BMW

2010 BMW 328i Sport Wagon

What it Is: A compact five passenger luxury wagon.
What's Hot: Adds much-needed utility to 3 Series sedan.
What's Not: Not as Family Friendly as competition.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, Bluetooth, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score: The 2011 BMW 328i Sport Wagon's biggest advantage is its enhanced cargo area, which dwarfs the trunk space of the 3 Series sedan. Still, the price remains high, and fuel economy could be better.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.1

2010 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon

What it Is: A compact five passenger all-wheel drive luxury wagon.
What's Hot: Adds much-needed utility to 3 Series xDrive sedan.
What's Not: Not as Family Friendly as competition.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, Bluetooth, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score: The 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon's biggest advantage over the sedan version is its enhanced cargo area, which dwarfs the 3 Series sedan's trunk space. All-wheel drive also adds expense and reduces fuel economy.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.0

2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i

What it Is: A five-passenger, all-wheel drive luxury crossover.
What's Hot: Big cargo area, BMW panache
What's Not: Base price is nearly $40,000
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, Bluetooth
How It Got Its Score: The 2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i scores pretty well for an expensive luxury crossover thanks to its large -- even for the class -- cargo area.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 7.3

2011 BMW 328i Convertible

What it Is: A compact four passenger luxury convertible.
Who it's For: Parents who want a second car and only occasionally need a rear seat.
What's Hot: Hard top convertible roof offers few compromises.
What's Not: One of those compromises: A tiny trunk.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 328i convertible isn't really a family friendly vehicle. But if mom or dad wants a cool car to enjoy sunny weather, at least this has a back seat for the kids.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 5.7

2011 BMW 328i Sedan

What it Is: A compact five passenger luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 328i is a hallmark of European styling and one of the best selling cars in its class. Unfortunately, its small size, cargo space and high price drive down its Family Friendliness score.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 6.7

2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan

What it Is: A premium compact five passenger all-wheel drive luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility and all-wheel drive traction.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 328i xDrive adds all-wheel drive to a car that's already fun to drive. However, it also adds to the price and hurts the fuel economy, dragging down its Family Friendliness score.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 6.4

2011 BMW 335d Sedan

What it Is: A premium compact five-passenger diesel luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility, diesel fuel economy.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335d offers very good fuel economy compared to its gasoline-powered brethren, but it's also one of the most expensive regular 3 Series models you can get, which mitigates that advantage.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 6.7

2011 BMW 335i Convertible

What it Is: A compact four passenger luxury convertible.
Who it's For: Parents who want a second car and only occasionally need a rear seat.
What's Hot: Hard top convertible roof offers few compromises.
What's Not: One of those compromises: A tiny trunk.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335i convertible is an indulgence for parents, since its tiny trunk and two-passenger rear seat preclude using it as a family hauler. But as a second car for sun worshipers, it's hard to beat.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 5.6

2011 BMW 335i Sedan

What it Is: A premium compact five passenger luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335i is a premium car, and you'll pay a premium price for it. That hurts its Family Friendliness, as does its small trunk and compact dimensions.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 6.4

2011 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan

What it Is: A premium compact five passenger all-wheel drive luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility and all-wheel drive traction.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive adds all-wheel drive to a car that's already a blast to drive. Unfortunately, it adds to the cost and hurts fuel economy at the same time.

Quick Specs

Family Friendliness: 6.4