The 2013 BMW X3, which is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, proves that good things come in small packages.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i averages a remarkable 21 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, which is an improvement from the previous X3 model’s gas mileage figures.

The BMW X3’s remarkable fuel economy rating means that BMW X3 drivers will spend less time pinching pennies at the pump and more time enjoying the smooth driving experience in BMW’s versatile sports activity vehicle.  In addition to the smaller and more fuel-efficient engine, the BMW X3 xDrive28i is equipped with additional fuel-saving features including an automatic start/stop function and the Driving Dynamics Control system.

This latest BMW X3 model is set to begin production in April and is expected to be available in U.S. dealerships later this summer.  While we anxiously await the 2013 BMW X3’s arrival, please keep checking our blog to learn more details about the exciting features that will be available on the BMW X3.  We also invite you to stop in to your local Peter Pan BMW dealership to learn more about the innovative fuel-saving technology on this popular sports-activity vehicle.

The BMW M6 convertible will be released in the U.S. in June 2012, but drivers interested in the 2013 M6 coupe will have to wait until late summer 2012. The four-seater, sporty M6 soft-top convertible has a sleek exterior outfitted with fender vents, a twin kidney grille, an M6 badge, and 19-inch wheels.  Drivers can experience the versatility of the 2012 BMW M6 convertible in a mere 19 seconds, which is the precise amount of time that it takes the M6 to lower its convertible soft-top while the car is traveling at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.

BMW drivers that want a powerful sports car should look no further than the M6, which is equipped with a twin turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that muscles out an impressive 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque.  In a quick 4.2 seconds the BMW M6 coupe bolts from zero to 62 miles per hour.  The authoritative V8 engine is complemented with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a balanced aggressive and smooth ride. Although official fuel efficiency ratings have not been released for the M6, the new engine is expected to boost fuel economy by approximately 30 percent.

Already thinking about summer and the BMW M6? The 2012 M6 convertible will likely debut in U.S. dealerships in June 2012, and at your local Peter Pan BMW dealership we think that the BMW M6’s long-awaited return will be the perfect start to summer.

The laser beam technology would likely premiere in the BMW i8 and i3 models, which are part of BMW’s sub-brand focused on electric and energy-efficient vehicles.  Laser headlights can increase illumination because the laser technology emits a higher intensity light.

Laser beam technology not only sounds cool, but it is also energy efficient.  Laser-powered headlights would consume about half of the energy, compared to the amount of energy BMW’s current running lights expend on average.  Also, the laser headlights’ low power consumption makes this technology the perfect addition to BMW’s hybrid and electric car lineup.

BMW also hopes to use laser technology to develop safety features, such as an advanced optical system that would be capable of spotting hard-to-detect pedestrians at night.  The BMW i8 concept car features the Dynamic Light Spot technology, which recognizes and illuminates a pedestrian with a bright laser beam.  In addition, the laser beam headlights will be about 1,000 times brighter than LED headlights, which will significantly increase a driver’s visibility at night.

If laser-based lighting in headlights is successful, BMW also plans to incorporate laser technology for turn signals or brakes because the intense brightness will alert other drivers and possibly reduce accidents caused by miscommunications between drivers.

Although laser beams can be dangerously bright, BMW assures drivers of Belmont luxury cars that the laser technology will not cause any damage to humans, animals or wildlife.  To make the laser beam technology safe for use in vehicles, the original bluish laser beam is converted into a bright white light using fluorescent phosphor material in the headlight.

We may have to wait a few more years before we can feel like Batman and cruise in a car equipped with laser beams.  But until then, we encourage you to stop by your local BMW dealer.  Mountain View drivers are welcome to browse our wide selection of BMW’s luxury vehicles at Peter Pan BMW.

The first Mission: Impossible movie was released in 1996 and with its unpredictable plot it was immediately a new favorite action thriller among moviegoers of all ages.  This December, the long-awaited Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol will be in theatres across the country, and drivers of Belmont luxury cars might notice a familiar car in a starring role: the BMW 6 Series.

