2012 BMW M3

2012 BMW M3

Overview

The BMW M3 represents the pinnacle of sedan performance, and remains one of the most respected nameplates both on the streets and on the track. With a history dating back to the 1980s, the M3 is one of only a handful of cars surviving today that can claim to be born from racing. The fourth-generation M3 continues that high-performance legacy, now packing a 414-hp 4.0-liter V-8 engine and a suspension tuned by BMW's M Division. The M3 is based on BMW's hot-selling 3 Series, and is available in two body styles for 2012, including both coupe and convertible models. A close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, but a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual is also available. While the M3 keeps true to BMW's performance roots, there's also a good measure of luxury inside. Dark colors highlight the dash and console, while the seats and steering wheel our outfitted with generous swathes of leather. With performance beyond the level of any normal 3 Series, the M3 boasts great handling, ample power, and an overall well-balanced driving experience. As BMW redesigns the 3 Series lineup, a next-generation M3 performance car can't be far behind. Just as the 2012 M5 transitioned from a V-10 to a V-8, expect the new M3 to have a boosted six-cylinder engine under its hood when it debuts.

The Range

Body style: Two-door coupe or convertible
Engine: 4.0L, V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Models: M3 Coupe, M3 Convertible

What's New

The four-door M3 sedan doesn't return for 2012, as production of that car is scheduled to end this year. Aside from that, the M3, which was introduced in 2008, carries on with few changes made to its already proven formula. A high-revving, 414-hp 4.0-liter V-8 still drives the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while BMW's Variable M Differential Lock distributes the V-8's power accordingly for optimal grip.

Exterior

In line with BMW's aesthetic identity, the M3 reflects both the brand's current design language as well as some of the more traditional styling elements the German marque is known for. The M3 keeps the standard 3 Series' front end, complete with dual kidney grilles and quadruple round headlights, but adds a unique front valance with a wide-open air inlets. The hood has a substantial power bulge flanked by a pair of vents, hinting at the V-8 powerhouse underneath. The slightly flared front fenders sport the M Division's signature "gills," which proudly display the in-house tuner's colors and logo. A unique rear valance and side skirts, along with a set of wide 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels round out the M3's exterior, giving the car an overall muscular and athletic look.

Interior

Inside, the M3 upholds BMW's standard of luxury, while also providing drivers the best of both worlds by combining rich leather upholstery with racing-inspired interior accents. A dark, mostly anthracite-finished dash and console is meant to keep drivers focused on the road. An M-specific gauge cluster highlights the dash, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel provides easy access to audio and Bluetooth connectivity controls.

Performance & Handling

The M3 is set apart from its lesser 3 Series platform-mates by its exceptional out-of-the-box performance. The car's 4.0-liter V-8 produces 414 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, good enough for zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission, according to our tests. A lightweight aluminum chassis developed by BMW's M Division specifically for the M3 helps keep the car's curb weight down. Aluminum is also used heavily in the front suspension, which allows the M3 to have a near-50/50 weight distribution. All of these factory upgrades afford the steroidal 3 Series an innate handling ability. Grip is also exceptional thanks to standard 18-inch wheels shod in 245/40-size tires in the front and extra-wide 265/40 in the rear. A standard close-ratio 6-speed manual can make the driver feel like the king of speed, but models equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission are ultimately quicker.

Safety

Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and automatic crash response system come standard and are controlled by BMW's Advanced Safety System. An ABS system along with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard.

EPA Fuel Economy

M3 Coupe: 14 mpg city/20 mpg hwy (manual/dual-clutch)
M3 Convertible: 13 mpg city/20 mpg hwy (manual); 14 mpg city/20 mpg hwy (dual-clutch)
M3 Sedan: 14 mpg city/20 mpg hwy (manual/dual-clutch)

