BMW Models You Need To Know About

Cathleen V
Dec 11, 2020

When it comes to luxury vehicles, many manufacturers want your business, but BMW has regularly topped the charts when it comes to sales. But how do you know whether a BMW is right for your needs? Let’s start by taking a look at their most popular models:

What BMW models are available?

Some of their best-sellers include:

  • X1: $38,811 – $46,075 
  • X2: $40,304 – $47,309 
  • X3: $43,902 – $51,706 
  • X5: $57,353 – $89,665 
  • X7: $72,008 – $78,007 
  • 3 Series: $54,140 – $60,755
  • 4 Series: $46,875 – $67,026 
  • 5 Series: $57,596 – $69,175 

By taking the time to understand everything a BMW has to offer, you can get a better idea of whether it will work for your household.

X1: $38,811 – $46,075

As a subcompact crossover luxury SUV, the BMW X1 includes a wide range of features to make your daily drive better. Available in front- or AWD drive, the inline-four turbocharged engine is paired to a shiftable eight-speed automatic transmission.

Gray 2020 BMW X1 With Mountains View

Lane departure warning, front braking assist, dusk-sensing headlights, a seven-speaker 205-watt stereo, a leather steering wheel, turn-signal mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and wireless charging are among the features you’ll find in the X1.

Specs for the X1:

  • 23-24 mpg city and 31-33 mpg highway
  • 228 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.4 seconds

Safety Ratings for the X1:

  • NHTSA: 5-star safety rating with 4-star ratings for driver front collision and rollover
  • IIHS: Good marks across the board with the exception of an acceptable mark for LATCH ease of use

Expert reviewers mention the X1’s exceptional joy to drive, powerful engine, adept suspension and small size, while owners talk about the vehicle’s performance, compact size, roomy interior, sporty speed and overall fuel economy.

X2: $40,304 – $47,309

The next subcompact luxury crossover SUV in the BMW lineup is the X2. Sharing the same drive and engine as the X1, it has available limited-slip center and rear differentials. Safety features include cornering lights, a post-collision safety system and LED headlamps.

Blue 2020 X2 From Front Side

USB connectivity with external media control, available satellite radio, keyless ignition, adaptive stop and go cruise control with active driver assist, Harman/Kardon premium audio, 10-way power driver’s seat with height adjustment and heated mirrors, steering wheel and front seats.

Specs for the X2:

  • 23-24 mpg city, 30-32 mpg highway
  • 228-301 hp and 258-331 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds

Safety Ratings for the X2:

  • NHTSA: The X2 has not yet been rated by the NHTSA
  • IIHS: Good marks except for acceptable headlights and LATCH ease of use

Reviews by professionals mention the X2’s standard active safety features, athletic performance and available high-powered version, while owners discuss the smooth ride, stylish exterior, interior comfort, fuel efficiency and sporty performance.

X3: $43,902 – $51,706

Available in either rear- or AWD, the BMW X3 delivers luxurious comfort and seating for five. As a luxury compact crossover SUV, it has inline-four and inline-six engines that deliver plenty of power for a fun driving experience. Options include a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated front seats.

Black 2020 BMW X3 From Front-Driver Side

Standard features include an engine immobilizer, brake drying, fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, a 12-speaker 205-watt stereo, three-zone climate control and electrochromatic rearview mirror. The M Sport Package 2 and Dynamic Handling Package makes it a thrill to drive.

Specs for the X3:

  • 21-25 mpg city and 24-29 mpg highway
  • 248-382 hp and 258-365 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.9 seconds

Safety Ratings for the X3:

  • NHTSA: 5-star safety rating with four stars for rollover
  • IIHS: Good marks except for good to marginal headlights for some trims and marginal LATCH ease of use

Professional reviewers note the X3’s superior handling, performance and tech, while owners comment on the crossover’s many available features, panoramic roof, luxurious finishes, comfort, safety and the ease, fun and smoothness of the driving experience.

X5: $57,353 – $89,665

Available in solid inline-six and powerful V8 engine options along with rear- or AWD, the BMW X5 midsize luxury crossover SUV delivers plenty of performance whether you’re looking for off-road adventure, bad-weather reliability, or a fun drive. Popular packages include off-road, dynamic handling and executive to customize your ride.

White 2020 BMW X5 From Front-Driver Side

Pre- and post-collision safety systems, self-leveling headlights, adaptive headlights, blind-spot and lane departure warning and accident avoidance, 16-speaker 464-watt Harmon/Kardon audio and four-zone climate control are among the standard and available features.

Specs for the X5:

  • 16-21 mpg city and 22-26 mpg highway
  • 335-523 hp and 330-553 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds

Safety Ratings for the X5:

  • NHTSA: A 4-star safety rating with 5-star marks for side impacts
  • IIHS: A Top Safety Pick+ with good marks across the board except for poor headlights on some trims

Professional reviewers mention the X5’s luxurious seating for seven, powerful performance, amazing tech and many safety features, while owners rave about the comfort, driver-assist features, elegant styling, solid handling, luxurious interior, bird’s-eye-view camera and safety.

X7: $72,008 – $78,007

A fuel-sipping inline-six or powerful V8 and AWD gives the BMW X7 full-size luxury SUV some serious chops on the road. With plenty of interior space for comfort and hauling capacity, the X7 includes descent control, available center and rear limited-slip differentials and emergency braking preparation.

