated at the touch of a button on the centre console, speed-related Servotronic steering assistance, and BMW's Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability system.

BMW 7 ActiveHybrid

The BMW 7 ActiveHybrid takes an innovative approach to ensure outstanding efficiency in this segment. At the same time this unique sport sedan offers dynamic driving characteristics at a level that one would expect from The Ultimate Driving Machine. BMW ActiveHybrid is an important element within the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy meant to offer technologies able to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions on every new model while enhancing driving performance.

BMW ActiveE Concept

he BMW ActiveE Concept embodies a whole new dimension of purely electrically powered mobility. The dynamic potential and high torque of the drive system, along with the rear-wheel drive which is a hallmark of the brand, guarantees the characteristic sheer driving pleasure which is typical of BMW - but without any CO2 emissions. An impressive range of functions and a high level of suitability for everyday use are additional features of this concept, which defines electro-mobility in true BMW style.

BMW Gran Coupe Concept

The body design of the BMW Gran Coupé Concept expresses sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

BMW M3

Original BMW Accessories specially developed for the BMW M3 are just two possible ways of individualising the sports car. With a suspension lowered by some 10 mm and light alloy wheels in the size 9 x 19 inches at the front and Y-spoke design at the rear, the Competition Package provides further optimised longitudinal and transverse dynamics. In addition, the control of the electronic damper adjustment function EDC including a Sport mode specially developed for the Competition Package has been precisely adjusted to the chassis modifications by means of map-based control and the driving stability control function DSC.

BMW X1

The BMW X1 features a special body structure designed from the outset for maximum occupant safety. Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive Brake Lights and daytime driving lights. Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant are all available as an option.

BMW X5 M

Featured for the first time on a BMW M Model, the six-speed automatic transmission enhances the high-performance character of the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M through its spontaneous gearshift, direct connection to the engine, and the high standard of shift comfort. The new M Sports Automatic is controlled by an electronic gear selector lever on the centre console and offers the driver not only the D Mode, but also an S and M Mode for an even more sporting gearshift.

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress to make the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.

BMW Z4 GT3

The production model of the BMW Z4 is already impressive: with its elongated bonnet, flared wheel arches, long wheel base and narrow projections, the car boasts an unmistakable appearance. The two-seater provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good basis for developing a close-to-production GT3 racing car.

BMW Z4 UK Version

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a 3.0-litre powerplant producing 258hp. The six-cylinder engine records a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Like the BMW Z4 sDrive23i, the Z4 sDrive30i posts impressive combined consumption and CO2 emission figures, recording 33.2mpg and 199g/km.

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