2009 BMW 550i

The top-of-the-line BMW 550i sedan, which changes little for 2009, retains its monstrous 4.8-liter V8 producing 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. With all that horsepower and torque, the 550i roars out from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds when the V8 links to a six-speed manual transmission, and 5.5 seconds when it connects to a six-speed Steptronic automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Fuel economy numbers for the V8 check in at 15/22 mpg with the manual transmission and 15/23 with the automatic. Such features as Dynamic Stability Control keep the 550i firmly planted to the ground, even in tight cornering, while four-wheel antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control make sure the sedan stops promptly. The rear-wheel-drive 550i rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Dakota Leather upholstery and door trim ensures a comfortable interior. Other standard interior features include 10-way power-adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar support, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. A two-way power glass moonroof also comes standard, along with Bluetooth wireless technology, automatic climate control, BMW's iDrive controller, and a 10-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and an MP3 input jack. Outside, standard features include Xenon adaptive headlights, halogen foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

By R. Feeman