BMW X5 News

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSBMW i3: BMW will bring the high tech i3 city car down under from September, with the pure-electric i3 BEV expected to start at about $60,000, and a range-extended i3 REX version with a 647cc petrol generator further up the price scale. (Approximately $60,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)FAMILY CARSInfiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes' new C-Class sedan and wagon are due around mid-year, with a range of new engines and an 80mm wheelbase stretch to help combat the also enlarged BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS rivals. Drivetrain availability from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre C180 and 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre C200 petrols, and the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel C220. A smaller diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and more powerful petrol engines will come later. (Approximately from $60,000)Tesla Model S: The long-awaited Tesla Model S pure-electric passenger car is due to arrive locally in the second quarter, with the five door hatch balancing style, performance, and all-electric tech in equal measures. (Approximately $80,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)LUXURY CARSLexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)SUV/4WDAudi RS Q3: The company’s first RS-badged SUV will arrive in February, with the RS Q3 borrowing its 228kW/420Nm five-cylinder heart from the TTRS, and promising 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $81,900)BMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)BMW X5 sDrive 25d: BMW will add the first two-wheel drive X5 to the new 2014 lineup early in the year, with a price-leading $82,900 2.0-litre turbodiesel sDrive 25d undercutting the existing all-wheel drive xDrive 25d by $5000. (Approximately $82,900)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will score SYNC-inclusive revisions by the end of the year, ahead of its 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAlfa Romeo 4C: Alfa will bring a limited number of its limited-build 4C sports car to Australia in around June, with the mid-engined, carbon-chassised performance hero expected to lob for as little as $75,000.Peugeot RCZ-R: Building on the brand’s reignited performance cred thanks to the excellent 208 GTi, the French brand will also add the hot RCZ-R to the lineup in the second quarter, with a highly tuned 199kW version of the existing petrol version’s 1.6-litre turbo. (Approximately $70,000)CONVERTIBLESBMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)  

Need to do the school run, but worried about having to dodge bullets -- and possibly machine-gun or mortar fire? It's a war zone out there, and you need a rolling fortress like BMW's armoured X5.Based on the third-generation X5 arriving here in November, the X5 Security Plus offers what BMW says is the world's first armoured 'Sports Activity Vehicle' to have a VR6 rating, meaning it's able to withstand attack from weapons like the AK-47 and simultaneous detonation of two DM51 hand grenades under the body.You'd never know, at a casual glance. The BMW X5 Security Plus  -- and its VR4-rated sibling, the X5 Security -- discreetly look like normal vehicles, and it would take a trained eye to spot the armoured enhancements.For the VR6 rating this means an armoured passenger cell built from high-performance steel, including sealed joints in critical areas to stop bullets or shrapnel. The glass is a security laminate about 3cm thick with an inner polycarbonate coating to prevent cracking, and the engine electronics are protected by ballistic-warding aramid mats.But there's no point in warding off an attack if you can't get away, so under the bonnet is a 330kW twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with drive going to all four wheels. They're shod with run-flat tyres,  foiling any plans to puncture tem and stop your escape, and giving you a range of 150km -- easily enough to get well away from even the toughest supermarket carpark altercation.The extra wardrobe brings extra weight and a higher centre of gravity, but BMW has adapted the chassis, electronic management and brake systems to cope --  and claims the Security models perform and handle similarly to normal X5s.There are also optional LED flashing front lights and rear LED messaging board, and while we can all think of some uses for these, they're available only to official authorities.The armoured X5s are already being used here and overseas by government departments, but are also being bought by private owners, BMW Australia says -- although they stop short of revealing how many are sold."It's quite low numbers -- it's quite a specialised area," BMW spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says. "They are used by governmental organisations around the world, but some of them do go into the private sector."Obviously the majority of people who buy those cars don't necessarily want us to talk about it -- they have high-security, high-profile clients and they need their privacy to be respected," she says.Fletcher says that the handover process for the Security models goes well beyond the full-tank-and-carwash you'll get from a normal new car dealer."We have our own special vehicles division here in Australia who have the knowledge of the vehicles and are able to do a fairly comprehensive handover to the client," she says. "But on an international basis there are also specialised areas, like a  security driving school with different levels of expertise -- because if you are going to buy one of the cars, you'll need to know how to operate them correctly."Fletcher would not be drawn on the full specifics of the training, but said it covered a range of terrains and conditions -- including night-driving, rain, snow and ice  -- all with a focus on a safe exit."The training is specifically designed to ensure the ongoing security of your passengers if you are in a situation that may compromise their security," she says. "It focuses on avoidance of accidents and intervention by other vehicles."However she is unable to give an idea of what this level of vehicular confidence will cost you, saying that the price depends on individual specification. And while the adage is that if you have to ask, you can't afford it, we think that if you have good reason to be asking the price of an armoured BMW, you probably can afford it.