9:45 AM - BMW has announced this morning that for the first time, they have surpassed the 1-million mark in worldwide sales, totalling 1,24 million units sold.They showed off their latest version of their xDrive four-wheel-drive system, which will be available in the upcoming 5-Series sedan and wagon, due in summer 2005. The new xDrive is said to have a reaction time of under 0.1 seconds, to optimize all-weather traction.The new M5 was also introduced, powered by a 5.0-litre V10 developing 500 horsepower, which is 25% more than the previous model. It will be available in fall 2005, and will be the fastest M-Series vehicle ever built by BMW.The much anticipated 3-Series is absent from Detroit, but the brand announced its introduction for this spring, so it might turn up at the New York auto show at the end of March.The H2R hydrogen-powered performance car was shown off, which has a 6-litre V12 that develops 285 horsepower. The H2R is said to reach 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) in less than 6 seconds and can attain 304 km/h (190 mph).Finally, BMW said that they will launch a bi-fuel version of their 7-Series sedan in the near future, which can be propelled by either gasoline or hydrogen.Pictures by Ray Watson of Auto123 are available in the PHOTO GALLERY .
BMW tops 1 million vehicles sold for the first time