The burning of fossil fuels as a means to travel around and transport goods is an unsustainable solution, but with the technology currently at our disposal is likely to continue for a while yet. The primary means by which to mitigate the effects and engender longer term change is through the development of new car technologies which can power vehicles in an eco-friendly way, but the transition cannot be achieved instantaneously without major changes to our infrastructure. The result is that many car manufacturers are seeking to bridge the gap between petrol and whatever may come next with some environmentally sound cars, helping to reduce carbon emissions and make travel cheaper at the same time.

BMW is one of the world`s most successful car manufacturers and it has been working on a range of energy-efficient vehicles in recent years. The result is the BMW EfficientDynamics series of cars which run on traditional fuels, but use various intelligent engineering features to make them far more efficient to use without detracting from the driving experience that fans of the marque have come to expect. BMW is claiming that the EfficientDynamics vehicles are future proof and offers to prove this on its website by offering direct comparisons between its models and similar cars from major rivals. The results are clear, because whilst performance may vary, BMW car parts and models are almost always far more efficient when it comes to fuel consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide ultimately emitted from the exhaust.

There are eight key ways in which BMW`s eco-friendly engineering works for both car and driver. The first is key modifications to the aerodynamic design of the vehicles to minimise drag and to optimise the engine temperature through carefully located air intakes. The second is an engine which automatically cuts out whenever the car is completely still and then kicks in seamlessly on demand. The third is power steering that operates using electricity, which reduces the weight of the car and improves fuel consumption. The fourth is a system by which the energy generated whilst braking is converted into reusable energy rather than wasted, so the battery is charged. The fourth and fifth ensure that key components are light as well as strong and that the fluids which lubricate the engine are as frictionless as possible. The final two aspects of EfficientDynamics are made up of an indicator which tells you when it is best to change gear to drive efficiently and tyres which efficiently address the road surface and dissipate heat.

Every BMW series has been given an EfficientDynamics work over, from the 1 series hatchback through to the M series sports cars. The advancements in environmentally friendly technologies do not, however, detract from the driver experience. As the technology becomes available in the used car market, cheap car sales sites may render EfficientDynamics models affordable for all, balancing driving pleasure with environmental responsibility.

Mercedes finishing second to BMW is not a comfortable taste for DaimlerChrysler, parent of Mercedes and now owner of The Chrysler Group, maker of Jeeps, Dodges, and Chryslers. Only Volkswagen sells more cars than either make, but when it comes to a predominately luxury line up Mercedes and BMW battle alone amongst German makes with Audi a distant third.

Unlike American automakers, Mercedes is not likely to engage in deep price cuts to attract customers and “steal” sales that they would have made in 2006 for 2005 to stave off BMW. Still, purchasers of Mercedes vehicles should find an even friendlier showroom in which to shop when they negotiate the price on their “C”, “E”, or “M” Classes of vehicles.

So, exactly what has caused the shift in sales? Well, published reports indicate that Mercedes sales continue to rise, but slowly. On the other hand, BMW sales increases are in the double digit category which is what has pushed BMW ahead of Mercedes so far this year. Oddly, it isn’t the luxury cars in each automakers’ fold that is spelling the difference. Unknown to many Americans, both BMW and Mercedes sell cars that are smaller and less luxurious than the cars that appear in the states. Cars that compete squarely against Volkswagen’s Golf and offerings from GM, Ford, several Japanese automakers, and others.

Yes, it is true. Not all BMW or Mercedes models are luxury cars. Unlike in the US where a Cadillac is exclusively a luxury car, both German brands produce cars for the rank and file driver too. It is these types of cars that have fueled both automakers growth and is likely behind BMW jumping ahead of Mercedes.

To counter BMW’s surge, Mercedes does have an ace up its sleeve: the introduction of one or two smaller lines of cars to the U.S. market by 2007. If you haven’t figured it out yet, Mercedes has “A” and “B” Class cars that are smaller and less expensive than the current “baby” Mercedes, what we call the “C” Class. Mercedes hopes that the US market is ready for less pricey cars sporting the venerable Mercedes name and that these sales will propel Mercedes back into the lead.

Of course, what is good for Mercedes is good for BMW as the automaker explores bringing its “1” and “2” series cars to the US to compete for sales. Both lines of cars are positioned against Mercedes “A” and “B” class cars and are the same cars that have bumped BMW’s sales figures up.

Now if only Mercedes would consider importing it’s SMART car to the US market…

The BMW X5 combines the responsive and excellent performance that only a BMW can boast of along with space and room, flexibility, and the all-weather capacity of a sports utility vehicle. Upon its introduction, the BMW X5 holds a 4.4 liter DOHC V8 engine with 32 valves. This engine has the ability to produce 282 horsepower. It can achieve 3,600 rpm with 0 to 60 mph in an acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. In 2001, the BMW X5 continues to utilize the tradition of the BMW vehicles in using inline six cylinder engine. Along with that, it also introduces a new powerplant which is the M54. This new source of power provides better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

The following year, the BMW X5 now featured a specially tuned engine that could provide and create an output of 340 horsepower along with 350 pound feet of torque. The BMW X5 holds a number of options for its exterior colors. The non-metallic choice of colors includes alpine white and jet black. As for the metallic hues, the list contains titanium silver, sienna red, topaz blue, steel gray, pearl beige, oxford green, gray green, and black sapphire. The interior trims have leather color options like beige, pastel green, black, and gray. The leatherette feature comes in two color choices – beige and black. The BMW X5 also offers packages for those people who would like to upgrade and spruce up their sport activity vehicles.

The sport package contains a sport steering wheel, a sport suspension,  door handles that are painted in the vehicle’s exterior paint color, upgraded 18 inch wheels made of alloy, anthracite headliner, white indicator lenses, a shadowline trim, a black chrome exhaust, and a titanium-colored grill. The cold weather package features a ski bag, heated front seats, and headlight washers. For the rear climate package, the list of the features includes rear door sunblinds, rear climate controls, and a privacy glass. The premium package, meanwhile, adds up body colored door handles, a power glass moonroof, light wood trim, power front seats, rear seat back adjustments, a rain sensor, an automatic air conditioning, an on-board computer, and leather upholstery.