It’s virtually impossible to improvise on perfection, but BMW has taken a stab at it with the new 2008 BMW 550i Sedan, which has features offering technology, safety and reliability. Its Active Cruise Control uses radar measurements to maintain pre-set speeds between the vehicle and others, and can adjust speeds to surrounding traffic patterns.

Also impressive is the ‘08 550i’s navigation system, which uses Real Time Traffic Information. This system can avoid traffic by finding alternate routes, and can also find shorter or faster routes to the destination.

The 2008 550i Sedan is bound to get second looks with its exterior features including chrome-line trim, metallic paint and halogen free-form foglights. Also impressive, but practical, are rain-sensing windshield wipers and power-adjustable, heated, body-color side-view mirrors.

Interior comfort is provided with the 550i Sedan’s Dakota leather upholstery and 10-way power front seats with power head restraints. There’s also automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and a power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel. An antitheft AM/FM CD system with 10 speakers keeps occupants entertained. There’s also MP3 playback capability and pre-wiring for installation of satellite radio capability.

Features like the 550i Sedan’s dual front airbags and front and rear seat head protection show this ride is a safe one to be in. Also, children are protected with automatic locking retractors on all safety belts for installation of child-restraint seats.

The 550i Sedan also offers high performance, with its V8 engine getting 360-horse power, while using a 6-speed manual transmission, electronically controlled engine cooling and direct ignition.

BMW’s 2008 550i Sedan is a vehicle that combines innovation, safety and convenience, so it’s likely to make a lot of buyers happy this year.