2009 BMW 5 Series

The new 5-Series reared its rakish head back in 2004. Facelifted for 2006, the extensive models available include the 523i, 525i, 530i, and, newly replacing the 545i are the 540i and the 550i. The 5-Series is available in both saloon and Touring wagon platforms, but the slow-selling wagons are not actively peddled in this region. The exterior design by Chris Bangle is controversial, especially the aptly-named "Bangle-butt" rear end. Its iDrive system has been simplified compared to the first-generation system that debuted in the 7-Series. It can be ordered with options such as Active Cruise Control, head-up display, active steering and a Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system. Most of the 5-Series models are capable of high speeds but the electronic 250 kph limiter on all cars means that both the 530i and the M5 have the same top speed.