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2012 BMW X3

2012 BMW X3

Overview

While it may be the smallest SUV offered in BMW's lineup, the 2012 X3 has matured into a substantial and livable vehicle in its second generation. Growing in virtually every dimension, the new X3 approaches the size of the original X5. The X3 also improves its styling compared to the previous generation, and gains more capable drivetrain options. With these changes, the updated X3 comes closer to the "whole package" philosophy of the hot-selling 3 Series it's based on. Two distinct X3 models are available: the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder variant, is the xDrive35i; and the entry-level but no less capable xDrive28i, which we expect next year to receive the same turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 now offered in the 3 Series and many other BMW models. As their names imply, xDrive all-wheel drive is standard. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available, but is among the best slushboxes BMW has on offer. With its increased dimensions also comes increased cargo space, growing to 56.5 cubic feet with its standard 40/60 split rear seats folded down. This added utility gives the X3 potential as both a suburban family hauler, and as a great-outdoors-bound adventure machine.

The Range

Body style: Five-door SUV
Engines: 3.0L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Models: X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i

What's New

Introduced in 2011, the X3 continues with minor changes for its second year. For 2013, the xDrive28i model is expected to replace the 3.0-liter I-6 of last year with a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. In addition, xDrive35i models get a panoramic moonroof as standard equipment. The optional 19-inch wheel upgrade is now bundled together with the Sport Activity package, and substitutes all-seasons for last year's performance tire option. Heated front seats are now a stand-alone option, though heated rear seats must now be ordered as an upgrade to the Cold Weather package.

Exterior

The X3 has been blown up in its proportions, approaching the size of the original X5. The second-generation model increases in length by 3.4 inches, and grows 0.5 inches taller and 1.1 inches wider. The wheelbase is extended by 0.6 inches, while 0.5 inches of ground clearance are added. As for looks, the awkward styling of the previous model is replaced with a handsome new design that's fresh, but still unmistakably BMW. The front end consists of the characteristic kidney grille - more upright here than the previous model - flanked by dual-round headlight housings on either side. The headlights look more rectangular than on the last generation, and also feature LED lighting accents surrounding the lamps within the housings. The X3's previously ungainly looking rump has been smoothed out, replacing the angular taillights of the previous model with a two flowing, solid red units that sprawl out horizontally.

Interior

The cabin of the X3 gets the typical BMW interior treatment, with a monotone overall color scheme complemented by a few strategically-placed high-quality trim pieces. Synthetic leatherette upholstery is standard, but genuine Nevada leather is also available, in colors like black, Mojave, Chestnut, Oyster, and Sand Beige. BMW's navigation system is bundled with the Technology package as an option, and can be brought up on the central 8.8-inch LCD display screen. BMW's ConnectedDrive infotainment system is also available as an option, and facilitates the use of iOS-based apps (through the BMW Apps feature), Bluetooth streaming audio, and mobile office functions.

Performance & Handling

According to our tests, the X3 xDrive35i is one of the fastest compact crossovers in its class, reigning over competitors the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK in 0-60 mph acceleration with a time of 5.6 seconds. BMW's familiar twin-scroll, turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 lends its 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque to the X3 xDrive35i's performance credentials, and makes for one quick crossover when paired with xDrive all-wheel drive. Next year, the X3 xDrive28i should get the same turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 offered in the 328i, 528i, and Z4 sDrive28i, making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Though the xDrive28i will be down two cylinders, output will be up 10 hp and 39 lb-ft from the previous 3.0-liter I-6, thanks to twin-scroll turbocharger technology.

Safety

For safety, the X3 gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensors, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system as standard equipment. Safety features are controlled by BMW's Advanced Safety System, which determines which safety measures to deploy in the event of a crash. An ABS system along with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. A rear camera is available with the technology package along with the Park Distance Control feature.

EPA Fuel Economy

X3 xDrive28i: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway
X3 xDrive35i: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway

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2012 BMW X5

2012 BMW X5

Overview

The X5 was BMW's first foray into the lucrative SUV market way back in 1999. Instead of going for the off-road angle, BMW marketed the X5 as a sporty on-road utility vehicle, and coined the term SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle). The term hasn't yet caught on with the general public (and perhaps it never will), but the X5's philosophy of design remains intact. The 2012 X5 is an SUV that serves its utility with a side of affluent suburbanite appeal. Face-lifted in 2011, the second-generation X5 now blends in seamlessly with the rest of BMW's lineup. On the road, however, the X5's characteristic BMW styling helps it to stand out from the endless sea of other SUVs. Three engines are available, including a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, 265-hp turbodiesel I-6, and two flavors of twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, with one producing 400 hp in the xDrive50i and the other making a fire-breathing 555 hp in the X5 M. The interior is highlighted by a large central display screen, which can host BMW's ConnectedDrive infotainment system. Leather is the predominant interior upholstery, and provides the cabin with what seems like acres of soft-touch surfaces. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is standard on all models.

