1-SERIES: HD radio is now standard, and automatic high beams are an option. The 128i Coupe loses its standard sunroof; it's now a $1,050 option. 3-SERIES: The standard stereo now includes HD radio, and automatic high beams have been added to the options list. The 328i and 328ix sedans, wagons and convertibles get new wheels, while the 328i/ix coupe and sedan no longer get a sunroof as standard. 5-SERIES: A new hatchback version of the 5-series called the Gran Turismo (GT for short), will be introduced towards the end of 2009 as a 2010 model. Sedans and wagons get a new version of the iDrive dial controller as well as an available M Sport package, which adds unique interior and exterior trim including an aerodynamic body kit, M-series wheels, a unique steering wheel, and an optional Sport Automatic transmission, which is programmed for crisper shifts and offers steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. 6-SERIES: The navigation system has been upgraded and BMW Individual customization options have been expanded. 7-SERIES: Three new models join the 7-series lineup: The all-wheel-drive 750i xDrive, the V12-powered 760i, and the ActiveHybrid 7, all available in standard or long-wheelbase (750Li/760Li) versions. The 760 gets an all-new 6-liter V12 engine with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Output is 544 horsepower, and peak torque -- all 553 lb-ft of it -- is delivered from 1,500 all the way up to 5,000 RPM. The 760 will play host to BMW's first 8-speed automatic transmission and will get all the comfort and convenience features in BMW's arsenal, including air suspension, four-zone climate control, night vision and adaptive cruise control that can start and stop as needed in heavy traffic. The ActiveHybrid 7 uses the 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with auto-stop functionality and a lithium-ion battery. BMW says the ActiveHybrid 7 will accelerate to 60 in 4.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest hybrids in the world. BMW will offer an M-Sport Package for all non-hybrid 7s, which includes 19" wheels with performance tires (20" optional), unique interior and body trim, and an Active Roll Stabilization system for rear-drive models. M3: HD radio now comes standard and automatic high beams are optional. M5: Aside from the latest version of the iDrive controller, the M5 is unchanged. M6: The M6 gets the new iDrive controller, but is otherwise unchanged. X3: The moonroof moves from the standard-equipment list to the options list, and HD radio is now standard. X5: The X5 SUV -- sorry, SAV -- gets a new "M" version with a 555 horsepower twin-turbo V8, stiffer suspension, and racy body trim. Changes for other X5 models include a new iDrive controller, upgraded navigation system with high-res screen and 80 GB music server, standard HD radio, optional automatic high beams, and a "Top View" feature for the backup camera. X6: Two new versions of the X6 will be offered: The 555 horsepower X6 M and the X6 ActiveHybrid. The ActiveHybrid will combine a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and an electric motor; peak combined power output is 480 hp and 575 lb0ft of torque. The hybrid X6 will be able to run in electric-only mode up to 37 MPG. All X6 models will get HD radio, a power-operated tailgate, a new iDrive controller and an updated navigation system as standard. The rear view camera gets a "Top View" feature, and automatic high-beams are now optional. Z4: HD radio is now standard and automatic high beams are optional. BEYOND 2010: X1: The X1 is BMW's new entry-level crossover SUV. The X1 went on sale in Europe in fall of 2009, and is scheduled to come to the States in 2011. BMW has announced that the European version will offer three diesel engines and one gasoline-powered unit. They have not officially announced the US engine lineup, but rumors say that the US-spec X1 will get a 258 hp 3-liter inline six and all-wheel-drive. X3: A larger X3 is known to be in the works, but BMW has not announced a release date; my guess is it will show up sometime during calendar year 2010. Expect the X3 to grow by nearly a foot -- BMW says it will be as large as the first-generation X5 (which itself grew 10 inches longer when it was redesigned in 2007). The new X3 will be built in BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside the X5 and X6. (The current X3 is built under contract by Magna-Steyr in Austria.) Z4: 2011 will see a new, sportier version of the retractable-hardtop roadster called the Z4 sDrive35is It gets a more powerful version of the Z4's twin-turbo inline six, tuned for 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, a twin-clutch automatic transmission, and a racy "M-style" body kit. RUMORED: FOUR-CYLINDER ENGINES: BMW hasn't sold a 4-cylinder car in the US since they axed the slow-selling 318ti in 1999. But higher CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards have BMW considering four-cylinder engines for the 1-series, 3-series, X1 and X3. BMW is reportedly working on a high-tech direct-injection four-cylinder engine that produces more power than the normally-aspirated inline six in the 128i and 328i. The problem? The new engine could cost more than the current inline six, and BMW isn't sure American buyers will be willing to pay a premium for two fewer cylinders.

