The Complete Buyer’s Guide to BMW Cars

Having now been in operation for more than a century, BMW currently stands as one of the most elite and sought-after luxury car brands on the planet. While all Roundel-badged automobiles are synonymous with luxury and performance, the Bavarian brand’s ever-growing lineup has made it increasingly difficult to wrap your head around the company’s entire model range — or figure out which Bimmer is right for you. So, with this in mind, we’re taking a deep dive into the brand, exploring its illustrious history before breaking down each model currently offered by BMW.

The BMW that we know today was a vastly different company when it was first founded in Munich, Germany in the Spring of 1916. Originally operating under the banner of “Bayerische Flugzeugwerke,” the outfit got its start by producing airplane engines, with its inaugural offering being the BMW IIIa — a straight-six aircraft mill. A few years after the conclusion of the first World War, the firm would officially change its name to Bayerische Motoren Werke — German for “Bavarian Motor Works” – in 1922, at which time it pivoted from churning out aircraft engines to also focus on civilian vehicles, introducing its first motorcycle — the R32 — in 1923 before following it up with its first car — a rebadged Dixi known as the BMW 3/15 — half-a-decade-later in 1928.

On the heels of the Axis’ defeat in WW2, BMW was barred from manufacturing aircraft, car, and motorcycle engines, leading the German outfit to produce household goods like pots and pans, as well as bicycles, in order to sustain itself in post-war Germany. Roughly three years after the global conflict, BMW was given the green light to restart motorcycle production — four years before recommencing automobile production in 1952. Over the next decade, the company would struggle financially — at one point nearly being bought out at the tail end of the 1950s by its main rival Daimler-Benz — though it would ultimately stay afloat, just barely skirting bankruptcy on numerous occasions.

In the early 1960s, BMW would start developing its modern reputation as a world-class producer of sports cars, slowly rolling out a number of iconic model ranges that remain in production to this day. In 1962, BMW would introduce its new class of sport compact sedans, eventually giving way to the incredibly influential 2002 in 1968. The 1970s were a time of rapid development for BMW, debuting the 5 Series range in 1972 followed up by the 3 Series in 1975, the 6 Series in 1976, and then finally the 7 Series in 1978 — the same year BMW’s newly-formed M Division (formerly known as “BMW Motorsport”) would release its first production road car with the mighty M1 supercar. This would lay the foundation for the arrival of the M5 and then the M3 in 1984 and 1986, respectively.

Over the subsequent four decades, BMW would further cement its reputation as a leading luxury car (and motorcycle) brand, steadily raising the stakes in terms of performance capabilities and overall luxury with each new model year. Another long-term defining trait for the Bavarian brand has been its propensity for innovation — introducing the first motorcycle (the R12) with hydraulically-damped telescopic forks in 1935, debuting the first fully-faired production bike (with the R100RS) in 1977, unveiling the first-ever adventure motorcycle (the R80GS) in 1980, and releasing the first ABS-equipped motorcycle (with the K100) in 1987.

And this knack for innovation very much lives on today. Alongside paving the way for hybrid supercars in 2011 with the i8 concept, BMW has also been leading the charge in the research and development of other cutting-edge systems such as self-parking and autonomous driving, as well as user connectivity, numerous safety advancements, and the company’s eDrive tech. BMW was also the first automaker to introduce a fully-variable valve lift system, and it has continued its tradition of motorcycle innovation with the objectively envelope-pushing electronics package present on its S 1000 RR superbike.

Not unlike most other luxury car brands competing in the space, BMW utilizes an alphanumeric naming convention. Models beginning with lower numbers are always the brand’s smallest and least expensive cars. This same naming system also applies to BMW’s X range of SUVs, which it calls “Sport Activity Vehicles.” The initial numbers that denote a vehicle’s model range are followed by a second set of numbers that relay the engine’s size. There used to also be a final suffix that correlated to the type of engine being used, such as “d” for diesel and “e” for hybrid, though BMW did away with this system after the debut of a hybrid engine in the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series models. There are also some finer points to BMW’s naming system which we will further unpack in the BMW terminology section directly below.