Ethan Hunt (Cruise) will be driving the BMW 6 series in the action thriller, which was filmed in Mumbai earlier this year.  The BMW 6 Series is the perfect fit for the newest Mission: Impossible movie because it is the ultimate luxurious sports car.

BMW 640i Coupe

BMW 640i’s newly designed exterior is offered with xenon adaptive headlights, corona headlight-rings and power-folding side-view mirrors.  Drivers can also choose from a selection of standard or metallic paints to find the perfect color for their 6 Series coupe.  While driving the 6 Series, it is inevitable to feel like a movie star because the luxurious interior features Dakota leather upholstery accented with gray poplar wood trim.

The BMW 640i coupe is outfitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, which pumps out an impressive 315 horsepower and peaks at 332 lb-feet of torque.  This model also achieves high fuel efficiency with approximately 31 miles per gallon for highway driving.

BMW 650i Coupe

Drivers of Belmont luxury cars can feel like action stars in the BMW 650i with its voice command technology, night vision safety feature and Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.

In the BMW 650i there is some more power under the hood because the coupe is equipped with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine, which boasts 400 horsepower.  The 650i also features an 8-speed sport automatic transmission with driving dynamics control.

If you are interested in driving up to the theatre to see Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in the same car that Tom Cruise will be driving during the movie, then stop by your local BMW dealership drivers recognize Peter Pan BMW as one of the best BMW dealerships in the area, so please come in and browse our selection of BMW’s luxurious sports cars.

Due to new government regulations for fuel economy, the 2012 M5 redesigned model has improved fuel efficiency, but still is just as speedy as its predecessor, the 2006 M5. The newest M5 is equipped with a V8 engine particularly designed for this model.  The addition of the Valvetronic variable valve control improves throttle response and improves fuel efficiency by approximately 30 percent.

Okay so all this new engine talk is exciting, but how fast can the M5 go? The answer: super ridiculously fast.  The 2012 M5 boasts a thrilling 560 horsepower and can sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in only 4.4 seconds.

Another redesign on the 2012 BMW M5 is the new M DCT seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which is a much-needed improvement from the SMG manual transmission in the previous model.  This new transmission, which has six different shift modes, gives the M5 a smooth feel when shifting gears and the driver can feel the more responsive engine.

The M5 steering is hydraulically assisted and some drivers might notice that there is a rougher feel to the steering, but this change is beneficial because it gives the driver more precision in steering control.

Your San Francisco BMW dealership is also thrilled that there are three available settings on the 2012 M5, so the driver can choose his or her setting based on comfort, weather or road conditions.  According to some of the first test drivers, the Comfort setting is best on rough roads, while the Sport Plus setting can be used on the smoothest surfaces (maybe even a racetrack).  For daily driving, the Sport setting is the driver’s likely option.

Ready to get behind the wheel of the 2012 M5 and start your engine?  For more information on this super fast sports car, please visit your local Belmont luxury cars dealership, where our friendly staff will answer any of your questions about the 2012 M5 model.

1. All-wheel drive is all-good

The 2011 BMW 535i xDrive sedan is similar to the 535i model, with the addition of the xDrive all-wheel drive system, which transforms the 535i into a luxury sedan that can survive a variety of weather conditions.  Test drivers have reported that the xDrive handles well in muddy conditions and it is expected to also perform well in winter weather conditions.

2. Pay less at the pump

With the price of gas averaging around $3.50 per gallon in many states, drivers are becoming more concerned about their vehicle’s fuel economy.  Fortunately, the BMW 535i has great fuel economy ratings, especially compared to other cars in the same class, averaging 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

3. Smooth moves

Drivers of Belmont luxury cars will be impressed with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts gears seamlessly for a smooth ride in the BMW 535i model.  The 3.0-liter 6-cynlinder engine is standard on the 535i and also offers plenty of power.

