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 German
automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke - recognized
throughout the automotive world by the initials
of BMW - charges into 2004 with an extensive collection
of sedans and coupes, station wagons and sport-utility
vehicles, plus several ragtops and a two-seat
roadster.
The
BMW fleet for 2004 culminates with elegant flagship
7 Series full-size sedans. Badged as the 745i
(standard wheelbase) and 745Li (stretched edition)
plus 12-cylinder 760Li, these big BMWs pack powerful
engines, high-tech electronics governing power
production and vehicle stability, and dazzling
interactive voice commands for operating navigation,
climate and communication equipment.
Midsize
5 Series sedans begin a new cycle of generational
change with designs that incorporate styling points
of 7 Series sedans and upgrade hardware with optional
electronically-controlled power steering. For
the American market, the 5 Series will consist
of three models based on engine size - 525i, 530i
and 545i.
Anchoring
BMW's line, the extensive 3 Series string of compact
cars includes coupes and sedans plus sport wagons
and convertibles. This year's crop shows a six-speed
sequential manual gearbox (SMG) transmission optional
for all rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models in conjunction
with a Sport Package. In addition, xenon high
intensity discharge (HID) headlamps can be combined
with BMW's new adaptive headlamp control (AHC)
system. It keys to the angle of the steering wheel
and directs lamps laterally to light the path
on a curvy road.
BMW's
two-seat sports car - Z4 - returns to the line
following a remake in 2003. The upgraded second-generation
design for Z4 features racy exterior styling cast
over an enlarged chassis with more power available
from two engine options and more sophisticated
vehicle controls on-board.
Powertrains
are realigned for BMW's X5 Series of sport-activity
wagons. The high-performance X5 4.6is fades away
but the X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i return with enhanced
styling inside and out plus a new all-wheel-drive
(AWD) system dubbed xDrive. Also, the X5 4.4i
earns a new 4.4-liter V8 engine rigged with Valvetronic
variable valve control.
Later
in the year more products should appear, such
as a new sport-utility vehicle titled the X3.
Sized for the compact class, the X3 is expected
to become a scaled-down version of the X5. It
will bring several powertrain options plus a unique
loading system for the rear bay that automatically
moves cargo, such as a pair of trail bikes, out
on the tailgate for easy access.
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