Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2002

Midsize Luxury Sedan

Winner: BMW 5 Series
"Performance and luxury in a highly-capable package."

So you say that you want the sheer exhilaration and driving thrills of a sports car, yet you need the capability to tote four of your closest cronies? Look no further than the BMW 5 Series. From its properly balanced rear-wheel-drive configuration, its sublimely supple yet taut suspension and its Steptronic automanual (or a Getrag five-speed manual to warm the cockles of driving enthusiasts everywhere), the 5 Series proves that there needn't be a compromise between wants and needs. Three choices of powertrain await you. A 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine that makes 185 horsepower moves the 525i models. Step up to the 530i, and you get a 3.0-liter inline six that makes a healthy 225 ponies. Under the hood of the 540i sedan sits a 4.4-liter V8 with 290 horsepower that provides 0-to-60 mph acceleration times in the low 6 seconds. As befitting a luxury car, the BMW can be optioned with almost every convenience imaginable. The fact that the 5 Series is in the last year of its generation yet can still garner pitty-pats from our car-geek hearts is testament to its greatness. And if you need more cargo space, take a look at our choice for the Most Wanted Luxury Wagon.