Bert Smith BMW

Luxury brand BMW takes aim at Lexus this year by doubling the number of hybrids it will be offering drivers. The German company will increase its lineup from two vehicles to four with new hybrid variants of the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 series. So far, Lexus has had a kind of monopoly on luxury-hybrid vehicles, but with this move, the automaker will be truly challenged for the first time.

True BMW enthusiasts know the M5. Since the moniker was originally introduced in 1984, the vehicle has evolved into a dynamic blend of track horse and luxurious business sedan. And, while it might seem like just yesterday when the BMW M5 first launched, the 2012 model year marks the fierce sedan's fifth generation.

Having gained immense wisdom over the past few years, BMW has infused the M5 with benchmark-setting efficiency, comfort, and efficiency-boosting technologies…