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Armoured vehicles are a necessary form of transportation in certain parts of the world. The occupants need to be protected, so they turn to vehicles that offer up a sense of comfort as well as a sense of security and safety.These vehicles don't have to be large, military-based monstrosities either. In fact, the modern armoured vehicle looks very normal from the outside. It's only when you start taking a closer look that you realise something different is going on under the skin.BMW has some customers in various regions of the world that need more protection than seat belts and airbags can provide. They now have a vehicle that's up to the task in the form of the X5 Security Plus concept.The BMW X5 Security Plus, based on the latest 2014 X5, features a body that's been built around an armoured passenger cell. It's constructed of high-strength steel and is capable of protecting four occupants from an assault by AK-47 machine guns.The panel gaps are backed by sealed joints which prevent bullet fragments from sneaking past, and the windows are made from a polycarbonate material which can also handle attacks from blunt weapons. The glass will not shatter into the cabin.Of course, it's still a BMW, which means it can also use its performance to get the driver and passengers out of harm's way. Under the hood is a turbocharged V8 engine that produces 335kW.BMW has worked to refine the chassis and engine management so that it handles the extra weight from the security features. The automaker has stated this allows the X5 Security Plus to handle just as a standard X5 would. That's important, because escaping the second round of attacks is just as important as surviving the first round.www.motorauthority.com

Some crossovers and SUVs have gone through seemingly radical transformations as of late, perhaps risking rugged reputations in favour of a little more on-road finesse and dynamic vigour. That's not so much the case with the all-new 2014 X5; BMW keeps the focus of the X5 remarkably close to that of its original 'Sports Activity Vehicle' mantra--except there's more technology and style, warmer cabin appointments, and a little more lean performance.While the second-generation model that was introduced for 2007, BMW introduced more power, better handling, and an array of in-cabin luxury and technology features that was more in sync with what you might find in the automaker's flagship sedan models. The all-new third-generation X5, which will reach US dealerships beginning in the fourth quarter of 2013, takes it a step further.Initially, there will be three models in the X5 lineup. The familiar 220 kW, 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine is the base engine, in the xDrive35i, while the X5 xDrive50i includes the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8, making 330 kW and 650 Nm of torque, as low as 2,000 rpm. Then a few months later, an xDrive35d model will join the lineup, powered by a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 190 kW and 560 Nm. Acceleration times are improved throughout, with V8 models capable of getting to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds and xDrive35i models making the dash in 6.2 seconds. And for the first time--perhaps eyeing the success that Infiniti has had with its FX--BMW is adding a rear-wheel-drive sDrive35i model.Curb weight is reduced by up to about 100 kg--enough of a difference that we expect to feel behind the wheel. There's also new electric power steering throughout the model line. All models include an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all but the base sDrive35i have xDrive all-wheel drive. Click into Eco Pro mode, and the X5 will recalibrate a host of systems for better fuel-efficiency, with Auto Start/Stop included.There's plenty of emphasis (and some important option boxes to check) on road performance. Go for the Dynamic Handling Package, and you'll get Active Roll Stabilization in addition to Dynamic Damper Control and a rear air suspension. Opt for the M Sport model and you can get an Adaptive M suspension that pairs Dynamic Damper Control and the air suspension with a stiffer, sport-tuned setup.One chassis advancement is Dynamic Performance Control (part of the Dynamic Handling Package), a system that manages xDrive and more finely controls the power split for the system, taking “handling dynamics and directional stability to new levels,” according to BMW.The new X5 has been nipped, tucked, and far more gracefully sculpted than the models before it—and you can see influences from the latest X3 along with BMW's latest sedans. The combination of tapered roofline and somewhat lowered beltline give the X5 a bit more of a sport-wagon look than before. Meanwhile, the front airdam design is complex, with several levels of detailing that come together in a way that's possibly overwrought (we'll wait 'til we see it in person).The front kidney grille is “thrust forward,” as BMW puts it, while it's supplemented with a smirk of a horizontal intake just below—and a larger intake down below. Headlights are set high up, and better-detailed than