2009 BMW 328xi

The four-door, all-wheel-drive 2009 BMW 328xi sedan is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is the sole option and comes with a hill-holder clutch, hill descent control, and traction control for the AWD system. 16-inch alloy wheels come standard with run-flat tires, and foglights are also included with the 328xi. Air conditioning and dual-zone automatic climate controls keep the temperature at a reasonable level, a cabin air filter keeps things fresh, and a power sunroof provides an open-air motoring option. The AM/FM/CD/MP3 player comes with a digital media connection, and radio controls are integrated into the leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The vinyl front bucket seats are height adjustable and separated by a center console. Heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry come standard, as well as cruise control. Even with the 328xi, you still get wood interior trim, illuminated visor mirrors, a tachometer, trip computer, and an outside-temperature indicator. The variable-intermittent wipers are rain-sensing and come with heated washer jets, and a theft-deterrent system makes it hard to drive away without the keys.

Standard safety features include dual front, front side, and front and rear side head-protecting airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid, front-seat active head restraints, a tire pressure monitor, and daytime running lights with headlight washers.

By Michael Perkins