There are a handful of key phrases and terms with which you should be familiar when shopping for a BMW. Below, we’ll quickly define more than two dozen of the most crucial and commonly-used BMW terms.

ACC: Active Cruise Control.

ACS: Active Comfort Seats.

ACSM: Advanced Crash Safety Module.

ADAS: Advanced Driver Assistance System.

ADB / ADB-X: Automatic Differential Braking.

ADS: Engine intake air control.

ALPINA: A high-end and thoroughly renowned BMW upgrader and tuner with close ties to the manufacturer.

Baur: A famous Stuttgart-based coachbuilder that was founded by Karosserie Baur and began converting BMW models in the 1930s. Interestingly, Baur is also responsible for producing all of Porsche’s 959s.

Bimmer: Pronounced “beamer,” a slang term for a BMW car. This stems from motorcycles, specifically BSA models, which were referred to as “Beezers,” ultimately inspiring others to refer to BMW’s motorcycles as “Beemers.” This term would then evolve into the word “Bimmer” amongst auto enthusiasts.

Claus Luthe: A legendary BMW designer responsible for penning numerous iconic models such as the famed E30 M3.

Competition: An up-specced model variant that typically boasts improved power figures and more track-oriented componentry.

Gran Coupe: A four-door coupe model with a sporting and aggressive sweeping roof-line.

Gran Turismo: A four-door sedan designed specifically for grand touring with features such as a higher rear roofline and a more spacious trunk.

Hoffmeister Kink: Like the iconic kidney grille, the Hoffmeister Kink is another signature design element of BMW’s in which the rear windows possess a curving at their rear pillars.

i Models: This is the naming system for BMW’s hybrid and electric models.

Kidney Grilles: A particular style of two-piece grille, first popularized on the BMW 2002. Kidney grilles have also played a massive role in inspiring the appearance of the brand’s latest vehicle designs.

M Class: BMW’s top-of-the-line high-performance sports cars.

PHEV: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Roundel: The term for BMW’s logo, which is not actually based on a spinning airplane propeller as commonly believed but rather derives its look from the Bavarian state colors.

sDrive: This denotes a BMW car or SUV that possesses a two-wheel-drive setup.

Sport Activity Vehicle: The term BMW uses for its SUV (ie X) models.

xDrive: This denotes a BMW car or SUV that boasts a four-wheel-drive setup.

X Models: This is the naming system for all of BMW’s SUV and crossover models.

Z Models: This is the naming system for all of BMW’s two-door roadsters.

A decade or two ago, understanding BMW’s M lineup was fairly cut and dry, with a simple dichotomy of M cars and non-M cars. In the intervening years, however, deciphering this prestigious badge has become markedly more complex. At present, BMW produces eight fully-fledged M cars — the M3, M4, M5, M8, X3 M, X4 M, X5 M, and the X6 M — alongside 20 additional M Performance cars. Unlike full-on M models that boast a considerable amount of extra power and a track-focused array of running gear, M Performance cars tend to focus only on trim levels and so-called “M design features,” such as race-inspired seats, steering wheels, and shift knobs, minor aero elements, and at times, upgraded wheels and tighter, lowered suspension packages.

This up-specced M line exists in order to occupy the space between BMW’s base model offerings and its full-fledged M performance cars — the latter of which have become increasingly exorbitant since the turn of the millennium. Unlike the full M models, these cars sport a smaller M badge followed by their model numbers. And while one could easily be forgiven for assuming these M Performance models are equipped with greater horsepower and torque figures, this is seldom the case, with many of these models’ spec-sheets being nearly identical to their base-model counterparts. In addition to features such as M rims and steering wheels, models outfitted with the M Sports Line also come with a sports instrument cluster and are typically offered in a wider array of color options. This is an incredibly crucial distinction as it separates offerings like the 328-hp M340i-spec 3 Series from the 473-hp M3, or the 523-hp X5 M50i from the 600-hp X5 M.

In keeping with current trends in the automotive space, BMW now offers a wide range of cars with over two dozen base models, comprised of everything from family-haulers to high-performance sports cars to full-size SUVs. Below, we’ll be delving into a brief overview of every single model currently offered by the German marque.