ever. Meanwhile, alongside BMW succumbs to the side-gill look, with a character line swooping upward to the LED taillights, which notch inward at a cleanly styled hatch.Those side gills, however, are functional—part of new drag-reducing Air Curtains that guide airflow around wheel arches. Meanwhile, the X5 is the first BMW to feature so-called Aero Blades—air-channeling elements that work together with the roof spoiler.Inside, the design will be instantly familiar to anyone who's been in other late-model BMWs. Only here the horizontal-shelf layout, with a cockpit-style instrument zone, is wrapped over (and just behind) by a separate layer that merges in with the rest of the dash at the door trim. Poplar wood trim is standard, and Dakota leather upholstery is standard on the xDrive50i and available on the other models. For the first time, two interior design packages (Ivory White and Mocha) bring lighter or warmer interior combinations than what's been previously offered by BMW.Luxury Line and xLine packages bring more personalization, with coordinated interior trims that are a step more attention-getting—with Satin Aluminum and high-gloss finishes in the xLine and a blacked-out grille chrome strips, and some sporty cues for the Luxury Line. The M Sport adds a body kit, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails, sport seats, an anthracite headliner, and various other high-performance cues.The second-row seat in the X5 can now be split 40/20/40, for more flexibility, and they're adjustable for rake. If you get the optional third-row seats, there's separately a new Easy Entry function. Overall cargo capacity is up seven percent versus the previous model, BMW says, and there are new storage and door pockets that can hold larger bottles. The tailgate is still split in two sections, with the upper section including power operation. Get the power tailgate system, and it can be opened from the keyfob or the driver's seat.Active-safety features are heavily represented in the X5's hefty list of options. LED front foglamps are included across the model line; all X5 models now include Adaptive Xenon headlamps, while Adaptive LED headlamps are optional. New features include the Active Driving Assistant (Lane Departure Warning, and a pedestrian collision system with braking), plus ACC Stop & Go (full-range camera-radar cruise control), and a new Traffic Jam Assistant that maintains following distance and keeps the vehicle at the center of its lane by providing steering input. BMW Night Vision and a head-up display remain on offer, as well as a Parking Assistant, Surround View system, and Active Blind Spot Detection.Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is also available as part of a BMW Assist Convenience Plan, and BMW Apps (now with various audio-app options) are now standard. And buyers have a choice of two premium-audio systems—Harman Kardon or Bang & Olufsen. A BMW Navigation system is standard in all U.S. X5 models, and it has a new freestanding 10.2-inch screen and touch pad.http://www.thecarconnection.com 

The recall, affecting about 1600 vehicles in Australia built from January 1 2007 to March 5 2010, is part of a global defect notice on 35,000 X5s in the US and Canada.BMW says a vacuum hose leading to the brake booster has the potential to bleed oil into it, damaging an internal rubber membrane and leading to the loss of power braking assistance.If that happens, the car can only be effectively braked if the driver pushes the pedal extremely hard – and with some drivers unable to exert enough pressure there is the risk of the vehicle not stopping soon enough or in a short enough distance to avoid collision.“The immediate fix is to replace the hose with a modified that eliminates the problem,” BMW spokesman Scott Croaker says. “However if oil has got into the booster, we will replace the whole booster.”The problem was discovered when overseas warranty claims increased, and Croaker says there have been no brake failure incidents reported in Australia.Owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest BMW service centre, or call the BMW Australia Customer Service on 1800 813 299. 

Free M suspension and dress-up bits will help maintain BMW’s average of one in every two cars being sold with an M Sport pack.Anyone who picks up a 5 Series or Z4 between now and March 31 will get a free M Sport deal, which runs from stiffer suspension, lightweight wheels and an aero package to sports seats, alloy interior highlights and a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel. That’s a saving of up to $7900 on the entry level BMW 520i.Buyers of a 1 or 3 Series coupe and convertible will gain the same tweaks, along with differing alloys and gloss-black kidney-bar grilles rear light surrounds and for 1 Series buyers. Step up to a 3 Series and the deal includes chrome kidney-bar grilles, metallic paint as a no-cost option, sports seats, alloy pedals and black-backed exterior mirrors.BMW has dubbed the promotion the “Festival of M” and says the savings range from $2500 to $7900. BMW spokesman Scott Croaker says it isn’t so much of a run-out as it is a value adjustment as the model dates.“The 1 and 3 Series coupe and convertible won’t be run out until the end of the year and the upgrades reflect the corporate policy of adding value as the vehicles near the end of their production run, Croaker notes. “The specific M Sport offer recognises that 50 per cent of our customers already take the option and reacting to that.”BMW is also selling a new X5 M Sport Limited Edition based on the three-litre turbodiesel. The pack costs $99,000 driveaway against a regular $72,600 price for the 30d and adds a body kit, 20-inch alloys, chrome tailpipe, auto tailgate and bi-xenon headlamps with high-beam assist. BMW says it adds more than $15,000 to the donor car.

