A quarter of a century ago, BMW turned the hierarchy in the luxury segment upside down: In March 1987, the second-generation 7 series (E32), itself a marvel of technology, got a range-topping V-12 engine. Rated at 296hp, it utterly humiliated the Mercedes-Benz W126 S class. The Stuttgart competitor managed to reach this level of power only with a non-catalysed version of the 5.6-liter V-8 – an engine which was lacking the smoothness of its 4.2-liter and 5.0-liter siblings.

It wasn’t BMW’s first attempt at a V-12. In fact, two prototypes had preceded the engine that finally made it into production. As early as 1972, BMW set out to create a V-12 from two six-cylinder engines. The 5.0-liter engine, code-named M33, made 296hp – but it was … CONTINUED

In-car video and track data from the 2012 BMW 335i’s lap at Virginia International Raceway for the 2013 Lightning Lap competition by Car and Driver.

First interior listen and view of the sensations in the i8, during a ride along by EVO.

Towards the end of the clip, it’s confirmed that the i8 will receive the same Active Sound Design from recent models such as the F10 M5 and M135i to enhance the i8′s sounds in the interior.

TFLcar compares and tests the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i and the 2013 Volvo XC60 T6.

Both cars are powered by 3.0L cylinder motors, both are turbocharged by twin scroll turbo, and both output 300 HP.

Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic and both engines power all four wheels with via all-wheel-drive.

The first BMW i3 and i8 preview ride-alongs have taken place and the initial reactions are in.

We’ll have to wait at least several months for the actual press drives, which will of course yield more hands-on and deeper insights/reviews of the i3 and i8.

Autocar chimes in first with their impressions from the ride along in the i3 and i8:

“It doesn’t take long to realise the BMW i3 is already at an advanced state of development. The prototype I rode in felt solid, even if there was the odd rattle from the makeshift disguise covering parts of the interior. What really grabbed my attention, though, was its overall agility and, in trying conditions with those narrow tyres, excellent traction. Watching on as Mueller drove the prototype … CONTINUED

M5POST member RPiM5 shares with us his direct experience after six months of F10 M5 ownership, compared to his time with the E60 M5 (his car prior to the F10 M5).

by RPiM5:

Best things about the E60 M5:
1. S85 V10 engine! (with aftermarket exhaust, there’s almost no equal to the exhaust note. This is even more true if you do aftermarket headers!)
2. Smaller size of E60
3. Lighter weight of E60
4. SMG Transmission (Almost no other transmission can rattle the fillings out of your teeth like S6 mode can!)
5. Adjustable Side Bolsters
6. Active Side Bolsters
7. The option for comfort seats rather than just sport seats.

Worst things about the E60 M5:
1. S85 V10 engine! (reliability!!!)
2. Reliability of everything else … CONTINUED

These guys at TFLcar.com the F12 M6 Coupe a mile above sea level, with the help of the BMW launch control feature.

Did it dramatically affected the 0-60 time? Enough to beat the new Mercedes SL? Find out inside.

Autobild is the first to get its hands on the recently revealed 3 Series GT (Gran Turismo) (F34) for a side by side comparison with the 3 Series Touring (F31).

Their conclusion? After scoring several categories, they have the 3GT squeaking by the touring by just one point overall (67 to 66). The GT gets the nod for easier access, better features, usability, and versatility; but loses on cargo loading.

A F30POST member shares his feedback and review of the F30 3 Series M Sport Adaptive versus M Sport Passive suspensions, on otherwise identical cars.

The test cars were both F30 330d M Sport, Servotronic Steering, 18″ Wheels, Bridgestone tires, and in Sport Mode.