X1

Powered by a 2.0L twin-turbocharged inline-four engine mated to an eight-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes, the X1 is BMW’s smallest and most compact “Sports Activity Vehicle” — as well as the German marque’s most-accessibly-priced automotive offering. Winner of a plethora of prestigious awards, the BMW X1 is also available in AWD (xDrive) and FWD (sDrive) variants.

Purchase: $35,400+

2 Series

Produced in two-door (Coupe) and four-door (Gran Coupe) versions, the 2 Series is BMW’s entry-level sports car that makes up for its lack of power with its ultra-svelte roughly 3,500lb curb weight. Boasting BMW’s signature aesthetic in a smaller package, the 2 Series is also offered in the up-specced M-package-equipped M240i xDrive version, and with or without a manual transmission.

Purchase: $35,700+

X2

While BMW’s X1 is a sub-compact SUV — or “SAV” — the brand’s X2 is a sub-compact crossover model that’s kicked along by the same 228-hp 2.0L twin-turbocharged inline-four found in the X1. With a lower roofline and a center of gravity that’s closer to the ground, the X2 affords nearly the same amount of storage and utility as its X1 counterpart while boasting markedly better performance capabilities. 

Purchase: $36,600+

3 Series

First introduced in the mid-1970s as the successor to the game-changing 02 Series, the 3 Series has long been BMW’s best-selling model by a substantial margin — accounting for nearly one-third of the company’s total sales — thanks to offering an ideal combination of performance and luxury in a convenient and practical package. Currently in its seventh generation, the 3 Series is produced in more than half-a-dozen different model variants. 

Purchase: $41,450+

X3

The SUV-counterpart to the ever-popular 3 Series, BMW’s X3 is a sporty compact Sports Activity Vehicle that’s been in production since 2003. Also manufactured in a top-of-the-line M version, the X3 represents BMW’s mid-sized offering, occupying the space between the smaller X1 and X2 and the larger X5 and X6 models. 

Purchase: $43,700+

4 Series

An off-shoot of the legendary 3 Series first introduced In 2014, the BMW 4 Series is an ultra-sporty coupe that’s been engineered from the ground up with a major focus on performance, making for a track-ready ride that still lends itself to daily driving duties. As of 2022, the 4 Series is now available in two-door, four-door, and convertible versions — as well as in a mighty M-spec. 

Purchase: $45,800+

Z4

Originally introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Z3, BMW’s Z4 is a two-door, two-seater roadster penned by Danish automotive designer Anders Warming. Unveiled at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the current third generation (G29) of the Z4 utilizes the same 255-hp platform as Toyota’s current (J29) Supra. Offering a limited top speed of 155mph and a 0-60mph time of 5.2 seconds, the latest Z4 is also available with paddle-shifters, launch control, and a myriad of other track-derived amenities. 

Purchase: $49,900+

X4

Another “Sports Activity Coupe,” the couple-shaped X4 is a surprisingly high-performance crossover that packs a twin-turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that puts down 248hp and 258ft-lbs of torque — translating to a 130-mph top speed and the ability to fire off 0-60mph runs in six seconds flat. Like the Z4, the X4 is also available with paddle shifters and launch control, though the model is also produced in a top-of-the-line M variant. 

Purchase: $51,800+

5 Series

Another immensely popular longtime model from the Munich marque, the BMW 5 Series is a mid-sized luxury sedan that’s consistently managed to outsell competing models like the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. Not unlike the smaller 3 Series, the 5 Series offers a superb mix of luxury and utility in an even larger, more spacious, and more comfortable package. In addition to producing the sedan in four, six, and eight-cylinder engine options, BMW also offers the 5 Series in a wide array of model variants, including an electrified version, an M-package-equipped model, and a top-of-the-line full-fledged M version.

Purchase: $54,200+

i4

Released earlier this year, BMW’s i4 is the brand’s latest fully-electric vehicle, as well as the company’s first fully battery-powered model to be offered with an available M-package (with the i4 M50). At the heart of the German-built electric vehicle is a 335-hp single motor setup that draws from an 81kWh Li-ion battery that allows for just over 300 miles of autonomy on a single charge — as well as a top speed of nearly 120mph and a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds. 

