Entry-level BMW.Under the hood there is more proof that this is no poseur, as the 1 Series is available with the same superb inline-6 engines as the BMW 3 Series. True, the 2012 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive for a compact car, especially when one doesn't exercise restraint while perusing the various option packages. The 2012 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.
The 128i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, eight-way manual front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker stereo with a CD player, HD radio and iPod connectivity.
The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment.The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark "Shadowline" exterior trim and an increased top speed.
The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The rear-wheel-drive 2012 BMW 1-Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined regardless of transmission. The automatic convertible gets 18/27/21, however.A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional.
The manual-equipped convertible gets 19/28/22.Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill-start assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2012 BMW 1 Series.
Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads. Driving ImpressionsIt'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2012 BMW 1 Series on a winding road.
The 2011 Mulsanne is Bentley's all-new super luxurious flagship.Compromise isn't a concept easily associated with the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne. While the smaller Bentley Continental captivates the new-money hip-hop crowd, the Mulsanne is decidedly old-school. If you go by EPA fuel economy estimates, the Mulsanne gets 30 percent better fuel economy than the old Arnage.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is offered in one very well-appointed trim level. Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to leather upholstery for nearly every surface, wood trim, glass switchgear, heated 14-way power front seats with memory, heated eight-way power rear seats with memory (outboard seats only), four-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and power rear-window privacy screens.
Well-heeled clients will likely indulge in the long list of options that include 21-inch wheels, a "Flying B" radiator mascot, chrome exterior accents, rear privacy glass, ventilated seats, a heated and wood-veneered steering wheel, alloy pedals, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, ambient mood lighting, a Naim premium audio system and twin 8-inch rear-seat monitors.
The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is powered by an all-new, twin-turbo 6.8-liter V8 that produces 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.
SafetySafety features for the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne include front and rear side airbags for the head and thorax, stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist and automatic hill hold.
Naturally, comfort is paramount with any luxury car, and the Bentley Mulsanne excels in this arena. Driving ImpressionsDespite a portly 5,700-pound curb weight, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne moves with the urgency of a much lighter car.
The 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports gains a new convertible stablemate (reviewed separately) but the coupe returns unchanged.
The 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports seems trapped between two disparate worlds. Furthermore, it's fairly likely that the next Continental Supersports will adopt many of the 2012 Continental GT's improvements.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports is a two-seat high-performance version of the Continental GT coupe that is offered in a single well-appointed trim level. There are fewer options available on the lightweight, performance-oriented Supersports compared to the regular GT.
Powertrains and Performance The 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 that produces a whopping 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard. In Edmunds performance testing, the Supersports hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds on its way to its stated top speed of 204 mph. Standard safety features for the Continental Supersports include antilock carbon-ceramic disc brakes, stability and traction control, and side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special Features Seat issues aside, the Supersports' interior is as beautifully made as any other Bentley.
Driving Impressions Tipping the scales at approximately 5,000 pounds, the 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports is no featherweight.
Entry-level BMW.Under the hood there is more proof that this is no poseur, as the 1 Series is available with the same superb inline-6 engines as the BMW 3 Series. True, the 2012 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive for a compact car, especially when one doesn't exercise restraint while perusing the various option packages. The 2012 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.