CONFIRMED FOR 2010 C CLASS: The C gets smaller side view mirrors and a nicer leather-wrapped steering wheel. New options include a rear-view camera, USB audio adapter, power lumbar adjustment, and mirrors that tilt down for parking. Rear-wheel-drive C300 and C350 Sport models get an optional Dynamic Handling Package that includes active damping suspension, speed-sensitive steering, 18" twin-spoke wheels and steering wheel shift paddles for automatic models. CL CLASS: The big coupe gets bigger side mirrors, variable-ratio Direct Steer system, a night vision camera, lane-departure prevention system, automatic high beam control, and a driver drowsiness detector; CLs with the Active Body Control system also get a crosswind stabilization system. Inside, the CL gets improved switchgear, a new stereo/navigation head unit, multicolor ambient lighting, a nicer leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an optional rear seat entertainment system. Mercedes will offer a limited-run "100th Anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Edition" based on the CL550 4MATIC. CLS CLASS: A new premium leather steering wheel is standard. E CLASS: An all-new E-Class debuts for 2010 -- not only as a sedan (photo) but in coupe form (photo) as well, the latter featuring a standard panoramic glass roof. The E will be available in six-cylinder (E350) and eight-cylinder (E550) form, with the diesel-powered E350 BlueTEC following the gas-powered versions by a few months. New features include night vision, high beams that automatically adjust to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, and Attention Assist, which senses if the driver is getting drowsy. The hot-rod E63 AMG (photo) gets the powertrain from the 2009 SL63 AMG: The 518 horsepower version of AMG's 6.2 liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission with an electronically-controlled mechanical clutch in place of the torque converter. A diesel version, the E350 BLUETEC, joins the lineup during calendar year 2010. G CLASS: The box-on-wheels gets a round of minor improvements: Body-colored door handles, more chrome, a sport-tuned exhaust system, leather dashboard, heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, 115 volt power outlet, and a spare tire cover. GL CLASS: (photo) M-B's largest SUV gets updated styling (new headlights, taillights and bumpers), new wheels, and an updated interior with a revised instrument cluster, seats, ambient lighting, and standard burl walnut trim. GL550 models get heated and ventilated seats and LED daytime running lights as standard. The diesel-powered GL320 BLUETEC is now called the GL350 BlueTEC, although the powertrain is unchanged. The new POST SAFE system unlocks the doors and shuts off the engine after a crash. GLK CLASS: Mercedes' new entry-level SUV, the GLK350 (photo), is their answer to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Acura RDX. Based on the C350 sedan, the GLK boasts unique styling and a very attractive starting price -- under $35,000. * 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 test drive * 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 photo gallery ML CLASS: All MLs get burl walnut trim, a leather steering wheel, and the POST SAFE system (see GL Class). Mercedes' first use of the Two-Mode hybrid system they developed in partnership with GM, Chrysler and BMW will come in the form of the ML450 hybrid (photo). The all-wheel-drive ML450 gets an Atikonson-cycle 3.5 liter V6 and two electric motors, for a combined output of 335 hp and 381 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy figures (21 MPG city/24 highway) are significantly better than the ML350 (15/20), well behind the 2010 Lexus RX400h (28/26), and similar to the diesel-powered ML320 BLUETEC (18/24). Speaking of the ML320 BLUETEC, it's now called the ML350 BlueTEC, although the engine remains unchanged. R CLASS: The diesel-powered R320 BLUETEC has been named R350 BlueTEC, although the engine hasn't changed. All Rs gets tinted side glass (blue on the R350 BlueTEC - get it?), darkened tail lenses, a nicer leather-wrapped steering wheel, and POST-SAFE (see GL Class). S CLASS: (photo) Mercedes' flagship sedan gets updated styling, interior improvements, and several new active safety features including automatic high-beams, a lane-departure warning system, driver drowsiness detection and an active body control system that can compensate for crosswinds. Also new: An updated stereo, variable ratio