Purchase: $55,400+

X5

Debuting just before the turn of the millennium in 1999, the X5 represented BMW’s first-ever dedicated SUV model and was so successful, that it would prompt the brand to steadily roll out an additional handful of Sports Activity Vehicles over the subsequent years. Now in its fourth generation (the G05), the latest X5 is currently offered in regular petrol-powered versions (with the sDrive/xDrive40i) as well as in a PHEV variant (with the X5 xDrive45e). What’s more, BMW also offers limited-edition versions of the X5 with offerings like the Black Vermilion X5. 

Purchase: $59,400+

X6

Essentially a Sportback version of the X5, the BMW X6 is a mid-sized luxury crossover that offers much of the utility of the X5 in a much sportier and more high-performance package. Despite sharing much of its platform with the X5, the X6 affords substantially better handling and feels dramatically more planted, especially in the corners. BMW also produces the X6 with an available turbocharged V8 version (with the X6 M50i) as well as in a hybrid V6 model (with the X6 xDrive40i). 

Purchase: $67,350+

X3 M

Here we have the first full-fledged M model on our list with the X3 M. And while this sporty subcompact car looks similar to the regular base model X3 — albeit with some sleeker aero bits — the M-spec is a very different beast under the surface, replacing its 248-hp 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine with a markedly larger and more potent 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder that puts down 473hp and 457ft-lbs of torque. The X3 M also shares its engine with the regular M3. 

Purchase: $69,900+

M3

Whether or not you consider yourself a “car person” or “gearhead,” you’ll almost certainly be familiar with BMW’s legendary M3. An ultra-high-performance variant of BMW’s best-selling model, the base model M3 generates 473hp and a 4.1-second 0-60mph time, though BMW also offers the even higher-specced M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and M3 Competition Sedan which both offer 503-horsepower outputs and 0-60mph times of 3.4 seconds and 3.8 seconds, respectively. 

Purchase: $69,900+

X4 M

A no-holds-barred, insanely-sporty crossover, BMW’s X4 M is a shockingly high-performance model that manages to deliver sub-four-second 0-60mph runs thanks to the same forced-induction 473-hp powertrain utilized in the M3 and M-spec X3. The available M Competition Package further increases the X4 M’s already impressive performance capabilities, bringing its 0-60mph time down to 3.7 seconds, while also gaining additional elements such as Competition forged wheels, M Compound Brakes, and M Sport seats.

Purchase: $73,400+

M4

The M4 is without a shadow of a doubt BMW’s purest true driver’s car, with ultra-sharp handling and otherworldly acceleration, capable of delivering 3.4-second 0-60mph runs (on the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe). On top of an incredibly sleek and aggressive appearance, the M4 is made all the more appealing by elements such as a Head-up display and available M Carbon Fiber bucket seats. The latest M4 also marks the first time that the brand’s M xDrive system has been made standard on a BMW model. 

Purchase: $74,700+

X7

First unveiled in 2018, BMW’s X7 is the Bavarian brand’s full-size SUV. The model boasts BMW’s typical brand of luxury and performance while affording ample storage space with a whopping  90.4 cubic feet of real estate (with the rear seats folded down). And, while the base model is undeniably an impressive vehicle in its own right, BMW also offers the more high-end X7 M50i and the even more exclusive ALPINA XB7 — the latter of which packs an ALPINA-tuned 4.4L Bi-Turbo V8 with 612hp and 590ft-lbs of torque. 

Purchase: $74,900+

iX

Another freshly-released model from BMW’s all-electric i range, the iX is a thoroughly state-of-the-art EV with an impressive spec sheet. The vehicle is powered by a pair of synchronous electric motors that together afford 516hp — allowing for a sub-4.5-second 0-60mph time. The iX also boasts a range of up to 324 miles, plus its battery pack — which is offered in a number of sizes — can receive as much as 90 miles of autonomy after only 10 minutes of charging (using a DC Fast Charger). 

Purchase: $83,200+

8 Series

Originally produced from 1990 through 1999 — during which time it was offered with an optional V12 engine — before being revived once again in 2018, the BMW 8 Series is an ultra-luxurious grand tourer that offers a world-class combination of performance and comfort. The 8 Series is produced in two-door (Coupe), four-door (Gran Coupe), and convertible variants — all three of which are also available as fully-fledged M models. 

