BMW of Germany builds incomparable performance machines in an extensive line of sedans and coupes, station wagons and sport-utility vehicles, plus several drop-tops. The 2006 fleet culminates with a stunning re-do of flagship 7-Series full-size sedans. Also new is the next generation of designs for compact-class 3-Series sedans and sport wagons. Sleek 6-Series coupes and convertibles are rebadged as 650i models to reflect a larger V8 engine aboard.

A face-lift marks BMW's full-size 7-Series luxury/performance sedans and with it comes two powerful engines. Models include the V8-powered 750i and stretched 750Li, plus V12 versions of 760i and 760Li. These line-topping cars bring sophisticated electronics governing power production and vehicle stability, and dazzling interactive voice commands for operating navigation, climate and communication equipment.

Updated 7-Series models project a new kidney grille with revised fascias fore and aft plus xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Also evident on the body are refined lines and more chrome highlights. The V8 engine employed by 750i and 750Li expands in displacement from 4.4 to 4.8 liters to deliver 360 hp. The 12-cylinder engine for 760i and 760Li carries forward with a 6.0-liter aluminum plant that develops 408 hp and features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. Both engines mate with a six-speed automatic with shift-by-wire technology.

Mid-size 645Ci models -- a hardtop coupe or soft top convertible -- switch to a new name as the 650i due to a new powertrain with engine Start/Stop button. The 4.8-liter V8 generates 360 hp with transmission choices including a ZF six-speed electronic automatic with Steptronic manual mode. High-tech hardware includes Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) to reduce body roll and optional Active Steering Control (ASC) that can vary the steering ratio to match a driver's style and pavement conditions.

A plush cockpit features articulated bucket seats and trimmings in leathers and hardwoods. There are luxurious appointments and power controls with memory settings, plus electronic tools like BMW's computerized iDrive controller. The coupe carries a vast panorama glass moonroof but the convertible gets a one-button automatic mechanism to fold the lid into a slot behind the cabin and seal it with a rigid metal tonneau cover.

BMW's mid-size cars grow for 2006 with three new all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. There are two sedans labeled 525xi and 530xi and a five-door sport wagon as the 530xi. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedans include the 525i, 530i and top-trim 550i. Six-pack power increases with in-line-six engines gaining Valvetronic variable valve lift. For 525i and 530xi, the plant delivers 215 hp, but for 530i and 530xi output climbs to 255 hp. Deluxe 550i sedan with the new V8 off the 7-Series runs to 360 hp.

All 5-Series cars for 2006 incorporate the engine Start/Stop button also found on 7-Series sedans. All also provide the spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that can correct potentially dangerous car movements when wheels slip laterally. This year, BMW upgrades the DSC equipment by adding Brake Fading Compensation, Brake Standby, Brake Drying, plus Start-off Assistant. (CONTINUE...)