Engine: 4.8-liter dohc 32-valve variable valve timing V8

Engine Options: 235-hp 3.0-liter inline 6; 300-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6; 360-hp 4.8-liter V8; 500-hp 5.0-liter V10

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 7-speed sequential manual gearbox (M5 only)

Standard Safety Equipment: front-impact airbags with dual threshold deployment, front passenger side-impact airbags, full cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures, tire pressure monitor, antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services

Optional Safety Equipment: rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385); Lane Departure Warning system ($500)

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance

Assembled In: Dingolfing, Germany

Model Tested: BMW 550i ($58,500)

Standard Equipment: Dakota leather upholstery, automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal micro-filter, 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory, dark poplar wood trim, AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers, cruise control, power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls, power windows with key-off and one-touch operation, keyless entry with multi-function remote, power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side, xenon adaptive headlights and halogen fog lights with automatic control, 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, Park Distance Control parking aid, integrated three-button universal garage door opener, power outlets in front-passenger foot well, rear center console and trunk, rechargeable flashlight in glovebox

Options as Tested: Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 19x8.5-inch cast alloy wheels with W-rated run-flat tires ($4,600); Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats, steering wheel and high-pressure headlight washing jets ($750); on-board navigation system ($1,900); Logic7 audio ($1,200) with six-CD changer; HD Radio ($500); Sirius satellite radio ($595)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax: 1300

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 360 @ 6300

Torque: 360 @ 3400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 15/22

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 191.1/72.7/57.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.3/62.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.5 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 39.1/NA/41.5 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.1/NA/36.0 inches

Trunk Volume: 14.0 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent with dual-pivot lower wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3946 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P245/35WR19 front, 275/30WR19 rear, run-flat

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons