BMW has long enjoyed success with its performance-oriented image. Iconic BMW vehicles have stayed at the forefront of the market by including large doses of advanced engine and driving control technologies. In spite of heavy criticism by the motoring press, the newer styling of BMW vehicles has connected with buyers, as shown by the strong sales of 3-series and 5-series models.

The most dramatic new BMW is the X6 crossover. The X6 skews the recipe for SUVs in the direction of a tall sedan. This five-door model is far from utilitarian with its aggressive roofline, seating for four and scant storage in the hatch. The X6 is offered with an inline-six cylinder and V8 engines, resulting in unusually (for BMW) verbose product names: XDrive35i and XDrive50i.

Like its German counterparts, BMW is introducing clean diesel technologies to the US market in 2009. Diesel engine models join the 3-Series and X5 lines. In addition to a diesel engine option, BMW's bread-and-butter 3-Series receives some minor styling tweaks to the front end.

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Performance

For many, the way a car performs is a key criterion for which car to purchase. Our Velocity Index helps determine which vehicles are the best all-around performers taking in to consideration a balance of factors such as acceleration and handling.

For more information, view our new car performance guide.

What would we drive?

Based on our Velocity Index analysis, the 2009 BMW 1-Series Coupe (135i) seems to provide a good trade-off between price and vehicle performance.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has long been a key decision factor when buying a new vehicle. While the EPA estimates may accurately predict your mileage with a given vehicle, they are useful for broad comparisons of vehicles. Note that many trucks and large SUVS are too heavy to be required to specify their fuel economy.

For more information, view our new car fuel economy guide.

What's popular

Here are the five cars that draw the most attention from our readers.

• 2009 BMW M6 Coupe
• 2009 BMW M3 Sedan
• 2009 BMW 1-Series Coupe
• 2009 BMW X6
• 2009 BMW 3-Series Coupe