Design chief Chris Bangle has been quietly applying a completely new look to the German brand's model range; the traditional double kidney grille is a constant carried over from earlier models, but the narrow glass house and the slab sides, with concave curves on the long body panels and step-hipped rear styling on the saloons, are becoming omni-present throughout the range. The 3 series is now ready for the coming years. The other conspicuous trend from BMW is to grow its model range; the introduction of 1-and 6-series and of the X3 MPV has lead to the current range being broadest ever offered under the Bavaria brand. And all that is missing is a people carrier-but this is not likely to appear, as BMW's executives feel that such a machine would be at odds with the sporting aspirations of its buyer. In a bold statement of intent, the forthcoming M5 comes with a monstrously powerful V10 petrol engine allegedly related to that in BMW-Williams F1 face car.

BMW 6-Series

Re-entering the substantial four seat, two door coupe market after a break of several years, BMW is for the first time joining the coupe with the roadster variant, which promises fresh air and performance in equal measures. With sporting drivers of a certain age in mind, the accent is as much on comfort and predictability of handling as it is on absolute performance. However the 645ci version, with its 4.4 litre V8 has sufficient power to thrust the big machine towards the horizon at rates formerly the exclusive domain of super cars.

BMW 7-Series

A substantial car designed to take the business away from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 7-Series was the first of the new sculpted BMWs, and even a couple of years after its introduction its look still polarize opinion. From the inside the car is equally imposing, although its reliance on an over-complex driver information system has alienated many owners. Despite its bulk the car handles well, and a set of engines ranging from a modest diesel through to a 6.2 litre V12 ensures that all tastes are catered for. The long wheelbase variant is proving popular amongst German soccer managers and politicians.

Z4

The second generation of BMW's mid-sized sports car is a considerable improvement on its predecessor, offering excellent body rigidity and a choice of engines that allow it to accelerate and corner at respectable sports car rates. A fast-acting power roofs allows rapid changes from open to closed, and unlike many sports cars the luggage compartment is substantial-it will take two full sets of golf club. Unlike the Z3-M, it is not expected to be a closed car, but to instead remain a roadster.

X5

Almost mandatory for soccer players and for rock stars, BMW's bigger off-roader is equally at home in the urban jungle as it is in the mud, thanks to a sophisticated chassis. Taking on the mighty competition from Mercedes-Benz M-class, X5 seems to be holding is own, with a high level of customer satisfaction that has lead directly to sales retention.