Two of the top manufacturers known in the automobile industry are BMW and Audi. Both names have made it big in the manufacture and sale of quality automobiles all over the world. Let us look at their rich history and current car ranges to have an idea how these two great companies have survived the decades on the top.

BMW or Bavarian Motor Works was founded in 1916. It started as an aircraft engine production but shifted to motorcycle production after World War I. The circular blue and white logo of BMW became popular throughout the world because of their excellent car and motorcycle manufacturing. Over the years, this German company became known as the one of the worldwide manufacturer of high performance and luxury automobiles and motorcycles.

Audi, another German automobile manufacturer, is also known for its luxury automobiles. Its four-ring logo is to represent the four original companies which merged eventually: the Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. Audi is also a manufacturer of both cars and motorcycles and one of its most famous oldest models is the Coupe.

BMW car has its SUV range with the BMW X Series. The BMW SUV range includes the BMW X3, X5, and X6. The Audi SUV range has the Q7 and Q5. Both SUV ranges offer vehicles on both petrol and diesel. Audi is proud of their SUV line because it is one of the most compact SUVs in the market yet offers a very spacious interior. Also, Audi Q5 and Q7 are coupe-shaped, has a long wheel base, and can accommodate 5 passengers. BMW, on the other hand, offers xDrive four-wheel-drive system with fully-variable torque split, six-cylinder in-line engine with four-valve technology.

BMW also offers a convertible range with its 1 and 3 convertible and the top-of-the-line BMW M3 Convertible. Audi’s convertible is the sports car Audi TT available in Coupe and Roadster. With its sleek design, the Audi TT is a winner with its 6-speed S tronic gearbox, a Quattro four-wheel drive, and its TDI engines. Comparing BMW’s M3 with Audi TT, the BMW has a more elegant and impressive overall design.

The sedan series of BMW offers the Coupe range. These are the BMW 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7. These sedan ranges are distinct to each other when it comes to interior and exterior design, road compatibility and engines. The Audi sedan range has the A3, A4, A5, A6 and the A8. Practical yet luxurious, safe and demanding on the road, Audi continues its high quality in style and performance.

Choosing from the two companies of BMW and Audi car would definitely be depending on the buyer’s preferences and general taste for BMW leasing and possibly Audi leasing. Both car ranges offer different yet powerful specifications ideal for contract hire options.

BMW’S redesigned 7 Series was revealed for the first time in early July ahead of its official world debut at the Paris motor show on October 2 – and now have been given a sneak preview of the first ever hybrid version of BMW’s flagship model.

The 7 Series ActiveHybrid will be revealed as part of BMW’s all-new limousine range, including the 750i sedan upon which it is based, at the same show Mercedes-Benz car will unveil its first S-class mild hybrid - the S400 Blue Hybrid, which was developed under a joint-venture program with BMW and goes on sale in Europe in mid-2009.

BMW cars is expected to produce a second-generation version of the hydrogen-powered Hydrogen 7, but the 7 Series mild hybrid is expected to enter production for the US before it in late 2009 – though it may not be offered in right-hand drive guise for markets like Australia.

It differs from the Concept X6 ActiveHybrid revealed last year in that the X6 hybrid concept is a full parallel or dual-mode hybrid that, unlike the 7 Series ActiveHybrid, can be driven in electric-only mode and is the product of a joint-venture hybrid program between Daimler and General Motors. Both the BMW and Mercedes-Benz mild hybrid limousines employ a boot-mounted lithium-ion battery pack (in what Benz claims is the first series-production application of such technology), as well as regenerative braking and idle-stop technology.

But the 7 Series ActiveHybrid differs from the 3.5-litre V6-powered petrol-electric S400 via its use of the new twin-turbocharged direct-injection 4.4-litre V8, which BMW says delivers the same 300kW and 600Nm of torque as offered by the X6 50i.

Combined with the 15kW and 210Nm of peak torque produced by an electric motor integrated into the transmission housing, replacing the alternator and starter, the 7 Series hybrid produces a total of 315kW and 810Nm.

But while the S400 is claimed to deliver combined performance outputs of 220kW and 385Nm with an average fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km, BMW says only that the 7 Series hybrid reduces fuel consumption by 15 per cent compared to the 750i.

In typical BMW style, this new concept car combines a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions with a standard of driving dynamics never seen before even in this class of hybrid cars.

1) BMW 335d
BMW’S 335d showcases how well advanced, efficient, and clean diesel power can be incorporated into a performance-based sport sedan. With 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway fuel economy and gobs of torque, there’s no sacrifice for performance fans here. This car, as per reports, is definitely heading India’s way in the next year or so.

2) Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford’s first hybrid sedan uses a more advanced adaptation of the automaker’s full hybrid system to allow electric driving up to 47 mph, bringing the roomy five-passenger Fusion best-in-class fuel economy. An innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide helps drivers achieve maximum mpg.

3) Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid
The Vue 2 Mode breaks new ground as the first application of GM’s two mode hybrid technology in a V-6 front-wheel-drive vehicle. The compact SUV combines welcome functionality and fuel economy with sprightly performance and a very smooth hybrid powertrain.

4) Smart fortwo
The smart fortwo represents an all new type of vehicle for American drivers. Now, the tiny two-seater that’s been a popular choice in Europe for years has come here, bringing with it a small eco footprint, higher fuel efficiency, and a trendy ‘green’ ride for new car buyers.

5) Volkswagen Jetta TDI
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI builds on VW’s 30-plus years of diesel experience in the U.S. The latest diesel technology is used to enable this fuel efficient, affordable – and dare we say ‘fun’ – clean diesel sedan to meet tight emissions certification in all 50 states.

All five models here are important milestones for their manufacturers. This site is ‘Indian’ so, considering the Indian Market, the Beamer and VW are our favourites. The Volkswagen car and BMW car clean diesels are leading edge models signaling the advent of highly efficient, advanced diesel sedans that meet all emission certifications worldwide. Ford’s Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker’s first hybrid sedan. Saturn’s Vue 2-Mode is GM’s first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo is a micro car with a very small eco footprint.

Of all the five cars for sale, the 335d and the Jetta are the only diesel engined cars. These two cars, keep showing to the world that, Internal combustion engine is still alive, and can give Hybrids a run for their money! What amazed us is Jetta, which gets featured in almost all green journals- the latest being the EPA list. Quite simply the Jetta has become synonymous to fuel economy!