The German SUV hero is also being forced upmarket by the latest X3, which is the same size as the original X5, and there a strong rumours it will be available for the first time as a seven-seater. 

The Commodore SS is so good it's headed to the USA to become a hotrod Chevrolet and will spearhead the heartland brand's NASCAR racing drive in 2013 and beyond.The Ford Falcon with EcoBoost motivation sets a new standard for big cars with baby engines and the Territory is selling strongly since it got an overdue diesel engine for motivation.The Toyota Camry and Aurion prove that Australian factories can still build world-class quality, with tasty local tweaking for our roads and drivers. So, what's gone wrong for the Australian carmakers, who are winding back and cutting jobs almost across the board?The simple answer is that we're spoiled. And spoiled rotten. More than 50 brands are plugging their stuff in Australia today and that means the choice and value has never been better. When you add the impact of the healthy Australian dollar, which makes cheap cars from Thailand and Korean even more affordable, the imports get an unbeatable head start over the locals.The only exception is the Holden Cruze, but we'll get to that later. So, why would you buy a Falcon or Commodore for family use when you can get a flexible SUV with more equipment for the same money, or even less?And it's a sad fact that the big, traditional Aussie cars are unfashionable on the school runs that are now dominated by the SUVs like the Nissan Dualis, Kia Sportage, Toyota LandCruiser and - at schools for toffs - BMW X5s and Benz MLs. The only possible exception is the muscular Holden Sportwagon, and we'll also get to that later.The real problem is with the meat-and-veggies cars that have been Australian staples for around 50 years, but don't provide the same taste or satisfaction today. Imagine trying to compete with Asian fusion cooking or the latest tasty Tapas using fifties-style burnt roast beef and baked spuds.In many ways, the three surviving local makers - Nissan folded in the eighties and Mitsubishi shut down in 2008 - are victims of their own long-term success and poor planning. They didn't need to change for the longest time, especially when Holden was exporting the Commodore to America as a Pontiac and Toyota was banking big bucks from its Middle East sales, and now they have been overtaken by rapid changes in showrooms.Every month there are more people moving to SUVs and small cars, which the locals - apart from the Cruze - don't make. And there is zero chance of Toyota switching to the Corolla or Ford Australia making a case to bring the Focus to Broadmeadows - even though it was once part of the forward program at the same time as Holden was committing to the Cruze - because small cars mean small profits, but the start-up costs would be more than $500 million.Ford and Holden say they are committed to the Falcon and Commodore until the end of 2016, and Holden has a much longer timeline thanks to the profits and flexibility it gets from the four-cylinder Cruze. But the VF coming next year and the updated Falcon in 2014 will be the last truly Australian cars.After that, if they still need a big car in a downsizing world, Ford and Holden will be looking to the USA and imports. That means big problems for the companies that Toyota chief John Conomos once said were locked into the 'rust belt' with Ford or Holden traditionalists from the fifties and sixties.These days, the younger generations who grew up with Toyota Corollas and then Hyundai Excels don't even consider a Falcon or Commodore, despite the incredible value of such big and comfortable cars with sub-$40,000 starting prices. By world standards, those prices are outstanding and the cars are way better than the everyday Chevrolets and Fords in the USA, but they rumble under the radar.Sales of big cars have been sliding for more than a decade and the Falcon is the most obvious victim. The company is winding production back to just 148 cars a day - and half of those are Territory. Holden is also being hit much harder now and, after losing its title as Australia's favourite car to the Mazda3 in December the Commodore could only manage eighth in June, its worst place since it hit the road in 1978.The Camry and Aurion are doing a little better, helped by a model change this year, the strength of Toyota's sales network, and the proven drawing power of a four-cylinder engine and the latest hybrid. All three local carmakers now rely on massive government subsidies and handouts - Ford much prefers to call it 'co-investment' - to keep them in business.The $100 million-plus update for the Falcon in 2014 would not have been possible without cash from Canberra, while Holden's recent profit of $90 million is - in a bizarre coincidence - almost exactly the same as its latest government support package.Both brands are now banking the expertise of their designers and engineers, who undertake a range of global projects from their bases in Fishermans Bend and Broadmeadows, but it's not nearly enough