4. Get Comfy

Mountain View used 5 series drivers will find the 535i’s comfortable interior similar to the rest of the 5-Series lineup.  With standard features including a power moonroof, automatic climate control, audio system and HD radio, the BMW 535i is a comfortable sedan that is practical for everyday driving or longer road trips.

5. Stack up the options

BMW offers plenty of options for drivers to choose from when customizing their 535i, including heated front seats, a navigation system and a rear-view camera in the premium package.  The dynamic handling package offers adaptive drive, dynamic damper control and active roll stabilization.  With the addition of the xDrive system on the 535i sedan, many drivers may also be interested in adding the cold weather package, which features a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and retractable headlight washers.

If you want to learn more about the BMW 535i xDrive, please stop by your local Belmont luxury cars dealership to browse our collection of BMW vehicles.

Here are the three most eXtraordinary features on the BMW X3:

Redesigned interior

The 2011 BMW X3 features many improvements in the car’s interior.  The BMW X3 was recently named in Ward’s AutoWorld list of top ten interiors. The X3’s interior feels luxurious with glossy wood trim adorning the doors and center console, combined with the soft touch materials on the dash and leather upholstered doors.  In the first generation X3, BMW received feedback from buyers regarding the lack of appropriately sized cup-holders, but BMW listened to its customers and there are plenty of new cup-holders that will easily fit your favorite coffee tumblers.

Storage Space

The X3’s backseat comfortably seats three adults, but more impressive is the extra trunk space that the X3 offers.  For drivers of Belmont luxury cars who want a BMW car that has practical storage space, the X3 is the perfect option.  The backseat simply folds down to an almost flat surface and provides for several feet of cargo space so you can easily fit your children’s hockey gear, your softball’s teams bats or plenty of groceries inside the trunk.

iDrive system

BMW enhanced the iDrive feature and increased its simplicity and accessibility for drivers.  The iDrive system, which the driver controls from the center console, is integrated with the  screen display on the dashboard.  The driver can access the entire owner’s manual from the iDrive system and it allows the driver to enter a keyword or browse by letter to find different material in the owner’s manual.  If the driver notices a possible concern with his or her X3, the owner’s manual can help the driver determine the source of the problem.  Your San Francisco BMW mechanic is also always willing to make sure your X3 is performing at its highest level.

Please drop by your local BMW dealership to browse our selection of luxury vehicles, including the 2011 BMW X3, or stop in to see your San Francisco BMW mechanic for a tune-up or oil change.

Double the engine:

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has the same engine as the standard BMW 750i but combines it with an electric motor, powered by a 120-volt lithium ion battery pack.  Two engines can only mean one thing: more horsepower.  The ActiveHybrid 7 boasts 455 horsepower, which is significantly higher than the 400 horsepower in a standard 750i series.

Google it:

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has a built-in Google search function to find local addresses and local restaurants or other places of interest.  This feature is perfect to use when traveling and looking for a local pharmacy or when searching to find someplace new to grab a bite to eat. When you click a result, the address is sent directly to the navigation system and you can be smoothly on the way to your chosen destination.

Rocker switch:

A rocker switch might sound like something Aerosmith’s Stephen Tyler turned on every night before he performed, but in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 the rocker switch is placed in the console and allows a driver to change through Comfort, Normal and Sport settings.

Increased fuel economy:

Similar to many hybrid cars out on the market, the hybrid system in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 promotes increased fuel economy. The ActiveHybrid averages 26 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 miles per gallon in the city.

Automatic door-closing option:

The BMW HybridActive 7 model includes an optional soft-close automatic feature, which uses small electric motors to gently pull the doors shut for the last 6 millimeters.  With this elegant feature, there is no need to slam the doors to ensure that they are shut.