steering, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Even bigger news is the addition of the S400 hybrid (photo), which uses a 279 hp 3.5 liter V6 boosted by a 20 hp electric motor. The car will not be able to run on electric power alone, as is the case with the ML450, but Mercedes claims the S400 will achieve 29 MPG in the EPA highway cycle, compared to 22 MPG for the V8-powered S550. Meanwhile, the S63 and S65 AMG models get a new Torque Vectoring Brake system, a modification of the electronic stability control system that reduces understeer, and the Active Body Control system now provides crosswind stabilization. SL CLASS: The big roadster gets a nicer leather-wrapped steering wheel, variable-ratio Direct Steer steering, HD radio and SIRIUS real-time traffic as standard. SLK CLASS: The new SLK300 Diamond White Edition gets Diamond White metallic paint, unique interior trim, AMG-style wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. SPRINTER: Mercedes-Benz will take over marketing of the Sprinter van, which was formerly sold in the US as a Dodge. Sprinters will continue to be sold under the Freightliner badge as well. BEYOND 2010: E-CLASS: A wagon will join the sedan and coupe in mid-2010, badged as a 2011 model. The E wagon will be available in a single model, the E350 4MATIC, with a 3.5 liter V6 engine and all-wheel-drive.

Honda's new 3R-C concept, a single seat battery-powered electric vehicle, is set to make its world debut at the Geneva motor show next week. It will take center stage at the stand alongside the EV-N show car, U3-X electric personal mobility vehicle and the FCX Clarity, the Japanese automaker's fuel-cell electric vehicle. Created by European designers working at Honda's Research and Design facility in Milan, the three-wheeled 3R-C concept envisions a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, keeping the center of gravity low and improving stability. With a clear canopy that doubles as a protective windsheild and covers the driver's seat while the vehicle is parked, the 3R-C's designers also created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure and improve comfort. The three-wheeled concept also features a 'safety shell' seat with high sides – to reduce the threat from side impact – and a lockable storage area ahead of the driver.

Porsche will reveal the second generation Cayenne at the Geneva motor show next week. Longer and lighter than its predecessor, the new SUV is more powerful yet more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. It will also be available with a hybrid powertrain for the first time. Though the changes appear to be subtle, the new Cayenne's design is now more closely aligned to that of other Porsche models. The front face employs similar headlamps as the Cayman and the LEDs, tucked into the upper corners of the gaping airdam, are akin to those on the recent 911. The rear end, however, with its taillamps bleeding over onto the rear fender, have an innate Japanese-like design quality. We hope they will be better experienced in the metal. Along with the 48mm increase in length, the new car's wheelbase has also been extended by 40mm, offering occupants more space and variability inside. The most significant enhancement within the interior is the center console – with its upright gearshift lever – rising up to the front, lending a more sporting character to the cockpit. The new Cayenne will be available in Europe from May.

Lexus is poised to reveal the CT 200h at the Geneva motor show next week. The new car is the first compact model from Toyota's luxury brand, and it will also be the first full hybrid vehicle launched in that segment. Previewed by the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, the production CT 200h design is an evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy. It also reflects the design language of its larger siblings in its front face, roofline and slingshot window graphic. The exterior design is said to maximize aerodynamic efficiency through the corners and fender design, while the taillamp design displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model. The interior features contrasting use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces. The asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car – split into an upper 'display zone' and a lower 'operation zone' – low driving position and 2600mm wheelbase have all been effectively transferred into the production design. Worldwide sales of the CT 200h are expected to begin in late 2010.