Aramation Auto

BMW has finally unveiled the latest 6th generation 5 series, and it looks like it is basically a mini-7 series (which is what most people expected anyway). Full press release after the jump:

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BMW is updating its Z4 with the new hard-top folding roof (instead of the cloth roof of the outgoing model) and an updated iDrive that first debuted on the 7-Series. More details will be unveiled next month with the car’s official unveiling.

Unlike my previous prediction, 2009 BMW 535xi (535i xDrive Sedan) did not receive a complete overhaul, instead receiving a minor spec boosts and even less noticeable exterior changes. How does it fare against other 2009 model-year competitors? Surprisingly well.

Looking at the fellow German competitors, Mercedes-Benz still hasn’t replaced its incredibly aging E-Class (due for replacement next year, hopefully), 2009 Audi A6 is still not out and it won’t be a redesign. Even the Japanese competition on this level is virtually still, with 2009 Lexus GS won’t change the fundamentals of the car (or the pretty ugly dash design)and Infiniti won’t be redesigning their M35 until probably 2010, which leaves us with Acura’s 2009 TL.

2009 Acura TL
For the first time, TL is available with Honda’s SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, making it a veritable contender against 2009 BMW 535xi. The new design is even reminiscent of the 5-Series sedan. 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD features a 3.7-liter engine making 305hp (5hp more than 535i’s 3-liter engine) that will at least bridge the performance gap that has always plagued Acura (and Honda) vehicles. Fun to drive or connecting with the road is an all-together different question as Acura hasn’t managed to engineer a vehicle on the same level as BMW on that front. At least on specs they are pretty comparable… Expect the new Acura TL SH-AWD in October 2008, with a price tag slightly smaller than 2009 BMW 535i xDrive.

When it comes to American luxury labels, Cadillac’s STS hasn’t been changed in awhile and doesn’t really offer much fight against BMW. Lincoln does have a new weapon in the form of MKS which promises to revitalize the brand and bring new customers.

2009 Lincoln MKS
Also featuring a 3.7-liter engine, MKS only makes 273hp – Lincoln does have a long way to catch up in building a high-spec engine – and Lincoln curiously doesn’t think 5-Series is a competitor (their website lists the Cadillac STS, Lexus GS350 and Infiniti G35). Lincolns are notoriously known for their slushy handling, and it’s debatable whether the completely new model MKS makes enough progress on that front. Spending over $40,000.00 (the base price for AWD model) on an unproven platform and model from a brand that’s on the verge of death is not really a message young up-and-comers want to send. At least it looks much, much better than Acura’s ill-fated attempt to make their cars look edgier and stylish.

Conclusion
If you’re perfectly fine with spending a bit more, and if you insist on a luxury label, then 2009 BMW 535i xDrive is the ultimate all-wheel drive sedan that’s practical and fun to drive at the same time. The fight may turn out different when other competitors release new models either in 2009 or 2010.

Now the 7 Series looks even more mainstream according to the latest leaked pictures of 2009 BMW 7 Series. Most prominent change is the taillight and the entire rear that finally gets rid of the “Bangle” butt. Both the exterior and interior are further refined, and the most-hated iDrive controller is getting updates as well with new hardware and software improvements.

Also new is the in-car internet system, and the rear entertainment system that has 2 screens behind the driver and passenger seats.

2009 BMW 7 Series gallery:

In the attempt to fill its line-up with a vehicle for every niche, BMW has unleashed the X6, unfortunately acronymed SAC (Sport Activity Coupe) that’s designed to offer you a sporty driving in a big bulky package. What were the designers and engineers smoking when they pitched this car to the execs?

It is not as if BMW’s line-up didn’t contain any useful SUVs: X3, while ugly, is a good size for those who want a practical SUV, and X5 offers more room and more utility for those willing to pay more. X6 sits somewhere in-between when it comes to size but you will pay premium for its design compared to the X5. It isn’t technically a coupe as it has 4 doors, but the limited 4-person seating and sloping roofline suggests a sporty coupe, which is what the designers intended buyers to notice.

