The 525i ($43,500) features a 3.0-liter inline-6 generating 215 horsepower. Standard features include Leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, four power outlets and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. The 525i comes with a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275) with Steptronic shifting.

The 530i ($47,500) gets a 255-hp version of the 3.0-liter six and xenon adaptive headlights. The 530i comes standard with the six-speed manual. The six-speed Steptronic automatic ($1,275) and the six-speed sequential manual gearbox ($1,500), or SMG, are optional.

The 525i and 530i sedans are available with BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel drive ($2,200).

The 530xi Sport Wagon ($52,100) comes standard with the all-wheel-drive system.

The most popular option for the six-cylinder models is the Premium Package for the 525i ($2,000 and 530i ($1,800), which adds Dakota leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener and the swanky interior lighting package with ambient light, auto-dimming and outside approach lighting.

The 550i ($58,500) is powered by a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 and comes standard with the items in the Premium Package plus Park Distance Control parking assist and a choice of the manual, SMG or automatic transmission at no charge.

The M5 ($81,200) sits atop the 5 Series lineup. It's powered by a hand-built 500-hp 5.0-liter V10, with suspension and brakes enhanced to match all the power.

Option include: HD Radio ($500); Night Vision ($2,200); a Cold Weather Package ($750) with heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated, high-pressure headlight washers; the Sport Package for the 525i ($2,500) and 530i and 550i ($2,800) with BMWs Active Steering and Active Body Control systems, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, more potent brakes and sport seats; and the Premium Sound Package ($1,800) with BMW's high-power Logic7 audio system and a six-CD changer; a navigation system ($1,800); radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200); and Sirius satellite radio ($595).

Safety features that come standard include front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, and full-cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags. Also standard are seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; seatbelts are the first line of defense in a crash so be sure to use them. Active safety features include antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control. Also standard is the standard BMW Assist communications package with automatic collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance and locater service. Rear passenger side-impact airbags are optional ($385).