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2010 BMW 5-Series GT Car

Depending on whether you like the way it looks, BMW's new segment-buster is either a stroke of genius or proof that the company's design department has suffered a collective stroke. The Gran Turismo will hit the market later this year as a 2010 model, likely with twin-turbocharged powerplants-an in-line six for the 535i GT, a V-8 for the 550i GT. The GT is based on the next-generation, F10-chassis 5-series, and it's about as wide and as long as a short-wheelbase 7-series. Sliding rear seats offer the choice between 7-series legroom for two rear passengers or extra luggage space, and a novel hatch allows the cargo area to be accessed like either a hatched wagon or a conventional trunked sedan.

Despite its controversial styling, we think the GT will have tremendous presence on the road thanks to its imposing proportions. And BMW might be on to something-as the world moves away from the eco-guilt of boxy SUVs, this tall sedan/coupe/hatchback might be the body style of the future.

BMW X6 Active Hybrid

A hybrid X6 will go on sale later this year, and unlike BMW's other European-market hybrid systems, this is a full-on, two-mode hybrid that uses technology jointly developed with General Motors, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz. BMW promises, however, that the X6 will remain a driver's car despite the practically incomprehensible powertrain dance that a dual-mode system does.

2011 BMW 5-series An all-new 5-series is scheduled to arrive for the 2011 model year with a selection of turbocharged engines and loads of technology features from the 7-series-including BMW's new and vastly improved iDrive. A wagon should debut shortly after the sedan.

2012 BMW 6-series An all-new 6-series luxocoupe, again based on the 5-series, is due for 2012 in both hardtop and convertible form. The ragtop will retain its fabric roof-but not, we hope, the current 6's frumpy styling.

2010 BMW 7-series The 7-series was brand-new for 2009, but it gets a number of fresh additions for '10. A first-ever all-wheel-drive version of BMW's largest sedan arrives this fall. Shortly after comes a mild hybrid, which will use auto start/stop and other technologies to reduce its thirst for fuel. A V-12-powered 7-series is also on the way. Expect it to feature twin turbos and produce monumental power.