to give them a long-term future as local manufacturers.Holden has made a just-in-time jump from the Commodore to the Cruze, and Toyota in Japan is committed to an Australian car making outpost, but it's only a question of time before Ford is faced with the hard-line decision to close. At the time Mitsubishi decided to shut its factory in Adelaide its family-focussed 380 sedan was easily the best car it had developed or built in Australia. It was dowdy but did the job, as resale values now prove.It's looking like the same story for the Falcon, which is better today than ever before - and surprisingly frugal as an EcoBoost four - but not new or trendy or flashy enough for car buyers who have been won by the newer, tastier treats arriving almost every day from somewhere else in the world.FORD TERRITORY DIESELThe Territory with the diesel isn't just a good car, it's great. It has real performance, flexibility, towing power and the price is nice. But - and it's a giant elephant in the room - the updated engine arrived at least four years too late. A diesel Territory was approved way back when the late Geoff Polites was running Ford Australia - after bulldozing the Territory past the bean counters in Detroit - but the decision was reversed and then reversed again for the final go.Broadmeadows also failed dismally to respond to quality glitches and suspension dramas, tainting a hero it should have been boosting. Right now, half of the cars coming off the production line at Ford Australia are Territorys and that percentage is likely to rise as more people hook up with the bolder new look and quality boost, as well as banking the advantage of the diesel under the  bonnet.Ford Territory - compare this carPrice: from $48,240Engine: 6 Cylinder, 2.7-litre turbodiesel, 140kW/440NmTransmission: Sports Automatic, Four Wheel DriveThirst: 8.8 / 100Km  HOLDEN COMMODORE SS SPORTWAGONWhy would you buy a European car when you can get this much punch and panache for less than $50,000? When Holden changed gears on the Commodore wagon, taking it from a basic long-wheelbase hauler into a flexible family escape machine, it knew the Sportwagon was a gamble.But it's worked well and the proof is the number of buyers who go for a V8 in the nose and SS or Calais trimming. They are happy to pay for the bells-and-whistles because the car looks good and kicks. It's almost impossible to pick the Sportwagon from the Commodore sedan in any sort of driving, even with a full fun factor, and the tail end gives BMW-style flexibility for young families or singles with weekend hobbies. Sportwagon-style smart thinking is what is going to keep Holden going as a local maker, provided it can zero-in on a workable package for the Commodore beyond 2016.Holden Commodore SS Sportwagon  Price: from $49,790Engine: 6.0 Litre 8 CylinderTransmission: 6-speed, manual rear wheel driveThirst: 12.2l/100Km  TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRIDThe new greenie from Brand T is actually a closet performance car. It can run electric in stop-start city traffic for a maximum eco boost, but gets a battery belt when you want to go. It's one of the coming generation of hybrid cars - think BMW, think Mercedes, think Subaru - which will use extra boost from batteries to provide honest performance with only a small-capacity combustion engine.The new Hybrid is also part of a Camry family that's been totally changed for 2012, with new looks, more comfort and better value. Best of all, the Aussie Camry is tweaked and tizzied a home for local owners and roads - even though it's still a solid earner with exports to the Middle East.Toyota Camry Hybrid - compare this carPrice: from $34,990Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 118kW/213NmTransmission: CVT, front-wheel driveThirst: 5.2L/100km, 121g/km CO2  

 ... the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class with an entry price of $81,400. All X5s will now come standard with the company's "Innovations Package". BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says the package amounts to more than $16,200 of extra value on the base 3.0-litre turbodiesel, which is priced at $92,100. The equipment upgrade includes xenon headlamps with high-beam assist, a reversing camera, electric front seats, satnav system and head-up display. A pair of electric exterior mirrors and an automated tailgate completes the pack. Scott says the pack addresses the equipment difference between the rivals and points to the BMW's better performance compared to the 2.1-litre engine in the Mercedes. "I can't see us putting a four-cylinder into an X5 purely from a performance point of view," he says. Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says imitation is the highest form of flattery. "We said it was game on when we revealed the M-Class," he says. "It's still game on . but now we've got more players on the field." "They (rivals) don't know what to do about this (car). The ML is priced between the BMW X3 and X5, so it's going to take sales from both. The same applies to the (Audi) Q5 and Q7." How they rate: