Engine: 4.8-liter dohc 32-valve variable valve timing V8

Engine Options: 215-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline 6; 255-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline 6; 360-hp 4.8-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 500-hp 5.0-liter dohc 40-valve V8

Transmission: 6-speed Steptronic automatic

Transmission Options: 6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 6-speed sequential manual gearbox

Standard Safety Equipment: two-stage front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, full cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures, tire pressure monitor, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services; antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control

Optional Safety Equipment: rear-passenger side airbags ($385)

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance

Assembled In: Dingolfing, Germany

Model Tested: BMW 550i ($58,500)

Standard Equipment: Dakota leather upholstery; automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal microfilter; dark poplar wood trim; 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers; cruise control; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls; power windows with key-off and one-touch operation; keyless entry with multi-function remote; power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side; xenon adaptive headlights and halogen fog lights with automatic control; 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels; power glass sunroof; Park Distance Control parking aid; integrated three-button universal garage door opener; power outlets in front-passenger foot well, rear of center console and trunk; rechargeable flashlight in glovebox

Options as Tested: Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 18x8-inch cast alloy wheels with W-rated run-flat tires ($2,800); Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats, steering wheel and high-pressure headlight washing jets ($750); Night Vision thermal imaging system ($2,200); on-board navigation system ($1,800); rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385)

Destination Charge: 695

Gas Guzzler Tax: 1300

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 360 @ 6300

Torque: 360 @ 3400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 17/25

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 191.1/72.7/57.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.3/62.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 37.5 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.7/NA/41.5 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.0/NA/36.0 inches

Trunk Volume: 14.0 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent with dual-pivot lower wishbones, coil springs over struts and stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3924 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P245/40WR18 front, 275/35WR18 rear, run-flat

Brakes: vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning

Fuel Capacity: 18.5 Gallons