Several years ago, with $59 billion in annual sales, BMW passed Mercedes-Benz to gain the world's #1 spot in luxury car sales. No surprise there.
We've had the opportunity to drive quite a few of them over the years and we all agree: they're really in a class of their own. In our opinion, "the ultimate driving machine" isn't too much of an exageration.
Not that we're trashing Mercedes ... we love them too. But there's just something about the drive and feel of BMWs that makes them stand out. The handling and performance is more consistently closer to a "thrill" than the competition. And while that feeling certainly isn't for everyone, we just can't help but look forward to each spin ... particularly when throwing it into steptronic mode.
Obviously, we're not alone on this. The accolades are everywhere. Even take the base 3-Series, the 2006 for example. J.D. Power gives it 5 stars out of 5 for performance. So does Cars.com. And Edmunds.com says, "the 2006 BMW 3 Series is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category". They also give it their "Editor's Most Wanted Award", among others.
The bottom line on BMW is that their goal is to give drivers a special connection to the road, whether driving one of their sedans, coupes, SUVs or sport cars.
Just a few of our favorites:
BMW 3-Series: This is BMW's top seller in the United States and is the standard bearer in the compact luxury sport segment. It's most notable qualities are its combination of abundant power coupled with its fairly amazing driving dynamics. It's also available in a host of configurations.
BMW 5-Series: The 5 Series sets the standard for premium sport sedans (and in recent years, wagons as well) with its precise reflexes and superior road feel. It's also loaded with technology, including (since 2004) an iDrive corrals audio, communication, navigation and climate functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial.
BMW M3: Taking the already athletic 3 Series to another level is the M3. Available as either a coupe or convertible, the M3 has long been a favorite among sports car enthusiasts due to its precision handling and gusto performance. Just a lot of fun to drive.
BMW X5: Following BMW's trademark characteristics, the X5 was built for "on-road" performance and handling ... and that's what you'll get. They knew full well that X5 buyers wouldn't be those looking for off-road rough and tumbling and instead produced an SUV with a classic BMW personality.
BMW Z4: Whether roadster or coupe, the Z4's distinctive styling and thrilling incline 6-cylinder engine is coupled with the handling, steering and car-to-driver communication you'd expect from BMW. The result is clearly one of the top used sports car choices available.
On the downside, if there is one, is that you "get what you pay for". So, this exceptional vehicle quality does indeed come with a higher price tag. But perhaps we can help a bit with this.
How To Buy A Used BMW At The Best Price:
