Founded in 1916, the company has grown and developed rapidly with a variety of new models and has a subsidiary that not only owns MINI cars, but is also the holding company of one of the most prestigious car manufacturers of all time. And BMW is the barometer of a name synonymous with luxury: Rolls-Royce Motorcycles.
Not satisfied with just conquering the car world, the company also owns two motorcycle brands, namely BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna.
The company logo tells you a lot about its original designation, with the characteristic blue and white sections that indicate the propellers of an airplane as it moves across the sky. Founded by Franz Josef Popp, the BMW brand began manufacturing aircraft engines and soon began making a wide variety of motorbikes in 1923, leading to automobile production in the period 1928-29. Machines were built for the Luftwaffe and the company became an important part of the German war effort.
Overall, this is a car manufacturer that has long represented great luxury and performance in the auto market. You certainly have to have it.
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| BMW First Generation |
For many decades, BMW's cars have had a reputation most large-scale car manufacturers could envy. This Bavarian brand's key to success is based on combining handsome, instantly discernible design with precise German engineering and quality, resulting in cars traditionally renowned for their power, excellent handling abilities and overall sporty luxury.
That is no wonder, since most of the BMW's engineering innovations are derived from their long-lasting presence in motor-sports, and implemented in well-equipped upmarket sedans, coupes and convertibles.
With models such as the 3 Series and the 5 Series, BMW could be labeled as one of the pioneers in the sport sedan segment, making cars that offer power and performance while maintaining the practicality for everyday use. In 1979, the legendary M535i paved the way to such car-making approach, which proved to be a huge success for years to come.
From that point, BMW's motor-sports M-division has been included in making high-performance versions of their regular models, many of which have become instant classics. Sporty legacy and sleek, timeless looks make every BMW measure up to the most desirable cars in their respective segments. Here is a brief description of the most popular offerings from the BMW's current range.
The lineup starts with the compact 1 Series, available as a 3 and a 5-door hatchback, 3-door coupe and a convertible. It comes with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with the 340-horsepower 1M model at its very top. With its size, shape and agile performance, it is reminiscent of the boxy-shaped 3 Series from the 1980's, and many consider it as the classic 3's "spiritual successor". If you're a classic BMW fan, the 1 Series is a treat for you.
That is no wonder, since most of the BMW's engineering innovations are derived from their long-lasting presence in motor-sports, and implemented in well-equipped upmarket sedans, coupes and convertibles.
With models such as the 3 Series and the 5 Series, BMW could be labeled as one of the pioneers in the sport sedan segment, making cars that offer power and performance while maintaining the practicality for everyday use. In 1979, the legendary M535i paved the way to such car-making approach, which proved to be a huge success for years to come.
From that point, BMW's motor-sports M-division has been included in making high-performance versions of their regular models, many of which have become instant classics. Sporty legacy and sleek, timeless looks make every BMW measure up to the most desirable cars in their respective segments. Here is a brief description of the most popular offerings from the BMW's current range.
The lineup starts with the compact 1 Series, available as a 3 and a 5-door hatchback, 3-door coupe and a convertible. It comes with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, with the 340-horsepower 1M model at its very top. With its size, shape and agile performance, it is reminiscent of the boxy-shaped 3 Series from the 1980's, and many consider it as the classic 3's "spiritual successor". If you're a classic BMW fan, the 1 Series is a treat for you.
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| BMW New Generation |
Since the 1980's, the 3 Series has grown significantly in size, and currently occupies the so-called compact executive car segment, filled with rivals such as Audi A4 and the C-Class from Mercedes Benz. The 3 Series is available as a 4-door sedan, 5-door Touring station wagon, and the newest addition, a 5-door hatchback called the GT. For the first time in the brand's history, the coupe and convertible body types are separated into a brand new series, designated with the number 4. Buyers can choose between many trim lines and petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, peaking with the legendary M3, that offers unprecedented supercar performance with its 414-horsepower engine.
The 5 Series is one of the most popular dwellers of the executive class on most markets worldwide, and current generation comes with a more traditional BMW design approach than the previous generation's controversial lines. Luxury equipment and elegant appearance are followed by a sportier performance than most of its main opposition, and with the frugal diesel engines, it doesn't take much toll on the fuel economy. While most buyers go for the classic sedan, it is also available as a station wagon and a slightly controversial 4-door Gran Turismo fastback, if you want to stand out from the stereotypes.
The 5 Series is one of the most popular dwellers of the executive class on most markets worldwide, and current generation comes with a more traditional BMW design approach than the previous generation's controversial lines. Luxury equipment and elegant appearance are followed by a sportier performance than most of its main opposition, and with the frugal diesel engines, it doesn't take much toll on the fuel economy. While most buyers go for the classic sedan, it is also available as a station wagon and a slightly controversial 4-door Gran Turismo fastback, if you want to stand out from the stereotypes.