Blue 2020 X7 With Gray Background

Front and rear ventilated disc brakes, satellite radio with auxiliary and USB input with external control, available surround audio and Harman/Kardon upgrade and automatic parking assistance are on board as well as an amazing number of packages to customize your ride.

Specs for the X7:

  • 15-20 mpg city and 21-25 mpg highway
  • 335-523 hp and 330-553 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 4.1 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds

Safety Ratings for the X7:

  • NHTSA: The X7 has not been rated by the NHTSA for collision safety
  • IIHS: The X7 has not been rated by the IIHS for safety features

Expert reviews discuss the comfortable seating for six or seven passengers, cutting-edge technology, exquisite interior and amazing handling, while owners rave about comfort, smooth driving experience, performance and outstanding design.

3 Series: $54,140 – $60,755

When you’re looking for a compact executive car, the BMW 3 Series delivers strong performance and luxury. Available in rear- or AWD, the 3 Series includes an inline-four engine linked to an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission that delivers an exceptional driving experience.

White 2020 BMW 3-Series From Front Side

Stability control, an engine immobilizer, emergency braking assist, lane departure accident avoidance, self-leveling headlamps, a two-subwoofer 10-speaker stereo, three-zone climate control and WiFi hotspot join an amazing number of available packages to customize and enjoy your ride.

Specs for the 3 Series:

  • 22-26 mpg city and 30-36 mpg highway
  • 255-382 hp and 221-310 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds

Safety Ratings for the 3 Series:

  • NHTSA: The 3 Series has a 5-star safety rating across the board except for a 4-star driver front collision
  • IIHS: A Top Safety Pick with good marks except for good to poor headlights depending on trim

Professional reviews mention the powerful available six-cylinder engine and the stylish, timeless design, while owners discuss the amazing comfort, smooth driving experience, solid performance, spacious and elegant interior, amazing sound system and excellent tech.

5 Series: $57,596 – $69,175

When you need an executive BMW model that delivers more, the 5 Series exceeds your expectations. Available in rear- or AWD, the sedan has several available engine options from an efficient inline-four to a powerful V8.

Blue 2020 BMW 5-Series From Driver Side

Cornering lights, lane departure and blind-spot accident avoidance, adaptive LED self-leveling headlights, an available Harman/Kardon 16-speaker 2-subwoofer 600-watt stereo with satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, hands-free entry and power rear sunshade are just some of the amazing features.

Specs for the 5 Series:

  • 18-27 mpg city and 25-33 mpg highway
  • 248-523 hp and 258-553 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds

Safety Ratings for the 5 Series:

  • NHTSA: The 5 Series received perfect 5-star ratings with the exception of a 4-star driver front impact
  • IIHS: Good marks across the board with the exception of acceptable LATCH ease of use

Professional reviews mention the plug-in hybrid option, amazing ride and handling, high-tech features and a variety of engines, while owners rave about the comfort, ease and smoothness of driving, power, safety and huge range of features.

4 Series: $46,875 – $67,026

For a sporty, enjoyable ride, the coupe and convertible available in the BMW 4 Series compact executive car deliver. Available in rear- or AWD, the 4 Series features an inline-four engine with a shiftable eight-speed automatic transmission.

Silver 2020 4-Series In Motion

Two rear height-adjustable headrests, front and rear head airbags, engine immobilizer, a nine-speaker 205-watt two-subwoofer stereo with auxiliary and USB input, front and rear parking sensors, dusk-sensing self-leveling LED headlamps and dual-zone climate control are among the luxury features you’ll discover.

Specs for the 4 Series:

  • 18-23 mpg city and 27-34 mpg highway
  • 248-320 hp and 258-330 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds

Safety Ratings for the 4 Series:

  • NHTSA: The 4 Series has not been rated by the NHTSA
  • IIHS: The 4 Series has not been tested by the IIHS

Experts agree that whether you want the lift-back Gran Coupe, the two-door coupe or the retractable-hardtop convertible, the 4 Series delivers style, performance and luxury, while owners talk about the comfort, features, speed, safety and roominess.

Additional BMW Models to Consider

Sedans

  • 7 Series: For a top-of-the-line luxury sedan, the 7 Series delivers amazing performance, speed and handling. The top trim includes AWD, Harman/Kardon audio, four-zone climate control, reverse-tilt passenger mirror, and 14-way power-adjustable front seats.

SUVs and Crossovers

  • X4: A compact luxury crossover SUV, the X4 offers inline-four and inline-six engine options, cornering lights, brake drying, self-leveling adaptive LED headlights, hands-free entry, and Harman/Kardon surround sound.

Coupes, Convertibles and Roadsters

  • 2 Series: A compact coupe, Gran Coupe and convertible, the 2 Series delivers rear- or AWD, an engine immobilizer, front and rear ventilated disc brakes with brake drying, fog lights, and rear folding headrests.
  • Z4: The Z4 is an amazing two-seat roadster that delivers outstanding luxury, performance and ride experience including inline-four or -six engines, pre- and post-collision safety systems, hands-free entry, wireless charging, and WiFi hotspot.
avatar Cathleen V
Cathleen V is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead’s perspective. Whether it’s the Mercedes-Benz A-class economy and Jeep ruggedness to Challenger Hellcat and Tesla semi capabilities, you’ll discover outstanding intel and research.
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