BMW's two-seat roadster, produced at a BMW plant in South Carolina, bears contorted sheetmetal shaped into an intricate series of twists and curves in crisscrossed lines that amount to separate character marks scored across the flanks. A bulging trunk deck is defined by an angular ridge ringing sides and rear, with unusual shapes for taillamps inset into the thick slab bumper.

Compared to the roly-poly roundness of Z3 first-generation issues, the angular styling for Z4 looks edgy and quick. It can be quick to act too, due to two different engine options that enthuse the roadster. Z4 2.5i gets the BMW 2.5-liter in-line-six tuned to 184 hp. Z4 3.0i packs a larger straight-six at 3.0 liters with dual overhead cams and BMW's infinitely variable valve timing system. Output reaches 225 hp.

A Getrag Type B+ five-speed manual transmission comes with the 2.5-liter plant, while the heavy-duty ZF Type H six-speed manual links to the 3.0-liter version. Both offer optionally a ZF automatic articulated through five forward gears with BMW's Steptronic mode. Further, BMW's six-speed SMG is available with either engine and it's rigged with one automatic and two manual shift programs. In manual mode, you can shift the SMG by tapping finger paddles on the steering wheel or the shifter lever.

Passive standard safety systems reach from frontal and side-impact air bags to BMW's knee protection system (KPS). The cockpit for two stocks bolstered bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and twin binnacles on the dash housing an analog speedometer and tachometer.

Z4's soft top contains a glass rear window and heat element. It folds back quickly by manual means, with the forward panel of the lid covering pleated parts and fitting flush against the body to eliminate the need for a tonneau. Power motivation to fold the top automatically is optional and works in 13 seconds flat. For 2004, rain-sensing windshield wipers become a standard feature.

The X5 is what happens when BMW's performance-geared designers turn their attention to a SUV. It looks remarkably like one of BMW's big sports sedans, only jacked up with a wagon's cargo compartment at the tail. Consider the X5 as a broad and long four-door wagon that stands in the mid-size class of SUVs.

An engine fits in front of the four-door cabin that holds two rows of seats for up to five riders plus a rear cargo bay accessed through a clever clamshell tailgate. What makes BMW's SUV different from convention concerns its unitized structure and the application of performance-oriented mechanical paraphernalia. All components fit aboard in such a manner that weight is distributed ideally, with half loading on the front wheels and the other half on the rear ones. This perfect balance makes X5 extremely controllable through predictable patterns.

And the use of lightweight aluminum for independent suspension links pares the unsprung mass of this vehicle, which ultimately makes it stick better on pavement and glide more uniformly over road bumps.

For 2004 issues, X5 units display updated exteriors with reshaped sheetmetal fitting the patterns of BMW's sedans. The prow projects larger grille ports plus halo-style headlamps mounted on front corners.

Internally, BMW's new 'intelligent' AWD system called xDrive has been added with locked front-to-rear traction distribution but counteractive intervention from a stability control system when the treads begin to slip. X5 divides into two different models for 2004 based on powertrain. The X5 4.4i stocks a new version of the 4.4-liter V8 with variable valve timing and output of 320 hp through the six-speed automatic shifter out of 7-Series sedans. X5 3.0i carries a 3.0-liter in-line-six worth 225 hp with Steptronic automatic or standard six-speed manual.

A Bluetooth wireless (hands-free) cellular phone system will be offered as an accessory on all X5 models.

Just as BMW's midsize 5 Series and compact-class 3 Series sedans compare in step-down size, so too does the size vary from midsize to compact with X5 and X3 sport-activity vehicles.

But X3 is the new model, arriving late in BMW's 2004 season and looking somewhat like a high-hiked 3 Series sports wagon after six months of pumping iron at the gym. Expect lively traction action due to the use of BMW's new xDrive AWD system. Adjustable and totally variable, the xDrive device can send engine power to whichever axle, front or rear, has the best traction bite. It works in conjunction with BMW's DSC stability controller to keep on tracking on pavement.

Off pavement, X3 adds another sophisticated device called Hill Descent Control (HDC) to keep wheels firmly planted on a steep slope. The first engine in X3 is predicted to come from 3 Series sedans with a 3.0-liter straight-six.

Read our Review: BMW 5 Series X3                         (CONTINUE...)