The Range

Body style: SUV
Engines: 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 3.0L diesel I-6, 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8, 555-hp 4.4L twin-turbo V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Models: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, X5 M

What's New

For 2012, the X5 gains new standard equipment across the board, excluding M Models. Non-M models receive roof rails, a cargo cover, iPod/USB adapter and hi-fi audio system, and LED corona rings around the headlights as standard equipment. X5 xDrive35i Premium trim levels and above receive lumbar support adjustment in the front seats, auto dimming mirrors, ambient lighting, heated seats, and BMW's Park Distance Control system as standard. Models equipped with the V-8 get privacy glass, navigation, and a universal garage door opener as standard. The diesel-powered xDrive35d also gets privacy glass, but now comes with standard leather and a power tilt/telescope steering wheel.

Exterior

The X5 benefited from a facelift last year, which brought its styling more in line with the rest of BMW's lineup. The front end is now blunted compared to the last model, with the trademark BMW dual kidney grilles looking more upright. The flanking dual-round headlights complete the BMW look, and now come standard with LED corona rings surrounding the lamps within the housings. In the rear, the taillights still feature that characteristic step seen on past BMW SUVs, but the lenses have been updated to look more like the lights seen on the 5 and 7 Series sedans, with horizontal lines running through them.

Interior

Inside, the X5 gets an interior treatment similar to that of other cars in BMW's lineup, with a simple line of trim underlying the dashboard. Genuine Nevada leather is the standard upholstery material for xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Active, xDrive35d, xDrive50i, and X5 M models. A synthetic leatherette comes standard with the xDrive35i base model, though Nevada leather is available. The cargo area is versatile, with a split folding tailgate that facilitates easier loading of large objects. Providing ample space with the rear seats down, the X5 is just as suited for runs to your local bulk-sale grocery store as it is for camping expeditions in the great outdoors.

Performance & Handling

While the X5 is a reasonably capable off-roader, BMW intended for it to be the ultimate on-road SUV - hence the brand's attempt at distancing the model from the term, with the invention of the "SAV" (Sport Activity Vehicle) moniker. No matter what kind of activities you'll be partaking in with the X5, its equipment is up for the task in most cases. The xDrive35i models get the now-familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The xDrive35d gets the same turbodiesel I-6 engine as the 335d sedan, which displaces 3.0 liters and produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft. A twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 powers the xDrive50i, producing 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, while a more potent version of that motor is stuffed into the engine bay of the X5 M, pumping out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft. All non-M models get BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy over the outgoing six-speed auto--still offered in the X5 M.

Safety

The X5 gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and an automatic crash response system as standard equipment. All safety features are controlled by BMW's Advanced Safety System. An ABS system along with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. A rear-view camera is available with the Park Distance Control system, while BMW's Top View camera is available as a stand-alone option. This system uses cameras on the mirrors to create a composite birds-eye view of the car, which aids in parking. BMW's radar-based Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning Systems are also available.

EPA Fuel Economy

35i: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway
35d: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
50i: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway
M: 12 mpg city/17mpg highway

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2013 Kia Forte

2013 Kia Forte

The 2013 Kia Forte is a 4-door, 5-seat Sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the LX (M6) Sedan to the SX Hatchback. Upon introduction, the $15,400 LX (M6) Sedan is equipped with a standard 2.0L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 25-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway. a Manual transmission is standard. The $19,800 SX Hatchback is equipped with a standard 2.4L, 4-cylinder, engine that achieves 23-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. an Automatic transmission is standard.

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