5-series

Hands on with the 12.5-inch Samsung Series 3: Thin Series 9 alternative on a budget

More than a month after we got our first surprise peek at the Samsung Series 3, a new mainstream line of Samsung laptops that included some very attractive and affordable 12- and 11-inch ultraportables, the 12.5-inch version of the Series 3 has arrived at CNET's offices. We've taken it out of its box and will be running it through benchmarks and testing it, but for now here are our initial impressions.

Ultrabook, schmultrabook: why pay a lot of money for a thin laptop if you can get one for cheaper? While the Series 3 isn't technically an "Ultrabook" by Intel's definitions--it's thicker and uses a regular non-solid-state hard drive--this little laptop reminds us a lot of the Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E220s. It's nearly the same size and weight and has the same-size screen and keyboard, but features an even faster processor. … Read more

First look: 12.1-inch Samsung Series 3 laptop, a sibling rival to the Series 9?

The Samsung Series 9 laptop: sexy, yes. Expensive, heck yes. Starting at $1,199 for the 11-inch model, it's not for the faint of wallet. Yet, the very same Samsung surprised us at New York press event with a 12.1-inch laptop, part of the Series 3, that feels nearly as lightweight and, according to Samsung, will cost far less: about $749.

The Series 3 will actually represent a vast range of laptop sizes, from 11.6 inches all the way up to 15 inches and higher. However, the 12.1-inch Series 3 on display caught our eye the most. Its metallic trim and clean lines almost give it the feel of a Sony Vaio or an Asus ultraportable, brands we continually see reflected in Samsung's laptop looks.

The unit felt surprisingly lightweight in our hands. Even more surprising? According to Samsung reps on-hand, this little 12-incher has a full-voltage Core i5 CPU, unlike the low-voltage Core processors in the Series 9. It will also be enabled for Intel Wireless Display. … Read more

2011 BMW 535i is bigger, yet also smaller

New for 2011, the BMW 5-Series is bigger, more comfortable, and more efficient. The 535i's peak power remains steady at 300-horsepower, but efficiency climbs by a few MPGs in the city and on the highway, thanks to a new turbo system. New exterior styling creates an appearance that is visually smaller, despite the fact that the sedan has grown in nearly every dimension. It amazingly manages to do all of this with a lower MSRP than the previous model year, closing the value gap between it and the lower priced Japanese luxury-sport sedans.

However, the 535i isn't without … Read more

BMW Night Vision: Spot the deer before it's caught in the headlights

BMW 5 Series sedan is sporting new bells and whistles including BMW Night Vision. The new technology uses an infrared camera with a wide-angle lens to create images of the surroundings based on heat. Warm objects, such as animals or pedestrians, appear as bright shapes.

This 30-second video demonstrates how BMW Night Vision works.

A digital zoom feature captures objects far away. A panning function turns the camera image automatically when the vehicle is cornering, enabling the driver to detect obstacles in the road. Drivers are safer negotiating dark courtyards and garages.

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: The Highlight Reel

The Frankfurt Auto Show (also known as The Frankfurt Motor Show) just concluded another exciting string of showcases for roughly 10 days at the trade fair grounds in the aforementioned city. This automobile exhibition has existed in some form for over a century, and is one of the biggest car shows in the world. This video clip from Edmunds.com gives us a quick snapshot of some of the hottest (and unfathomably expensive cars on display at this year's event.

One of the big themes in this year's Frankfurt Motor Show was electric battery driven automobiles, and there … Read more

A hit GT could kill BMW's 5-series wagon

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- If BMW's new 5-series Gran Turismo proves to be a hit, the company may kill its slow-moving 5-series station wagon in the United States.

The 5-series GT, a coupelike four-door crossover, will debut in the fourth quarter. The wagon's future will be decided in about a year, when a redesigned 5 series debuts, said Martin Birkmann, manager of product and price planning for BMW of North America.

BMW forecasts annual sales of 4,000 to 8,000 units for the 5-series GT. The company won't disclose pricing but says the vehicle will be … Read more

A closer look at the BMW 5 Concept Series GT

Although the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo was officially unveiled at the nternational Motor Show in Geneva in February, this Web video offers a closer look.

BMW focuses on a contemporary interpretation of the classic Gran Turismo. The new model offers luxury, versatility, and a spacious interior.

Good vibrations for new BMW drivers

Drivers of the new BMW 5 series will have the option of an extra tech safety device to ensure that they make it to the boardroom meeting in one piece. The 2008 5 series, which will make its official debut at this week's Geneva auto show, will come with the intelligent Lane Departure Warning system (LDW), which will warn drivers if they are about to cross over a lane-dividing line without using their turn signal.

Rather than sounding a chime or flashing a light on the dashboard (a la the system in the 2007 Infiniti M35 Sport), the BMW … Read more