BMW has officially unveiled its new M5, the fifth generation of its popular performance sports saloon.

Sporting a newly-developed high-performance M-series engine, the M5 has been eagerly awaited since a pre-production model appeared earlier this year.

The high-revving 4.4-liter engine has “typical M car thrust,” says BMW, with a power rating of 412kW (552hp) from the twin-turbo V8 engine.

Luxury hotel chain Fairmont is to roll out BMW bikes to all of its worldwide hotels, it confirmed this week.

The bikes program, which was introduced last year at some of the chain’s North American hotels, appears to have proved so popular that it will now be rolled out around the world in time for summer.

The BMW Cruise Bikes, which feature Suntour suspension and a brake routing system, retail at over €800 but are available for Fairmont’s guests to use on a complimentary basis, complete with locks and helmets.

BMW is gearing up to unveil its first electric car under the new BMW i brand, according to reports from Germany.

The Munich-based automaker is set to unveil the i3, the first of two initial all-electric models, this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new model will feature a 100 kW electric motor and a range of 160 kilometers with an expected market launch in 2013.

The BMW i sub-brand was launched earlier this year by the German manufacturer, promising to put two electric vehicles on the road in the shape of the i3 and the i8.

BMW revealed the 328 Hommage concept just before its show debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este near Lake Como, Italy last weekend.

Based on the Vision Connected Drive Concept revealed in Geneva, the 328 Hommage is a modern interpretation of the classic sports car from the 1930s.

Bathed in that distinctive diagonal carbon fiber weave, the 328 Hommage focuses on lightweight construction through carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a radical overhaul of its A-Class compact at Auto Shanghai. The German automaker said that the new Concept A-Class was “the first heartbeat of a new generation.”

It signals a major departure from the boxy outline of the current A-Class, popular in cities because of its small size, in favor of a long hood, low silhouette and more sporty appearance.

Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener said that the new look was inspired by “the wind and waves, as well as aviation engineering, resulting in this ‘cool’ look.”

While most people are worried about what the exterior of a car looks like, it makes sense as a driver to pay at least a little attention to the interior.

Ten cars were honored last week in the prestigious “10 Best Interiors” list from US publication Ward’s Auto, ahead of the magazine’s Interiors Conference next month.

Those selected for recognition were an eclectic mix, with economy vehicles sitting alongside luxury models from the likes of Audi and BMW.