BMW sedans are celebrated for the advanced technology incorporated into their design, with leading powertrains, high fuel efficiency, and fun handling. With seven different sedans to choose from, let’s highlight each car’s stand-out features.
What sedan models does BMW make?
- 2 Series: $35,900 – $52,950
- 3 Series: $41,250 – $56,700
- 4 Series: $45,600 – $58,500
- 5 Series: $54,200 – $76,800
- 6 Series: $52,591 – $80,204
- 7 Series: $86,800 – $157,800
- 8 Series: $85,000 – $121,400
What distinguishes each car’s engine and design? Why are BMW cars so highly regarded? What features will help a BMW sedan model retain its value over time? These are some of the questions we will answer as we step through each.
It’s worth noting that there is limited IIHS and NHTSA data available for these cars since they’re considered luxury vehicles and therefore not traditionally subjected to this testing.
2 Series: $35,900 – $52,950
The BMW 2 Series is available as a sedan (Gran Coupe), as well as a coupe or convertible. This subcompact has a standard 2.0L four-cylinder 228-horsepower engine that works together with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. An upgrade to the M series level offers upwards of 300 horsepower.
Some features to look for in the 2 Series include:
- 23 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined
- ARB slip-controller technology
- Slim LED taillights and interior illuminated trim
- Back-Up Assistant that records recent steering inputs to help calculate difficult exits
3 Series: $41,250 – $56,700
The BMW 3 Series is a mid-size sedan that comes standard with 255 horsepower, making it “the engine that can,” while its 5-link rear suspension and aluminum arms make it “the engine that can—smoothly.”
M upgrades are available for higher horsepower and more speed using the BMW inline-6 engine as well as a finer tuned suspension, plus hybrid options for the environmentally conscious BMW driver.
- 26 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined
- 8-speed Sport automatic transmission
- Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control
- Expanded moonroof in all models
- Standard 3-zone climate control
The BMW 3 Series sedan was actually a 2020 Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS based on front crash testing, as long as it had the premium headlight option installed.
4 Series: $45,600 – $58,500
Although what’s under the hood of a BMW 4 Series looks a lot like the 3 Series, the key difference between the two is their design. The 4 Series has been radically redesigned to feature a bolder exterior, and the pending addition of the sedan (Gran Coupe) to the line-up in 2022 will open up this aesthetic to drivers beyond just the sportiest Coupe and Convertible aficionados.
This is going to be a hatchback with an oversized grill inspired by vintage BMW models. It will be available in M and electric versions in addition to the standard.
5 Series: $54,200 – $76,800
What makes BMW’s current 5 Series stand out is its luxury styling, from a spacious interior and quiet cabin through an incredibly smooth ride. In fact, some drivers might find it frustrating to drive because it’s so smooth, the sport is gone.
But don’t be fooled: the 5 Series has power. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0L engine produces a zippy 248 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
- 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway
- Comfort driving mode leverages adaptive dampers and roll bars absorb all road flaws
- Ventilated massaging seat upgrades available
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
The 2021 BMW 5 Series earned top marks on all IIHS crashworthiness and crash mitigation parameters.
6 Series: $52,591 – $80,204
In 2019, the BMW 6 Series was replaced by the newly resurrected 8 Series. As a result, the 6 Series was no longer manufactured by BMW after the 2019 model year. That latest model excelled in cargo space, engine power, and cabin perks. One key 2019 addition was the BMW Driving Assistant, which made safe driving much easier.
7 Series: $86,800 – $157,800
The BMW 7 Series is a high-end luxury sedan that comes standard with a 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine and 331 lb.-ft. of torque, although there are five trim levels available that also upgrade horsepower and 0-to-60 time.
If there is one complaint that some purists hold about this car, it’s that the interest in engineering the smoothest possible ride and straight-line speed has compromised some of the agility that previous versions bore.
- 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway
- BMW Drive Recorder to capture footage from different angles around the car
- Panoramic Sky Lounge and other ambient interior lighting, to control the feeling of the ride
- Alpina B7 option brings over 600 horsepower to the table, among other features
8 Series: $85,000 – $121,400
The BMW 8 Series sedan is the Gran Coupe, with Coupe and Convertible options also available. The base engine is a turbocharged inline-six 3.0L V8, with options to upgrade its power even further.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard here along with an eight-speed automatic transmission, blended with dampers and driving modes intended to let the driver choose how they want today’s trip to go. BMW has invested heavily into both designing powerful engines as well as creating the smoothest driving experience, and that option is certainly available to anyone purchasing a BMW 8 Series.
- 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway
- Option for 20-inch wheels on performance tires for better cornering
- Integral Active Steering for maximum driving stability
- More cargo space than competitors
Interested in learning more about each model’s specifications? Or, are you curious about what BMW owners have to say about their purchase? Vehicle History can offer you plenty more insights into these details, and any other questions you might have about the various BMW sedan models available.
