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BMW Reviews BMW 5 Series BMW 745i BMW M3 BMW X5
BMW
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BMW Reviews2002 BMW 5 Series Review
Quick and comfortable. 2002 BMW 5 Series Base Price (MSRP) $36,595 As Tested (MSRP) $43,670 Though now in its sixth year of production for the current generation, the BMW 5 Series sedans are the benchmarks other companies use for their luxury sports sedans. They are true sports sedans, offering superb handling and responsive engines. In addition to the sedans, the 5 Series offers sport wagons (525iT and 540iT) that are fantastic. They offer much better handling than any SUV and better performance than most sedans. Judged logically, they make a lot more sense than BMW's own X5. 2002 BMW 745i Review
BMW steps out of the box. 2002 BMW 745i Base Price (MSRP) $67,850 As Tested (MSRP) $74,245 BMW has launched a revolutionary line of 7 Series models. After driving the all new 2002 745i, we're here to tell you this is a fantastic luxury-performance sedan. Its powerful engine, amazingly responsive six-speed automatic transmission, magic-carpet ride quality, brilliant handling, and awesome brakes deliver the ultimate in driver control. No matter where you sit, its interior is beautiful and wonderfully comfortable. A longer 745Li model is available for even greater legroom in the back seats. The best-sounding stereo we have ever experienced is available for this car. The cabin is whisper quiet, a great place for quiet conversation, listening to music or solitude. A plethora of features ensure travel will never be dull. Known for brilliant high-performance sedans with conservative styling and straightforward interiors, BMW has stepped out of the box with this design. The new 7 Series models offer stunning styling and a fresh approach to ergonomics that have sparked controversy among the automotive media. The styling is well thought out, however, and we think it deserves to be given time and consideration before being dismissed. We are growing to appreciate it. This car stretches the bounds of driving technology to new horizons. But could it be ahead of its time? No question there's a learning curve to operating some of the more advanced secondary features. You'll need to read the owner's manual to fully master all of them, though that's not necessary to enjoy this car. It is conceivable, however, that some owners may tire of telling valets how to start the car, release the parking brake, put it in drive, and put it back in park. Driving the 7 Series is fun and easy, however, as the car quickly and efficiently achieves any of the driver's wishes, even bending the laws of physics when necessary. In addition to its brilliant performance, this is probably among the safest cars on the road. Indeed, as big luxury cars go, the new BMW 7 Series is the ultimate driving machine. 2002 BMW M3 Review
The quintessential high-performance sports sedan. 2002 BMW M3 Base Price (MSRP) $46,545 As Tested (MSRP) $49,290 It's finally here: an M3 as good as the Europeans get. After years of longing (and pleading, and whining) by North Americans, and after taking model year 2000 off, BMW is now exporting an M3 with a new 3.2-liter engine, bumping the horsepower up from 240 to 333. The icing on this cake was the price, reflecting an increase whose value was greater than its numbers. Introduced late as a 2001 model, the 2002 is essentially identical. 2002 BMW X5 Review
Zero to 60 in just 6.5 seconds. 2002 BMW X5 Base Price (MSRP) $38,900 As Tested (MSRP) $69,195 BMW's X5 is fast, comfortable, and prestigious. It delivers superb handling and excellent performance. As if its 4.4i wasn't quick enough, BMW has introduced a 347-horsepower 4.6is model. Logically, the X5 makes little sense. It is not highly capable off road when measured against other capable sport-utilities. It offers less cargo capacity than a 5 Series wagon with an uncomfortably high load floor. It does not offer quite the on-road performance, handling or braking of a sports sedan or sports wagon in their respective price ranges. Logic may not be the key factor here, however. The X5 is sporty and stylish, often attracting attention. It's quick. It works well in foul weather. And it offers that commanding seating position that many people like. It also has that twin-kidney grille and BMW's reputation for quality and driving excitement. Perhaps those are among the reasons X5 sales are strong. BMW sold more than 40,000 X5s during the 2001 calendar year. The new BMW X5 4.6is model takes SUV performance to new heights with a powerful V8 that delivers 0-60 mph acceleration times in the 6.5-second range, which is very quick, indeed. It offers a potential top speed of nearly 150 mph, which is seriously fast for a vehicle this large. Massive tires offer impressive cornering grip and stopping power. It may be the best-handling SUV on the road. Muddy trails are easily negotiable. Inside, it's luxurious and comfortable. BMW Reviews
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