Idle stop function:

The HybridActive’s system features an idle stop function, which means that when the car stops at a traffic light the engine goes silent, until the driver takes his or her foot off the brake and the engine revs back to life.  Early reviews indicate that the transition between when the engine is shut-off at stoplights and when the driver presses the accelerator is remarkably smooth.

Lane-changing safety features

There is an option on the ActiveHybrid 7 model for blind-spot detection, which uses warning lights in the side mirrors to indicate another car is present in the blind spot.  Another optional feature, lane departure warning, activates when the car drifts over the lane line and the steering wheel vibrates to notify the driver.

If after reading about the BMW HybridActive 7’s exciting features you want to learn more about this new BMW model, please drop by your local San Francisco BMW dealership, which is proud to be one of the leading dealerships for Belmont luxury cars in the area.  We would be happy to answer any of your questions about the new BMW hybrid luxury sedan, so please visit our professional and helpful staff who can help you find the best BMW model to match your style.

Buyers of Belmont luxury cars will appreciate what both companies contribute to the new F01 B7 BiTurbo – the latest from Alpina in the BMW 7 Series platform. The Alpina B7 is available in a standard or a long wheelbase and with both rear- and all-wheel drive.

What makes each Alpina model special is the hand-crafted engine and this B7 has a modified BMW N63: all-alloy direct-injected 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Specially designed high-performance pistons and reinforced cylinder heads allow for the extra stress from the high compression ratio. Added cooling components also are part of the smoothly functioning system.

On the outside the BMW Alpina B7 is recognizable by its twin double tailpipes and unique lowered spoilers front and rear. Some auto industry snobs feel they look like an afterthought, but we feel they just add to the sporty look and are a bit futuristic. Your San Francisco BWM service center really appreciates the quality of this model.

On the inside, the Alpina B7 has more pleasant surprises. Sport seats with special Alpina leather, upgraded instrument faces, “Myrtle” wood trim, illuminated door sills, Alpina floor mats and a beautiful hand-stitched Alpina steering wheel with button shifters will envelop you in luxury. Customers of Belmont luxury cars will never want to leave the cabin of the B7.

An amazing suspension system with three settings, Comfort, Normal and Sport, and Sport-Plus can be changed easily by the driver and the Dynamic Stability Control system will kick in to offer more aggressive traction and more slip on the driven wheels. San Francisco BWM service customers will make the staff happy when they come in for a tune-up and check.

The BMW Alpina B7 is the ride you’ve been waiting for. It combines sporty luxury and raw power and gives you enough driving modes and technology features to keep amused for a long time.

Ranking fifth overall, BMW was the top luxury brand in the survey, which is conducted annually by Consumer Reports. The 2011 Car Brand Perception Survey got feedback from 1,721 adults in households that had at least one vehicle in a random phone survey.

Vehicle brands are scored according to the total number of time they are mentioned with regard to seven categories and then the number of unaided mentions is figured in. Even if you don’t understand the formula, you can understand that your Belmont BMW dealerships are excited about the outcome.

The brand with the highest perception, perhaps surprising some, was Toyota with a score of 147. Ford was a close second with 144 points, followed by Honda with 121. Another domestic brand was in fourth place – Chevrolet with 102 and BMW was fifth with 93. Right on its heels was luxury brand Mercedes-Benz with a score of 90.

Lexus and Cadillac also made the “best” list with scores in the 60s, but several Luxury brands showed up on the “worst” list, like Land Rover, Saab and Jaguar – all with scores under 15.  So what does this survey mean for the “best” brands? For BMW it’s just another affirmation of what owners already know.

This survey is essential for buyers because it offers a starting point for comparison and an idea of which brands to consider first. Customers of Belmont luxury cars will appreciate that this survey tallies what customers think – not industry analysts or insurance companies. This truly represents how much people enjoy their cars.

Since Consumer Reports is such a highly-respected publication, it not only has the trust of the public, but the auto industry pays attention when CR speaks as well. Belmont BMW dealerships are convinced the brand’s ranking on this list will mean increased sales.