Its utility is questionable, and the decision to label a 5,000 pounds car as "sporty coupe" seems rather odd, but the attraction of performance SUV is marketable. Infiniti’s FX and Porsche’s Cayenne have been pretty popular even though they were smaller and pricier than the competition thanks to their outstanding performance. X6’s 6-cylinder engine will propel you from 0 to 60 in about 6.5 seconds, and the bigger 4.4 liter V8 will shave 1.1 second from that. (As comparison, 2009 Infiniti FX50 will do 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, slightly slower than X6, albeit at close to $10,000 cheaper) As a BMW, its performance justifies the badge, but did it really have to be a 4-person seater?

In the end, this pointless vehicle will find some buyers who have always wanted an SUV but thought X3 and X5 were too practical for them. They will fit right in with this big thing with its big chopped off. Anybody who cares about the true performance will opt for a real coupe, others who value utility and practicality will opt for a different SUV, and those who want an environmentally-friendly car will stay away from this behemoth. X6 ends up compromising too much in order to be "new" (even though it isn’t) and will ultimately known as a gimmick.

BMW’s newest vehicle X6 is labeled as Sport Activity Coupe (or SAC) or Sport Activity Vehicle (or SAV) depending on which press release it is… 2009 BMW X6 finally has a price, and its base will be $53,275 for the xDrive35i model, and $63,775 for the xDrive50i. It will arrive to your local dealers this summer. Read the (lengthy) full press release after the jump, and discover why BMW thinks this vehicle is the best thing since the sliced bread:

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Consumer Reports, one of the few independent consumer organizations, just revealed that the new Cadillac CTS outscored BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C300 in the latest test of sport sedans. It also ranks above previously-tested Audi A4, Lexus IS250 and Acura TSX, falling just short of Infiniti G35 and Acura TL to place third. Lesson: buy Infiniti G35 and go for the gold, unless you’re happy with just bronze.

Full press release after the jump:

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Edmunds.com is well known for its comparison tests, and the latest pits 2007 BMW 335i, all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, all-new 2007 Infiniti G35S, 2008 Lexus IS350 and all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport.

Arguably the best of Japan, United States and Germany take on the perenial favourite BMW 3-series. Will it keep contenders at bay, or will it finally be knocked off the throne?

[Read the comparison test at Edmunds.com]

Both 2008 BMW 535xi and 2007 Infiniti G35x offer similar size with similar performance: BMW’s offering is slightly better and is more performant as well. How do these vehicles compare in price?

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To select similar configuration, G35x was equiped with Technology Package ($1,100), Premium Package ($2,300) and Navigation Package ($2,150), and 535xi was priced with Rear-door mounted side impact airbag ($385), Active Cruise Control ($2,400), Premium Package ($2,100), Cold Weather Package ($750), Comfort Access ($1,000), Navigation system ($1,900), Satellite radio ($595) and Logic7 Sound System ($1,200).

Fully loading G35x meant inclusion of Rear Spoiler ($550) and Sport Package ($1,100) whereas 535xi was upgraded with Sport Package ($1,300), Night Vision ($2,200), Heads-up Display ($1,200), Rear Seat Heating ($350), Split Folding Rear Seat ($475), Power Rear Sunshade ($575) and Lane Deviation Warning ($500).

It’s clear no one (or virtually no one) will purchase a fully loaded 535xi… but if you do, you’ll receive far greater upgrades of technology currently not available on the G35x such as Heads-up Display and Night Vision.

Ultimately, if money is no object, then the choice is clear: it is BMW 535xi. However if you put both brands on equal footing and compare these cars, then G35x is a far superior value. Then again, if money is no object, why get just a BMW 535xi instead of something more exotic and less mundane?

Surprisingly enough, 2007 Infiniti G35x and 2008 BMW 535xi are very similar in size even though they are technically competing in different classes. How does perofrmance measure up? Can BMW’s 3-liter engine match the latest tweaks of Nissan’s 3.5-liter?

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BMW certainly knows how to make a performing engine, as the 535xi offers better performance with a smaller engine size.