Purchase: $85,000+

M2 CS Coupe

An ultra-high-performance, limited-edition model variant of BMW’s 2 Series, the M2 CS is a road-legal, track-focused machine that packs a 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine that’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission and is good for 444hp, 406ft-lbs of torque, 3.8-second 0-60mph times, and a top speed of just shy of 175mph. Brimming with track-derived race DNA, the M2 CS also features BMW’s Adaptive M Suspension as standard, along with a limited-slip differential, Carbon Ceramic brakes, and a plethora of available carbon fiber elements such as a full carbon roof, carbon front splitters, and carbon surrounds for the model’s M Sport exhaust system. 

Purchase: $83,600+

7 Series

The 7 Series first debuted in 1978 and has stood as BMW’s flagship offering ever since. Starting from around $86K, the 7 Series is produced with a variety of different powertrain options including a 3.0L inline-six, a hybrid 3.0L six-banger, a 4.4L V8, and a top-of-the-line 6.6L V12 engine option — all of which are turbocharged. Like the X7, the 7 Series isn’t currently offered as a full-fledged M model, though BMW does sell a spare-no-expense, 600-hp ALPINA-built version with the B7. 

Purchase: $86,800+

M5

Starting with the brand’s already popular 5 Series sedan, the M5 hugely benefits from a host of technology and features derived from BMW’s Motorsport program. Representing a massive boost in performance over the regular 5 Series, the M5 makes up to 379 more horsepower than the base model, with a 4.4L V8 BMW M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine that’s good for as much as 627hp. The M5 also affords the ability to fire off 0-60mph runs in only 3.2 seconds. 

Purchase: $103,500+

X5 M

A mid-sized SUV that packs a 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8, the M-spec X5 offers remarkable performance capabilities considering its 5,455lb curb weight, thanks to its eight-cylinder engine generating a whopping 600hp and 533ft-lbs of torque straight off the showroom floor. Further distinguishing it from the regular X5 are features like a staggered steering wheel equipped with a set of paddle shifters, a carbon fiber interior trim package, an upgraded suspension setup, an up-specced differential and brakes, and an optional Competition Package.

Purchase: $105,900+

X6 M

In addition to featuring a 617-hp 4.4-liter V8 BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine under its hood, the M-spec X6 sports a slew of upgrades over the regular X6 crossover including a heavily revised interior, better suspension, brakes, and wheels, and a sleek aero kit that includes numerous carbon fiber elements. The X6 M is also manufactured right here in America at BMW’s Spartanburg Plant in South Carolina.

Purchase: $109,400+

M8

BMW’s 8 Series is already an objectively incredible car, however, the full M version of “The 8” takes its performance capabilities to new heights with a 4.4L V8 BMW M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine that puts down up to 617hp, translating to a (limited) top speed of 156mph and a 0-60mph time of three seconds flat. Riding on 20” performance wheels shod in performance run-flat tires, the M8 — which is offered in a dozen different livery options — is also available in convertible, Competition, and Gran Coupe versions. 

Purchase: $130,000+

M5 CS

BMW’s most exotic and exclusive offering currently available on showroom floors — as well as its most powerful — the M5 CS is a limited-production model engineered specifically for the racetrack. Adorned in a dark green livery juxtaposed via gold-bronze wheels and accents, the M5 CS features M Carbon Ceramic brakes, Pirelli track tires, and a carbon-clad interior with a map of the legendary Nürburgring printed on the headrests of the car’s M Carbon bucket seats. The 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine at the heart of the M5 CS makes 627hp and 553ft-lbs of torque, allowing for a lightning-fast 2.9-second 0-60mph time that puts it firmly in supercar territory. 

Purchase: $142,000+

Honorable Mention: i8 M

While BMW recently discontinued the flashy and futuristic i8 hybrid, the Munich manufacturer plans on bringing back a new and improved, 600-hp version of the hybrid supercar for 2023 with what will likely be christened the BMW i8 M — a model that will presumably be an M-package equipped — or full M model version — of the already impressive Bavarian supercar, as well as a new halo car for the brand.

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