AT A GLANCE

TECHNOLOGY: BMW’s cutting-edge performance tech is the benchmark for the world.

HISTORY: The automotive portion of BMW was founded in 1928; the company allowed Rolls-Royce and Bentley to start using BMW engines in the early ‘90s.

FAMOUS MODELS: 5 Series, Z4 Roadster

KNOWN FOR: Precision  engineering, high-performance sports sedans and advanced, forward-thinking style.

Pushing the envelope

BMW isn’t afraid to try new things. As a company with decades of experience engineering some of the finest automotive machines on the planet, BMW has made its reputation with its meticulous, highly functional design, but has also remained relevant by refusing to simply settle into a groove.

Aside from designing a new test electric vehicle, BMW is also exploring the opposite end of the sustainability spectrum with a rugged, no-doors, no-roof, no-extra-padding outdoor vehicle that makes you wonder if you’re in a car at all.

The overwhelming success of the Z4 Roadster, with its incredibly sleek body and smooth handling, has kept BMW exactly where it needs to be—pushing the design envelope without sacrificing either precision or style. Consider the classic, an intelligent vehicle that functions as a family car but also has the exhilarating driving dynamics of a top-notch sports sedan.

Because BMW manufactures a vehicle for every type of lifestyle and refuses to stop innovating on a variety of fronts, the company is poised to continue achieving magnificence in the years to come.

For 2013, BMW’s continued focus on “efficient dynamics” and the evolution of its aggressive styling make the brand as compelling as ever.

It’s another reason this German brand has spent decades as a leader in the auto industry.

2013 VEHICLES TO WATCH

7 Series

The newly updated 2013 BMW 7 Series will again set new benchmarks in its class for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety.

M5

Now, in its 5th generation, the all-new BMW M5 is poised to redefine the performance envelope possible in a luxury sedan.

6 Series

The big news for the 6 Series in 2013 is the addition of the Gran Coupe to the lineup, offering supreme comfort for four adults.