The current bmw 1-series hatchback is somewhat of an oddity in the world of compact cars, because it comes with a sporty rear-wheel-drive layout and available inline. The bmw f30/f31/f34/f35 series is the sixth generation of the bmw 3 series range of entry-level luxury cars. 2011 as the successor to the e90. Read motor trend鈥檚 bmw 3-series review to get the latest information on models, prices, specs, mpg, fuel economy and photos. The bmw 330e plug-in hybrid is new to the 3 series range for 2016. get 2016 330e test numbers here, with plenty of photos you won't find anywhere else.. 3-series prices, specs, photos, videos, and more.. Bmw's 3 series has long been the benchmark against which other compact luxury sedans are measured. The bmw x3 is a compact luxury crossover suv manufactured by german automaker bmw since 2003. based on the bmw 3 series platform, and now in its third generation, bmw. The next-generation bmw 1 series hatchback has been photographed testing in europe..
Earlier this year, BMW introduced its all-new G30 generation 5 Series. Initially, only 530i and 540i models were available 鈥?with four- and six-cylinder engines, respectively. For the 2018 model year, BMW wedged its 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood of the new 5 Series, added M Performance hardware and birthed the M550i xDrive. Though BMW has offered 550i models for years, this is the first M-Sport version 鈥?falling in line with the M240i, M340i and M760i versions of other BMWs. Until a new M5 goes on sale in 2018 (with a claimed 600 horsepower), the M550i is the quickest 5 Series ever built. The previous-generation 5 Series was, in this reviewer鈥檚 opinion, the least compelling BMW design in recent memory. Remove the badges and it was an amorphous, moderately upscale four-door 鈥?hardly the aesthetic goal for the original performance sedan. Thankfully, today's model is a tremendous improvement from all angles. Re-sculpting of the front and rear fascias, a stronger character line and new wheel designs provide a more distinctive, modern look.
Enhancing the redesigned body are 19-inch M Performance lightweight wheels, larger front air intakes, a gunmetal gray rear diffuser, trunk lip spoiler, black painted dual exhaust ports and M550i badging. While Audi often garners praise for its sharp light signatures, BMW鈥檚 dual-wave LED headlights and milky C-shaped LED taillights look fantastic day or night. Though the M550i makes a greater impact than lesser 5 Series models, its physique is more debonair than dramatic. To say the M550i鈥檚 exterior is the least impressive thing about it only speaks volumes about the vehicle鈥檚 engineering and cabin quality. In contrast to the flashier interiors found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, BMW has always chosen a more restrained interior design. While the intent has been to reduce distraction for the driver, BMW is finding many of its new customers appreciate a little embellishment. To accommodate, BMW has moved the needle slightly more towards a sense of occasion.
Shiny piano black trim now adorns the center stack, brushed metal and textured wood grain is integrated within the dashboard, there鈥檚 a larger center-mounted display, and BMW鈥檚 traditional analog instrument cluster is now a largely digital system. Add in the blue contrast stitching/piping against available cognac leather seats and the M550i鈥檚 cabin affords plenty of eye candy. Whether these changes align with your taste or not, inarguable improvements include a quieter cabin, more supple seats, additional passenger and cargo volume and a smoother ride. Not only is the new 5 Series more captivating 鈥?it鈥檚 smarter, too. BMW鈥檚 鈥済esture control鈥?(first seen on the 7 Series) allows passengers to adjust the radio, accept or reject phone calls and perform various other functions via hand signals. It might sound like a gimmick, but I found the system to work precisely as advertised. After only a few days with the car, I was using gestures absentmindedly.
Meanwhile, BMW's iDrive continues to be a class-leading infotainment system with intuitive controls via the steering wheel, voice commands, the 10.25-inch touchscreen display or a control knob. Customizable tiles on the crisp, responsive monitor help you access popular functions like navigation, weather and vehicle settings in a snap. Another tech boon is the digital display embedded within an analog instrument cluster, which shows driver assistance features and telemetry data. Last but not least is the improved head-up display, which can be tailored to show whichever information you find most relevant. BMW also deserves credit for its latest driver aids. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and monitoring functions adapt quickly and smoothly to changes in traffic, giving us our best look yet at an autonomous driving system. While they aren鈥檛 perfect, BMW鈥檚 assistance features add a genuinely useful (non-frustrating) safety layer. With two more cylinders than the 540i and 121 more horsepower, the M550i feels more like a true M car than it does a standard 5 Series. In fact, thanks to its sophisticated xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M550i is quicker to 60 mph than the current M5 鈥?despite making substantially less power.